Proven Benefits of Target Drilling, Inc.'s In-mine Directional Drilling
Technology for Abandoned Mine Verification

# Presenter: Steve J. Kravits, President 

Firm/Organization: Target Drilling, Incorporated

Phone: 412-384-2292

Fax: 412-384-6095

Email: <skravits@targethdd.com>

Mailing Address: Target Drilling, Incorporated

#  Attn: Steve J. Kravits, President

5134 Oak Road

Jefferson Hills, PA 15025

*[ABSTRACT]{.underline}*

Target Drilling, Inc. (Target), based 12 miles south of Pittsburgh, PA,
has directionally drilled over 1,200,000 feet of in-mine horizontal
borehole for coalbed methane recovery, coalbed exploration, abandoned
mine verification, and water drainage since spring 1995, applying its
real-time directional drilling techniques using its DDM MECCA (downhole
drill monitor utilizing modular electrically connected cable assembly).
This includes an in-mine horizontal longhole directionally drilled to
5,045 feet and fifty-nine (59) boreholes directionally drilled to
greater than 4,000 feet in length.

The purpose of this presentation is to briefly describe Target's
directional drilling procedures applied to Abandoned Mine Verification
Boreholes including 1) wellhead control; 2) monitoring changes in
directional drilling parameters indicating if a mine void is
intercepted; 3) borehole placement accuracy and 4) obtaining borehole
roof and floor markers to verify coal seam thickness. Target's
presentation will provide actual case study results at several coal
mines where Target has directionally drilled Abandoned Mine Verification
Boreholes to establish that a safe coal barrier exists relative to
future mine development with the borehole serving as a known boundary
and where abandoned mine workings were intercepted to accurately
establish a safe coal barrier.

Application of True Reflective Tomography and 2-D and 3-D Seismic
Tomographic Imaging to Location of Mine Works

Presenter: Timothy A. Ross, President

Firm/Organization: NSA Engineering, Inc.

Phone: 303-277-9920

Fax: 303-277-9921

Email: <info@nsaengineering.com>

Mailing Address: NSA Engineering Inc.

Attn: Timothy A. Ross, President

15000 West Sixth Avenue, Suite 100

Golden, CO 80401

###### ABSTRACT

Geotechnical engineers have struggled for years with the difficult task
of characterizing geologic and past mining conditions that affect the
design, stability, and safety of both civil and mining
constructions/operations. Commonly, underground developments (mines,
tunnels, foundations, etc.) are based on surface or underground
investigative drilling programs that may not characterize the true
character or three-dimensional continuity of the material/strata
present, and may also not detect the presence of prior excavations (old
mine works) or localized structural discontinuities (faults, shear
zones, etc.). Geophysical techniques such as seismic reflection, seismic
refraction, and ground penetrating radar have been used with some
success to expand the knowledge of subsurface conditions prior to
excavation; however, these techniques often interfere with the
construction process and are time-intensive in terms of data collection
and interpretation.

To improve the quality, continuity, and timeliness of geotechnical data
for site characterization, NSA Engineering, Inc., has developed an
imaging system known as TRT™ ("True Reflective Tomography"). Whereas
past structure mapping applications relied on seismic velocity and/or
attenuation tomography within an enclosed seismic source and receiver
array, recent developments in TRT™ have expanded the application of this
technology considerably. For example, in-seam TRT™ seismic reflection
may now be used to image structures and/or old workings from within an
active mine (e.g. face areas of mains and panel developments) well ahead
of planned developments -- potentially eliminating the need to
probe-drill on regular intervals.

Seismic tomographic imaging, based on the same principles as a medical
CAT (Computer Aided Tomography) scan, has been used for many years in
the oil industry for large-scale subsurface stratigraphic
characterization, and has been applied to various structure- and
stress-related problems in the coal industry.

This presentation demonstrates the application of 2-D and 3-D seismic
tomographic imaging to (1) the location of old works in Appalachian
room-and-pillar operations, and (2) the identification of anomalous
zones ahead of mining/tunneling developments. These applications
demonstrate the state-of-the-art in seismic ground imaging using
reflective, velocity, and attenuation techniques (and combinations
thereof), and further illustrate the flexibility of data acquisition
from a variety of mining and tunneling settings. Recent examples are
presented from projects in the United States, Europe, and Japan.

## 

***Horizontal Drilling for Advance Exploration in Underground Mines***

Presenter: Dr. Pramod Thakur

Firm/Organization: CONSOL Energy, Incorporated/J.H. Fletcher

Phone: 304-983-3201

Fax: 304-983-3209

Email: PramodThakur@consolenergy.com

Mailing Address: CONSOL Energy Inc.

Attn: Dr. Pramod Thakur

1027 Little Indian Creek Road

Morgantown, WV 26501

*[ABSTRACT]{.underline}*

Twenty years ago, CONSOL Energy Incorporated completed the development
of a horizontal drilling technology for de-gasification of underground
coal mines. The system can drill precisely controlled, horizontal
boreholes up to 3000 feet long and stay in the coal seam. Besides
de-gasification, these boreholes can be used to de-water the mines or do
advance exploration in areas where an active mine is approaching old
mine workings. This technology can also be used to measure coal seam
thickness and to map a sand channel intrusion in the coal seam. The
engineering details of the drilling rig and techniques of advance
exploration shall be discussed.

***Directional Drilling -- It's What's Up Front that Counts"***

Presenter: Jeff Schwoebel, Director

Firm/Organization: REI Drilling, Incorporated

Phone[: 434-975-6393]{.smallcaps}

Fax: [434-975-2091]{.smallcaps}

Email: jeff@reidrilling.com

Mailing Address: REI Drilling, Incorporated

Attn: Jeff Schwoebel, Director

2455 Cascades Drive

Free Union, VA 22940

*[ABSTRACT]{.underline}*

Longhole directional drilling is a valuable tool available to the
underground coal mining industry for the prevention of inundations. This
technique is a proven and acceptable alternative by MSHA under CFR
75.388. The roots of this technology were started through methane
drainage applications. The reliability and accuracy of directional
drilling has been developed and improved over the past twenty years.
Longhole directional drilling is commonly used for pre-mining methane
drainage, water drainage, and various exploration applications.

REI Drilling, Inc. ("REI"), with over twenty years of experience, has
six longhole directional drill units that operate in various coal mines
across the United States. A longhole drill unit generally consists of a
permissible, high thrust drill and power unit, drill rods, hydraulic
driven downhole motor, water pumps, and steering tools. These tools
coupled with experienced operators allow the accurate placement of long,
horizontal boreholes.

Coal mine operators have used REI services to directionally drill long
in-seam boreholes in advance of projected mine workings to delineate the
absence of old workings. This presentation will review the tools of our
trade, case history applications, and results of the projects.

## Surface Geophysical Methods for Detection of Underground Mine Workings

Presenters: Bill Johnson/Bob Snow

Firm/Organization: D\'Appolonia Engineering Div. of Ground Technology,
Inc.

Phone: 412-856-9440

Fax: 412-856-9535

Email: <resnow@dappolonia.com>

Mailing Address: D'Appolonia Engineering Division of Ground Technology

Attn: Robert E. Snow, PE

275 Center Road

Monroeville, PA 15146

*[ABSTRACT]{.underline}*

The presentation is titled \"Surface Geophysical Methods for Detection
of Underground Mine Workings\". It will cover the traditional surface
geophysical methods including microgravity, seismic, DC resistivity,
Electromagnetic (EM) methods, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and

magnetics. Case histories will be presented to demonstrate results of
the more useful methods. A similar presentation was made at the
Association of State Dam Safety Officials, Tailings 2002 Conference. The
authors expect to present a few case histories on seismic methods that
were not included in their Tailings 2002 paper.

***Horizon Sensing and Radio Imaging Method (RIM™) for Detecting and
Imaging Underground Barrier Pillars, Mine Voids, and Water.***

Presenter: Larry G. Stolarczyk, Sc. D., President and Chief Tech.
Officer

Firm/ Organization: Stolar Horizon Research Corp.

Phone: 505-445-3607 or 978-443-8677

Fax: 505-445-9659

Email: <lgstolar@aol.com>

Mailing Address: Stolar Horizon Research Corp

Attn: Larry G. Stolarczyk, Sc. D., Pres. and Chief Tech. Off.

848 Clayton Highway

P.O. Box 428

Raton, NM 87740

###### ABSTRACT

Given the inundation of the Quecreek Mine in Pennsylvania, considerable
attention is being directed to the question of how new technology can be
used to prevent such accidents in the future. Not only is the breach of
barrier pillars between old and active works a concern, but given the
Martin County flood from the failure of a tailing pond impoundment,
underground detection and imaging of geology and structures is a
critical need.

This presentation will address two technologies that enable underground
detection and imaging to prevent -- or act as early warning systems of
-- pillar and impoundment failures. The first technology, the Radio
Imaging Method (RIM™), has been commercially used in the industry since
the early 1980s. RIM has been used to survey old mining works to confirm
the location of barrier pillars. RIM technology can also be used to
detect water seepage beneath dams and tailing pond impoundments. A paper
on this subject was presented on September 9^th^ at the annual meeting
of the Association of State Dam Safety Officials.

The second technology, Horizon Sensors™ (HS) has become available
commercially this year. Mounted on the cutter drum of a continuous miner
(CM) the HS can detect the coal seam boundaries of the roof and bottom
rocks, shale, clays, etc. The first HS unit in the United States has
been in continuous operations on a Joy 12CM at the Monterey Mine #1 in
Carlinville, Illinois since February. With minor adjustments, the
detection capability of a HS can be re-directed in a forward mode to
detect coal thickness ahead of mining. In such a mode, the HS can act as
an early warning system for potential breach of a barrier pillar. The
detection signal can be used to shut down the CM if a barrier yield
thickness is near.

Both Stolar technologies have been developed and enhanced under the
DOE-NMA Mine of the Future program. In partnership with DOE-NETL, Stolar
has prepared a proposal to demonstrate the use of HS for detecting
barrier pillar thickness. Stolar has already demonstrated this
capability at its development facility in Raton, NM. The management of
Monterey has agreed to accommodate the use of the HS on its Joy CM to
facilitate an underground demonstration.

This presentation will address the underlying science of both RIM and
HS, and more important, their applications to enable detection and
imaging for the purpose of preventing mine and tailing pond floods.

## Robotic Mine Mapping and Accident Response

Presenter: William L. "Red" Whittaker, Fredkin Professor

University/Organization: The Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon Univ.

Phone: 412-268-6550

Email: red@FRC2.frc.ri.cmu.edu

Mailing Address: Field Robotics Center - Carnegie Mellon Univ.

> Attn: William "Red" Whittaker

Newell Simons Hall

Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890

### ABSTRACT

Our coalfields are vulnerable to breaches, inundations and entrapment,
since complete, accurate maps do not exist for many mines. Submergence,
roof fall, rotted timbers and water seals prevent human access for
re-mapping, and they motivate the use of robots. Robots offer unique
capability relative to complementary mapping technologies, and future
robots will exhibit further technical, safety and cost advantages for
mapping abandoned mines. The presentation will describe what mine robots
are, how they build maps, how they know where they are and where they
are going. A robot map will be compared to a human-surveyed map to
illustrate the distinctions of the new technology. The presentation will
exhibit live mapping of a mine by a robot to convey the power of the
technology in action. We will view a robot from our symposium in
Charleston, while it maps a mine from another state. We will share the
experience of exploration and mapping to graphically understand the
principles and capabilities offered by the technology.

Technical advantages of robotic mine mapping include: (1) Physical
presence by a robot inside underground cavities guarantees the existence
of void (2) Direct observation of the surface of an internal cavity is
superior to complementary approaches that only make inference from
external observation (3) Robotics offers survey quality mapping versus
approximation of location (4) Robotics models 3-D surfaces like roof,
walls and floors versus approximation by a centerline

\(5\) Small robots will be developed to access confined voids
undetectable by complementary approaches

Safety considerations for mine mapping robots include: (1) Use of
robotic machines precludes people from harm's way (2) Robots can be
certified for operating in the circumstances of abandoned mines

Roles of abandoned mine mapping robots, present and future, include: (1)
Premapping perimeters adjacent to proposed new mines to audit old maps
for fidelity (2) Operating during accident response to search,
communicate and deliver (3) Exploring post-breach events to tie all maps
of old workings together (4) Exploring from boreholes and breaches to
fill mapping gaps, if any (5) Exploring from boreholes and breaches to
confirm perimeter as safety assurance for future mining

The technical agenda for robotic mine mapping is: (1) Develop mineworthy
mapping robots (2) Create new physical forms of mapping robots like
minefish and amphibots (3) Invent robotic mapping sensors specialized
for coal mines (4)Create technology for mine robot exploration autonomy
(5) Develop methodology for creating complete mine maps from selective
access (6) Create interfaces to facilitate ease of use in field
operations

Opportunity and charter for the mining community to fulfill robotic mine
mapping: (1) Lead the world and support robotic mine mapping (2) Grant
variances to enable robotic mapping of abandoned mines, at least for R&D
(3) Resolve technical standards for certifying robots and ops in
abandoned mines (4) Support research enabling robotic mine mapping
operations (5) Support enterprise enabling commercialization and support
of robotic mapping services to the mine industry

***Current Research in Mining Geophysics at Virginia Tech***

Presenter: Dr. Erik C. Westman, PE

University/Organization: Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Phone: [540-231-7510]{.smallcaps}

Email[:]{.smallcaps} <ewestman@vt.edu>

Mailing Address: Virginia Tech

Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering

Attn: Erik C. Westman, Ph.D., PE

100 Holden Hall (0239)

Blacksburg, VA 24061

*[ABSTRACT]{.underline}*

The Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering at Virginia Tech is
actively involved in the practical application of geophysical methods to
solving challenges in mining. Funded research projects focus on
developing borehole seismic sensors and on improving the ability to
image stress-induced physical property changes around mining.

A project funded by the Department of Energy, Industries of the Future
program seeks to improve ground-imaging capabilities. Seismic tomography
has been used successfully to monitor and evaluate geologic conditions
ahead of a mining face, however a primary limitation to existing
technology is the placement of sensors. The goal of this project is to
develop an array of intrinsically-safe seismic sensors which are capable
of being mounted in either a vertical or horizontal borehole.

The National Science Foundation has provided funding for a project
focused on prediction of rock failure through high-resolution
tomographic imaging. The specific tasks associated with the research
include generating time-lapse three-dimensional tomographic images to
observe relevant alterations to the fabric of rock samples loaded to
failure, and comparing generated images with numerical modeling results.
The images will be obtained for unconfined compression and diametrical
tension (Brazilian) tests of both isotropic and anisotropic rock types
of four different diameters.

A Protocol for Selecting Appropriate Geophysical Surveying Tools, based
on Geotechnical Objective and Site Characteristics

***Presenter:*** Dr. Neil Anderson

University/Organization: University of Missouri - Rolla

Phone: [573-341-4753]{.smallcaps}

Email: nanders@umr.edu

Mailing Address: University of Missouri -- Rolla

Department of Geology and Geophysics

Attn: Dr. Neil Anderson, Prof. of Applied Geophysics

1870 Miner Circle

> Rolla, MO 65409-1060

*[ABSTRACT]{.underline}*

Engineering geophysical tools are generally non-invasive and can
provide\
qualitative/quantitative information about the physical properties of
an\
abandoned/active mine or other geotechnical site. The mining engineer\
responsible for site characterization should ensure that the
geophysical\
technique(s) employed provide useful and cost-effective information
about\
physical properties of interest at the required levels of spatial\
resolution and target definition.

As an aid to the mining engineer, we present tabularized information
about\
ten commonly employed geophysical methods and a generalized approach
for\
evaluating their utility as site characterization tools. Our
discussions\
are intended to be informative - not exhaustive. The audience is
referred\
to the selected bibliography for more rigorous treatments of the\
geophysical techniques. The mining engineer engaged in geophysical
survey\
design is strongly encouraged to work with a knowledgeable geophysicist.

Radio Imaging Method (RIM™) for Detecting and Imaging Underground
Barrier Pillars, Mine Voids, and Water

Presenter: Dr. Syd S. Peng

University/Organization: West Virginia University

Phone[: 304-293-7680]{.smallcaps}

Email[:]{.smallcaps} <syd.peng@mail.wvu.edu>

#### Mailing Address: West Virginia University

College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department of Mining Engineering

Attn: Dr. Syd Peng, Chairman

P.O. Box 6070

Morgantown, WV 26506-6070

*[ABSTRACT]{.underline}*

Given the inundation of the Quecreek Mine in Pennsylvania, considerable
attention is being directed to the question of how new technology can be
used to prevent such accidents in the future. Not only is the breach of
barrier pillars between old and active works a concern, but given the
Martin County flood from the failure of a tailing pond impoundment,
underground detection and imaging of geology and structures is a
critical need.

This presentation will address the Radio Imaging Method (RIM™), which
has been commercial in the industry since the early 1980s. With new
innovations in instrumentation and tomography algorithms to increase
resolution, RIM has been used to survey old mining works to confirm the
location of barrier pillars. RIM technology can also be used to detect
water seepage beneath dams and tailing pond impoundments.

A key benefit of RIM is that it can be used from the surface to image
coal seams and other geology to identify voids such as old works, and it
can detect water and/or air gaps. From the surface, RIM transmitters and
receivers are lowered down boreholes. Given the range of the signals,
RIM can eliminate the need to drill on close centers when trying to
locate old works. The reduction of boreholes is a significant cost
savings. Also, RIM can be used in-mine, in horizontal holes, and cross
well to detect water filled entries and voids, as well as water and
anomalies within the coal seam structure.

RIM is a technology offered by Stolar Horizon, Inc., and it has recently
been enhanced under the DOE-NMA Mine of the Future program, in which WVU
participated as well as leading mining companies such as Consol and
Peabody.

The presentation will address at a high level the underlying science of
RIM, and more important, its applications to enable detection and
imaging of old works and underground water for the purpose of preventing
mine and tailing pond floods.

***The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Research Program for Detection of Abandoned Mines and Mine Voids***

Presenter[:]{.smallcaps} Thomas H. Mucho, Supervisory Physical Scientist

University/Organization: National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health

Phone: [412-386-5010]{.smallcaps}

Email: <thm6@cdc.gov>

Mailing Address: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Pittsburgh Research Laboratory

Attn: Thomas H. Mucho, Supervisory Physical Scientist

P.O. Box 18070

Cochrans Mill Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15236

Presenter 2: Peter Swanson, Ph.D., Research Geophysicist,

Phone: 509-354-8072

Fax: 509-354-8099

Email: pswanson@cdc.gov

Mailing Address: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

> Catastrophic Failure Detection & Prevention Branch
>
> Spokane Research Laboratory
>
> Attn: Peter Swanson, Research Geophysicist
>
> 315 E. Montgomery Ave.
>
> Spokane, WA 99207

###### ABSTRACT

In 1996 the mining health and safety research mission of the former U.
S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) was transferred to the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH was created by the 1970
Occupational Safety and Health Act to ensure safe and healthful working
conditions for the nations workers through research, training, and
making recommendations for the prevention of work-related illnesses and
injuries. NIOSH conducts the bulk of its mining safety research at its
Pittsburgh, PA, and Spokane, WA, research laboratories, which were
former USBM research centers. NIOSH through its congressional mandate to
conduct mining health and safety research and through its history,
including that of the USBM, has done various investigations into
technologies that were either aimed at detecting mine voids or could be
applied to that goal. A brief review of some of these techniques
investigated in the past will be given, including long hole directional
drilling, and various radar techniques, such as a frequency domain radar
device and more traditional pulse-type ground penetrating radar (GPR).
Past and ongoing work utilizing seismic techniques will also be
reviewed. Discussed will also be our view of NIOSH's role in and plans
for future research to develop technologies that can be applied to the
problem of locating abandoned mines or mine voids. NIOSH through its
past work in this area; its staff of scientists and engineers; its
unique facilities, such as it labs and research mines; and its knowledge
of mining, especially relative to this particular issue, is uniquely
positioned to conduct or manage research aimed at developing
technologies to address the detection of abandoned mines and mine voids.

***Using Geographic Information Systems to Map and Model Underground
Mines***

Presenter: Michael J. Price, Mining and Earth Sciences Manager

Firm/Organization: ESRI

Phone: 909-793-2853, ext. 1677

Cell: 909-553-5701

Fax: 909-307-3039

Email: mprice@esri.com

Mailing Address: ESRI

Attn: Mike Price, Mining and Earth Sciences Manager

380 New York Street

Redlands, CA 92373

######### *ABSTRACT*

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide mine operators and mining
regulators with powerful tools to map, model, analyze, and predict
surface and subsurface aspects of modern underground coal mines. GIS
also enables mining engineers and regulators to effectively combine and
study data from many sources and divergent time periods. Current
information, extracted directly from surveying and mine modeling
applications, can be quickly combined with scanned or vectorized maps of
prior operations to show relationships of abandoned mines to proposed or
active mining. The modeling and 3D visualization power of GIS helps to
identify potential problems and issues before they become critical.

A study of the Leyden underground coal mine, located northwest of
Denver, CO, will be presented. The Leyden model shows how paper mine
maps, dating back nearly 80 years, can be combined with modern
engineering, topographic, and cultural data. Once registered and
analyzed, early mining data builds relationships between early mining
and present activities, especially relating to safety and concerns of
regional growth.