Attendees for the biennial event are racing to Central Bank Center for the latest in process and preparation ideas and technology. by Donna Schmidt Coal preparation experts are again convening in Lexington, Ky., for the CoalProTec Coal Processing Technical Conference and Exhibition, set for April 27-29 at the Central Bank Center. The event’s host, the Coal Preparation Society of America…
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Coal logistics optimization
Moving beyond child’s play in an industry that is increasingly challenging and changing everyone’s expectations by the day. Edited by Donna Schmidt Let’s face it, there’s no way to sugar-coat the truth: mining is hard work. What’s more, the logistics of moving those resources have grown more and more complex as regulations, environmental considerations and evolving technology change the game every…
Read MoreForged at the fork
From seam to surface, Core Natural Resources’ Enlow Fork operation in Pennsylvania is an example of longwall leadership. North American Mining magazine was recently invited to be part of an exclusive tour of the engineering and technology that has gone into its success. by Donna Schmidt As coal mines go, longwalls are arterial elements of the production picture. And with…
Read MoreOptimizing dry dust collection across the supply chain
Mines should not approach dust control as a necessary must, but rather a strategic element of business. by Veronica Caponio No matter your material, dust is an unavoidable byproduct of mining. From the moment material is drilled, blasted or excavated, airborne particulates are released into the environment and persist through crushing, conveying, screening and final material handling. While dust has…
Read MoreTurn the fans down exploring ventilation on demand
Ventilation-on-demand systems can deliver energy savings exceeding 20% in underground mines, but success demands more than simply bolting on a VFD. by Jonathan Rowland Out of sight, and out of mind: at many mines, fans run at maximum capacity around the clock, regardless of actual demand. The consequences of this approach are costly: excessive energy consumption, equipment wear, and dust…
Read MoreHow wire ropes shape shovel performance
Wire rope engineering balances competing demands for performance, durability, and cost while revealing broader issues affecting machine health. by Jonathan Rowland Lift. Lower. Lift. Lower. The life of the wire ropes that give electric rope shovels their name might seem an exercise in simplicity. In reality, these are highly engineered components that do far more than meets the casual eye:…
Read MoreEmbracing AI
The technology is no longer a future concept for global miner BHP, as it finds practical ways to apply it along the mining value chain. Edited by Josephine Patterson BHP recently announced that artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing its operations, as the global miner seeks practical ways to enhance safety, reliability and performance while addressing the growing demand for critical…
Read MoreLongwall Associates marks 30-year anniversary
If your work involves a longwall panel, chances are you have worked alongside the American-owned, family-operated Longwall Associates. In May, the company marks three decades in business and is looking back on its history as well as forward to its future. Edited by Donna Schmidt On May 14, 2026, Virginia-headquartered Longwall Associates will mark its 30th anniversary. While many know…
Read MoreNational Coal Council reconvenes
Several from across the coal mining industry now have new seats on the reinstated National Coal Council. by Donna Schmidt After disappearing from the industry radar for four years, the National Coal Council has returned under the direction of U.S. President Donald Trump. The announcement was made last summer to officially reconvene the board, and in January, a handful of…
Read MoreFifth Industrial – or first Technological – Revolution?
Greg Baiden argues the answer will determine who controls the 21st century. For over a decade, we’ve been told we’re entering the Fifth Industrial Revolution. The progression seemed logical. Steam engines gave way to electricity, microchips to automation, and now to AI. History marches to a predictable, familiar drumbeat. Or does it? Let’s consider for a moment that this comfortable…
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