A new Guardian for miner safety

By Jeanne Grunert Mines pose unique safety challenges. Dark and damp conditions, low ceilings, poor visibility, and a noisy environment make it imperative that mine owners do everything they can to prevent accidents and fatalities. In the demanding conditions of an underground mine, even the most cautious and vigilant miner can meet with an accident. According to the Mine Safety…

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America’s newest longwall:  Allegheny Metallurgical’s Longview

The biggest surprises come when you least expect it, and that’s part of the glean of the newest underground longwall mine in the U.S. After years of planning and development, 
Longview is ready for her close-up. NAM recently got an exclusive tour. By Donna Schmidt Deceivingly close to the paved roads and traffic of small-town Bridgeport, W.Va., just south of…

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UNRAVELING SAFETY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF WIRELESS MESH AND LEGACY SYSTEMS

By Chad Barnett  Understanding that reliable communication and accurate tracking is vital to underground mine safety, the U.S. government mandated new, more reliable systems be implemented as part of the 2006 MINER Act. This mandate, which followed a series of mine fatalities, has made a significant impact on underground coal mining operations with improved safety and enhanced production.  However, it…

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Back to Bluefield

After a pandemic pause in 2021, the Bluefield Coal and Mining Show is returning to southern West Virginia. The Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias, organizer of the biennial Bluefield Coal and Mining Show, is preparing for a return of the event for the 24th time from September 14-16. This year’s theme: “A Show for Mining: Our Past, Present,…

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