NIOSH Mining Technology News Downloadable Publications

The USBM's current approach to air splitting consists of using a polyester mesh partition to overcome the visibility problems of a solid barrier. (PDF, 73 KB, 1994-03)

The objective was to develop a portable emissions measurement apparatus. (PDF, 67 KB, 1994-04)
                                                                               

This article describes the development of an easy-to-use, reliable, resin-grouted cable support system capable of being installed as primary and secondary roof support in coal mines. (PDF, 67 KB, 1994-04)

The objective was to develop and demonstrate a lightweight material that has low thermal conductivity and that would be suitable for placement using shotcrete methods. This material could be applied in deep, hot mines where mine drifts must be insulated. Its use would decrease mine refrigeration needs and reduce energy costs. (PDF, 90 KB, 1994-05)

The underground stope leaching mining system involves applying leach solutions to mineralized rock that has been fragmented by blasting ore in place, or by backfilling empty stopes. (PDF, 182 KB, 1994-05)

This Tech News reports on the successful application of total mill ventilation systems to reduce respirable dust concentrations and comply with federal regulations regarding respirable dust (PDF, 66 KB, 1994-05)

Information was solicited from various organizations to determine the circumstances that cause power interruptions to extended cut continuous miners. The data accumulated permitted several conclusions to be drawn about why high-voltage circuit breakers trip. From this information, designs for remote reset systems were developed. (PDF, 76 KB, 1994-08)

A method is described to increase the dust-control effectiveness of the Rotoclone dry-dust collection systems used on surface coal mine drills. (PDF, 80 KB, 1994-10)

An expert system computer program is described that can predict the spontaneous combustion potential of a mining operation. (PDF, 73 KB, 1994-10)
                            

Room-and-pillar operators are provided with practical information and guidelines concerning multiple-seam mine design to reduce ground problems associated with the interaction of adjacent workings. (PDF, 66 KB, 1994-11)

The objective of this work is to develop a comprehensive, practical method for designing longwall gate entries that considers coal pillar size, mine roof quality, and artificial support in an easy-to-use computer program. (PDF, 71 KB, 1995-02)

Dust collector discharge shrouds were used to reduce airborne respirable dust generated from emptying dry dust collectors on small truck-mounted drills at surface coal mines. (PDF, 94 KB, 1995-03)

The absence of fundamental scientific and engineering principles in the design and placement of gob gas ventholes can cause difficulties for mine operators when gas emissions increase because of a change in mine design or because variable geologic conditions are encountered. (PDF, 64 KB, 1995-03)

The USBM research program is developing technology that will allow computer-assisted operation of mechanized equipment normally used in underground room-and-pillar coal mining, while permitting workers to be located away from the hazardous coal extraction area (the face). (PDF, 83 KB, 1996-01)

The new permissible-type, intrinsically safe design modules described here represent an engineering intervention strategy toward improving miners' ability to recognize and avoid the hazardous zone of unsupported mine roof. (PDF, 97 KB, 1997-05)

Using an artificial neural network based system to detect trolley faults would require no modification of the trolley rectifier, line, feeder, or its vehicles, lessening maintenance concerns and costs. (PDF, 79 KB, 1997-05)

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has requested new safeguards and design criteria for hoists and ore passes. However, equipment suppliers and mining companies cannot justify the costs nor interrupt production to develop and test safer technology for vertical haulage ways. (PDF, 114 KB, 1997-05)

The lack of sufficient vertical clearance in some underground mines is an impediment to providing adequate shock isolation systems on mine equipment seats. (PDF, 422 KB, 1997-05)

The approach taken in this research project was to mine only the ore-bearing portion of the deposit using a high-pressure water jet to thaw the gravels and a downhole hydraulic-lift-type pump to bring the ore to he surface as slurry. (PDF, 244 KB, 1997-07)

Describes a device to enable mine operators and mine inspectors to make quick and accurate measurements of the explosive nature of coal and rock dust mixtures. (PDF, 142 KB, 1997-07)

To provide a safe, practical, cost-effective method for measuring coal rib thickness during highwall mining. (PDF, 45 KB, 1997-07)
                                           

A machine-mounted continuous respirable dust monitor is discussed that can accurately monitor, display, and record concentration levels of respirable coal mine dust in mines for extended periods. (PDF, 131 KB, 1997-07)

The analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability (ARMPS) computer program was developed in 1995 and has been widely accepted by the mining community. A Windows version of ARMPS is now available. It features simplified data input, graphics, and an expanded online "HELP" facility. (PDF, 91 KB, 1997-07)

A method is described for allowing operators to predict methane emissions from panels with increased face width. (PDF, 30 KB, 1997-11)
                                       

The use of seismic tomography to identify geologic hazards in underground mines is discussed. (PDF, 39 KB, 1997-11)
                                                          

With the increasing cost of wood and greater dependency on wood cribs for support in applications such as longwall tailgate and bleeder entries, more efficient use of wood crib supports is required. (PDF, 155 KB, 1997-11)

Current innovations in Doppler radar technology have led to suggestions by several institutions and manufacturers that new backup alarm systems are available that can replace or augment warning systems for backing operations on large haulage vehicles. (PDF, 58 KB, 1997-12)

Studies of hoist safety features and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) accident statistics suggests a need to measure wire rope tension, conveyance speed and position, and shaft guide misalignment. (PDF, 1152 KB, 1998-02)

Recent ore pass failures have underlined the lack of ore pass design methods and standards available to both MSHA and mine engineers. (PDF, 1155 KB, 1998-02)

NIOSH has developed the Hazard Recognition Training Program for Underground Limestone to teach miners to recognize visual cues that distinguish poor ground conditions. (PDF, 86 KB, 1998-05)

This Tech News reports on the evaluation of the air quantity reaching the face of a 40 foot box cut during a two-pass extended cut sequence. (PDF, 56 KB, 1998-05)

Discusses one type of explosion hazard that was discovered lurking inside sealed and filled plow frame sections when NIOSH investigated ignition incidents resulting from drilling into plow frames. (PDF, 69 KB, 1998-06)

NIOSH designed a passive device to detect overheating insulators on mine trolley/track haulageways. (PDF, 60 KB, 1998-08)
                                                    

The Roof Monitoring Safety System (RMSS) provides a safer, simple, and inexpensive means for measuring roof movement; its use in underground stone mines is described. (PDF, 53 KB, 1998)

Development of methods and tools to assist in the evaluation and selection of rock supports could reduce the number of unplanned rock falls significantly. (PDF, 1158 KB, 1998-11)

For mining, programmable electronics (PE) is an emerging technology that enables new capabilities and flexibility. It also can create new hazards and/or worsen existing hazards. (PDF, 26 KB, 1999-08)

An apparatus is described that advances the state of the art in gas content testing of coal or rock core samples. The design goals were to improve sensitivity/accuracy, durability, and ease of operation. (PDF, 56 KB, 1999-08)

Bridging of material in ore passes causes blockages in the flow of material. These blockages can be hazardous and must be removed before production can continue. (PDF, 105 KB, 2000-01)

A bolter operator must manually place the drill steel and wrench into the drill chunk and then hold onto it as the drill is guided to the hole placement or the wrench is raised to the bolt head. During these actions, the inadvertent actuation of the drill's rotation control can catch the operator's hand or glove, which can cause serious injury. NIOSH has developed a mechanical/hydraulic method to reduce this type of injury. (PDF, 198 KB, 2000-02)

The Roof Monitoring Safety System (RMSS) introduced in late 1997 has been modified to improve durability and simplify the measurement of roof or rib movement. (PDF, 483 KB, 2000-06)

This video, entitled "Ground Support...It's Important, or Miner Mike Saves the Day," presents information on why ground supports work and how to install them properly. (PDF, 533 KB, 2000-07)

Scaling, the removal of loose rock from the roofs and walls of a mine by manual or mechanized means, may be necessary during any stage of mining. Manual scaling is very labor intensive, and mechanical methods can be too powerful and actually produce a less stable roof. (PDF, 1106 KB, 2001-01)

CDC/NIOSH Technology News brief on several technologies available to monitor the blind spots of large haulage equipment. (PDF, 210 KB, 2001-01)
                               

Higher efficiency air filters provide good dust control for the equipment operator, but tend to accumulate dust more quickly than lower efficiency air filters. (PDF, 193 KB, 2001-02)

Floor heaters are identified as contributing to dust levels in enclosed cabs. Two methods are identified to minimize the problem of dust generation inside cabs. (PDF, 539 KB, 2001-03)

A method is described to reduce the dust generated from soiled floors within enclosed operator cabs. (PDF, 442 KB, 2001-03)
                                                   

NIOSH tech news report on an incident where CO generated from blasting at a strip mine migrated through the ground into a nearby home, poisoning the occupants. (PDF, 539 KB, 2001-05)

Techniques are identified to reduce the probability of gob gas explosions. (PDF, 536 KB, 2001-05)
                                                                             

Description of a passive, inexpensive technique for monitoring explosion overpressures within sealed areas in underground coal mines. (PDF, 288 KB, 2001-06)

Two new videos are now being released. Both of these videos were shot completely in operating underground hard-rock mines and used expert miners to tell the story. (PDF, 848 KB, 2001-06)

An announcement of the availability of the proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Coal Pillar Mechanics and Design. Included are 15 papers from leading ground control specialists in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of South Africa. The papers address the entire range of issues associated with coal pillars and have a decidedly practical flavor. (PDF, 230 KB, 2001-08)

An announcement for Information Circular 9453 - Proceedings: New Technology for Coal Mine Roof Support. (PDF, 251 KB, 2001-08)
                                                

This video showcases Jim Mortensen, a "gypo" miner for nearly 40 years in a deep, underground silver mine in the west. (PDF, 860 KB, 2002-03)
                                 

During an interview, Mr Kuhn spent about two hours describing the Farmington disaster, including the workplace climate leading up to the explosion, the events that took place in the 10 days after the explosion, and the nearly 10-year effort to safely and successfully recover most of the victims' bodies. This is the edited version of that interview. (PDF, 986 KB, 2002-03)

MERITS simulates underground and surface events related to the disaster. It exposes the user to events that typically occur during a mine emergency, such as lack of information and miscommunication. It also presents trainees with issues that must be addressed, such as making provisions for briefing news media and victims' families, ordering needed supplies, interfacing with Government enforcement agencies, and housing mine rescue teams. (PDF, 455 KB, 2002-06)

Experience, it is said, is the best teacher. Some experiences, however, should be shared so that no one else will ever have to live through them again. The fire at the Sunshine Mine is one such experience. (PDF, 173 KB, 2002-08)

In an effort to determine the effectiveness of multiple types of fire sensors for early and reliable mine fire detection, NIOSH has evaluated multiple sensors for early mine fire detection and nuisance signal discrimination. (PDF, 202 KB, 2002-09)

This Tech News reports on how the use of propeller fans can significantly improve the ventilation in large entry stone mines due to their efficiency at lower pressures and less required horsepower. (PDF, 152 KB, 2002-12)

The growing realization of the importance of a healthy work environment along with increased regulations will require many stone mines to implement new ways to improve ventilation. In-place stone stoppings are one option. (PDF, 152 KB, 2002-12)

Conventional anemometers (e.g., vane) are capable of accurately measuring air velocities only above 100 ft/min. This research investigated other anemometry technology to detect low air velocities in the range of 0-100 ft/min. Two different portable ultrasonic anemometers were tested in an underground limestone mine with openings about 51 ft wide by 29 ft high. (PDF, 385 KB, 2003)

Discusses a video developed by NIOSH to provide safety training for workers in aggregate operations. Although the target audience was primarily new hires, the finished video was also to be relevant to more experienced workers. (PDF, 644 KB, 2003)

Discusses a NIOSH-developed software tool for writing a HazCom plan. (PDF, 196 KB, 2003-03)
                                                                                   

The AHSEM computer program contains two modules to improve mine layouts for control of horizontal stress. ARBS is designed to help with selecting the proper roof bolt system from the great variety of available bolt types and patterns. (PDF, 174 KB, 2003-04)

The Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR) is a roof classification system. It was first introduced to the mining community in 1994. It has now been written to a userfriendly version that can be run on any PC with a Windows operating system. (PDF, 278 KB, 2003-04)

Investigators collaborated to develop a new training module that would address the hazards of working around highwalls. Such a module would be applicable to surface mines and road construction sites, both of which require personnel to work under and on top of steep and often unstable slopes. (PDF, 163 KB, 2004-08)

The "Emergency Communication Triangle" safety talk focuses on the content of emergency warning messages. It presents a procedure using mental cues that can be used by senders and receivers of emergency warnings. (PDF, 300 KB, 2004-09)

Most rock fall injuries can be prevented by installing roof screen during the bolting cycle. This video and accompanying instruction booklet explain techniques for roof screen installation and use of the personal bolter screen. The video also provides safe handling tips, best practices, and information about machine technology that can greatly improve material handling. (PDF, 726 KB, 2005-03)

A new clothes-cleaning process was developed that uses a compressed air nozzle manifold to blow dust from the worker's clothes in an enclosed booth. The process cleans work clothes 10 times faster and removes up to 50% more dust than the single air hose or vacuuming methods. Average cleaning time is less than 20 seconds. (PDF, 649 KB, 2005-05)

NIOSH personnel developed the HazCom Helper - MSHA Version to help mining companies write their HazCom documents as required by 29 CFR 1910.1200. Following many requests for the HazCom Helper from companies regulated by OSHA, NIOSH revised the program to create the HazCom Helper - OSHA Version to be more compatible with the specific needs of these nonmining companies. (PDF, 68 KB, 2005-10)

The NIOSH Office of Mining and Construction Safety and Health Research has redesigned its Mining Safety and Health Web topic page. The updated page incorporates a significant amount of new safety and health information, plus an improved layout to better serve stakeholder needs. (PDF, 994 KB, 2005-11)

This research showed that a tight shroud is very beneficial for the drill dust collection system, while improvements for a leaky shroud could be achieved with collector-to-bailing airflow ratios >= 3:1 and/or by relocating the inlet. (PDF, 84 KB, 2005-10)

Describes a guide for developing an effective formalized on-the-job (OJT) program. The guide contains materials and suggestions for conducting a 1-day workshop for teaching OJT trainers how to be better coaches to less experienced workers. It incorporates training methods that ensure a trainee will absorb the information presented rather than simply emulate what the instructor is teaching. (PDF, 77 KB, 2006)

A combination of engineering, administrative, and ventilation controls will eventually be required in many large opening mines in the United States to meet the regulatory DPM concentration limits. The AQE is a tool for mine planners to use to estimate site-specific ventilation requirements for their mine, as well as to evaluate options to meet the regulatory DPM concentration limits. (PDF, 223 KB, 2006-03)

In underground coal mining, dust is produced at the face, at conveyors, at transfer points, and by the normal movement of workers and machines. The coarse coal dust particles settle rapidly. However, the fine coal particles remain airborne much longer, and the ventilating air can move this fine dust relatively long distances into the returns before settling. This fine dust is called float coal dust. It generally consists of particles of coal that pass a 200-mesh sieve (particles smaller than 75 micrometers). Generalized rock dusting is currently the primary means of defense against coal dust explosions in U.S. mines. 30 CFR 75, Subpart E (Combustible Materials and Rock Dusting), requires the use of rock dust in bituminous coal mines (30 CFR 75.402). The regulations state that rock dust shall be distributed upon the top, floor, and sides of all underground areas of a coal mine in such quantities that the incombustible content of the combined coal dust, rock dust, and other dust shall be not less than 65%, and the incombustible content in the return air courses (where the dust is expected to be finer) shall be no less than 80% (30 CFR 75.403). These incombustible concentrations assume that the coal and rock dust are not layered, but are intimately mixed. Float coal dust is a serious explosion hazard if it accumulates on top of the rock dust and is not mixed thoroughly with the rock dust. (PDF, 663 KB, 2006-04)

The use of highwall mining systems has increased substantially in open-pit coal mines. It is used where overburden depth exceeds economical recovery. Highwall stability remains the major safety concern during highwall mining. The Mine Safety and Health Administration requires highwall mining operators to follow ground control plans that specify the pillar sizes necessary to prevent a pillar collapse that would threaten highwall stability. NIOSH has developed the Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability-Highwall Mining (ARMPS-HWM) computer program to assist mine planners with pillar design. Based on extensive research into instances of highwall mining pillar instability and pillar collapses in underground mines, ARMPS-HWM uses the Mark-Bieniawski formula to estimate the strength of long strip pillars. The suggested design procedure addresses the following issues: (1) the number of holes between barrier pillars, (2) the size of the individual web pillars, (3) the size of the barrier pillars, and (4) the stability factor of the overall design. The program is simple to install and easy to use. It contains extensive "Help" files that provide more background on the research upon which design formulas are based. The Help files also contain suggestions for highwall mining through old auger holes and for close-proximity, multiple-split highwall mining. (PDF, 89 KB, 2006-03)

The NIOSH suite of coal mine ground control software addresses nearly every aspect of coal mine ground control planning, including geologic characterization, mine layout, pillar design, and support selection. Mine planners who use the software have access to the knowledge gained during years of NIOSH research--packaged in a simple, easy-to-use format. Several of these software packages have recently been updated and improved. These include Analysis of Roof Bolt Systems (ARBS), the Support Technology Optimization Program (STOP), the Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR), and the Analysis of Horizontal Stress in Mining (AHSM). (PDF, 632 KB, 2006-04)

The Super Stopping is a permanent, long-term ventilation control for large-opening metal/nonmetal mines designed to last for the life of the mine. This report discusses construction of a Super Stopping, as well as successful testing of the stopping at 3psig blast pressure from an unconfined explosive charge at NIOSH's Lake Lynn Laboratory. (PDF, 77 KB, 2006-05)

The EZ-Up curtain stopping is designed primarily for use as a temporary or portable stopping, although test results indicate that it may remain durable for an extended time. It can be constructed from a variety of fabrics, including standard mine brattice. Stoppings composed of two separate curtain materials were evaluated: (1) a high-density polyethylene woven fabric and (2) a string-reinforced polyethylene film and polyester fabric. Both remained intact after being subjected to a maximum 3psig blast pressure. (PDF, 82 KB, 2006-05)

Describes the Roof Fall Risk Index (RFRI), a method of systematically characterizing the risk of roof falls in underground limestone mines. (PDF, 300 KB, 2006-10)

Discusses a first-generation mobile manipulator that one person can use to lift and maneuver 50- to 600-pound loads. It can be used in maintenance shops and mines to reduce lifting accidents. (PDF, 97 KB, 2006)

NIOSH has released communication products about flyrock safety in the form of informational brochures, flashcards, and toolbox talk materials. These communication tools target the mining and construction industries, and can be used as refresher training for employees and as introductory safety materials for onsite visitors. (PDF, 149 KB, 2006-12)

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of dust collector bags for reducing dust liberation from a roof bolter dust collection system. (PDF, 475 KB, 2007-02)

NIOSH developed the HazComWriter to replace the HazCom Helper-MSHA version (NIOSH Publication 2003-118) and the HazCom Helper-OSHA version (NIOSH Publication 2005-135). The HazComWriter is designed to help companies write their required HazCom plan and list all hazardous chemicals at a company's site by leading the person responsible for writing the HazCom plan step-by-step through its preparation. (PDF, 640 KB, 2007-06)

NIOSH has released a new report entitled "Roof Bolting Machine Operators Skills Training for a Walk-Thru Roof Bolter: Trainer's Guide" (IC 9489). It is designed to help safety trainers develop structured training for new operators of walk-thru bolting machines. (PDF, 1129 KB, 2007-06)

Rock mass classification is widely used throughout the underground mining industry - in both coal and hard-rock mines. The technique has been successful because it 1. Uses simple measurements to rate rock mass strength. 2. Helps mine planners to make the best use of geologic information in mine design. 3. Makes it possible to compare ground control experiences between mines, even when the geologic conditions are very different. The International Workshop on Rock Mass Classification in Underground Mining provided a forum for leading practitioners of rock mass classification from around the world to come together and share their methods and experiences with the technique. (PDF, 88 KB, 2007-07)

NIOSH, in partnership with stakeholders in the mining and surface drilling industries, conducted research to develop engineering control technologies that reduce workplace noise exposure. The result of this research partnership is the development of a partial cab. (PDF, 1411 KB, 2007-08)

NIOSH has investigated various cab filtration system factors on a basic HVAC system in the laboratory to evaluate their effects on overall cab dust protection performance. The factors experimentally investigated were intake filter efficiency, intake air leakage, intake filter loading (filter flow resistance), recirculation filter use, and wind penetration. The use of the recirculation filter remarkably improved the average cab protection factor by an order of magnitude over what was provided by the intake filter. (PDF, 130 KB, 2007-10)

Research by NIOSH on multiple-seam mining has resulted in two new ground control products. The first is IC 9495 which is a proceedings document containing a variety of papers that summarize recent knowledge about multiple-seam mining. The second is the Analysis of Multiple-Seam Stability (AMSS) software package which is a simple user-friendly computer program to help mine planners. This document briefly describes each product. (PDF, 224 KB, 2007-11)

This briefly describes testing done to ignite methane-air in the presence of liquid hydrocarbons, and gives recommendations for limiting fricitonal ignition. (PDF, 194 KB, 2008-03)

Research conducted by NIOSH, with stakeholder involvement, has focused on producing noise treatments to reduce noise generated by the CMM conveyor system. Two engineering noise controls have been developed: the urethane-coated flight bar chain and the dual-sprocket chain. (PDF, 175 KB, 2008-09)

Research conducted by NIOSH has focused on producing noise treatments to reduce noise generated by the Roof Bolting Machine. A drill steel enclosure for reducing roof bolting machine drilling noise has been developed as an engineering control. (PDF, 318 KB, 2008-09)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has been performing research to retrofit cabs with new filtration and pressurization systems in an effort to improve the air quality in enclosed cabs of older mining equipment.  (PDF, 151 KB, 2008-09)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has been performing research to improve the level of hearing protection by providing workers with an inexpensive, easy-to-use device to check earplug fit. (PDF, 243 KB, 2008-12)