New Equipment Making Clean Sweep on Underground Mine Bottoms

摘要

The southern Appalachian region coalfields have experienced many underground mine explosions that have resulted in loss of life. One former mine inspector pointed out that mine explosions traditionally bring about change. In the aftermath of the horrible tragedy at Massey's Upper Big Branch Mine near Whitesville, Raleigh County, West Virginia, the Federal Mine Safety & Health Administration took action to increase the amount of rock dust mine operators use to neutralize the combustible coal dust and coal fines that constitute the third component of most mine explosions. The first is the release of methane, followed by a spark of ignition.