We’ve all heard the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” and, if you’re of a certain age range, the idea was a solid theme in your grade school education as the concerns over our environment became an unprecedented hot-button issue. During that time, we learned ways to do everyday things in a more green and environmentally responsible way with reusable bags, saving…
Read MoreAuthor: Donna Schmidt
Building blocks for reimagining sustainability
By Donna Schmidt The idea of a house can take on many forms depending on location, environment, family size and a number of other factors. Materials to build these homes are just as diverse. But what about using coal? Recently, a southern West Virginia newcomer company X- MAT received US$2.2 million in funding from the Department of Energy for a…
Read MoreSolving the crimes of mine planning
Author Mark Bowater talks with North American Mining about his first-ever book, Crimes Against Mine Planning, and the industry’s biggest pitfalls. Edited by Donna Schmidt The challenges of mine planning can make the overall process feel like a never-ending uphill battle – but not so much when you know the potential pitfalls and how to rectify the issues. We can…
Read MoreFull of surprises
In last issue’s column, I talked about spring being a time of rebirth. As we’ve long come to know of this industry, it is full of surprises – and this time around is no different. Since the latter half of 2008, the coal mining sector has left some of us panicked, others shocked and yet even more dumbfounded. What had…
Read MoreGrab the popcorn
By Donna Schmidt There’s a meme in the social media universe that depicts someone consuming a theater bucket of popcorn and looking on, with the words, “I’m just here for the comments.” Well, grab that real-life bucket and consider this: AMC, the American chain of movie theaters that, in recent years and thanks to pay-per-views, streaming services and the pandemic…
Read MoreBold, modern and dynamic Woman in Mining: Resa Furey
This issue’s Woman in Mining profile is an example in strength mentorship and constant learning. NAM learns more about her mission to educate, elevate and empower. Resa Furey has said she has a mission to make a positive difference for women in the industry. As an active member of groups like Women in Mining, SME, CIM and PDAC, along with…
Read MoreHistory to today: CoalProTec 2022
CoalProTec returns to Lexington, Ky., with an in-person exhibition and conference. Read about its history and its plans for the 2022 event. By Donna Schmidt and Peter Johnson It’s a true meeting place for the coal preparation community that has been almost 40 years in the making. As we struggle to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it…
Read MoreA look within: Clintwood JOD No. 2
What’s old is new again, even in coal preparation, and this Kentucky facility is outlining its own legacy. By Donna Schmidt The heart of the eastern Kentucky and southwestern Virginia coalfields are dotted with coal operations large and small, as well as their respective coal preparation plants. With that comes competition, of course, but also results in many miners seeking…
Read MoreLetting the sunshine in
As this magazine is being completed, spring in the northern hemisphere is just days old. Spring always signals rebirth, another start and ongoing growth – and we’ve got that in spades both here at North American Mining and in the industry. First, as this edition is being examined by our growing number of readers, NAM is celebrating its first birthday.…
Read MoreIs industry technology finally gaining world attention?
By Donna Schmidt Mining technology has taken enormous steps forward, particularly over the last several years. Consider this, for example: how many mines had collision avoidance or proximity detection systems at the turn of the 21st century? How about refuge chambers, smart meters, or flexible ventilation systems? If that doesn’t put the speed of our technological evolution into perspective, I…
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