ISSUE DATE: 04/24/08 

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P08-09

FROM: MARK E. SKILES 

 Director of Technical Support 

SUBJECT: Final Reports of Geophysical Mine Void Detection 

Demonstration Projects 

Who needs this information?

This Program Information Bulletin (PIB) is intended for mine operators, independent 

contractors, miners’ representatives, Mine Safety and Health Administration personnel, 

and other interested parties. 

What is the purpose of this PIB?

This PIB informs the mining industry of new and emerging technologies that may assist 

mine operators in identifying and locating adjacent underground mine workings where 

the extent and location may not be well defined. The technologies were recently 

demonstrated to MSHA, and final reports have been provided discussing the benefits 

and limitations of each method. The reports can be obtained from the MSHA web page 

at www.msha.gov, or on a CD available from MSHA. To get a copy of the CD contact 

Sharon K. Taylor by mail at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy, e-mail 

taylor.sharon@dol.gov, or phone (304) 256-3257. 

Information

In the aftermath of the Quecreek Mine inundation, MSHA received funding of $10 

million dollars devoted to mine mapping and void detection. A portion of these funds 

was distributed to 13 states to improve mine mapping, referencing, and archiving. The 

remaining funds were used to sponsor void detection demonstration projects. Fiftyeight proposals were received from a variety of universities, geophysical contractors, 

and independent research corporations. After thorough review and consideration, 

fourteen of the most promising projects were funded for demonstration. Peer-reviewed 

final reports of the projects have been provided to MSHA, and are being disseminated 
2

to the mining industry to increase the awareness of these available methods and 

technologies and the potential benefits and limitations. While each of the methods and 

technologies may provide significant benefits to the mining industry, they are intended 

to supplement other methods available to identify adjacent mine workings such as 

sufficient drilling of boreholes ahead of mining and exhaustive searches for all sources 

of information on past mining. 

What is the background for this PIB?

There have been many instances of active mines unintentionally cutting into adjacent 

mines which were not properly identified prior to mining. The location and extent of 

old workings were often unknown because mine maps were unavailable, or existing 

maps were incomplete or inaccurate. There is a significant risk of water and gas 

inundations when cutting into adjacent mine workings, especially abandoned mine 

workings. Unknown mines can also present a threat to structures, such as waste 

disposal impoundments. The mining industry must address the serious safety concerns 

associated with abandoned mines using a variety of methods and techniques. This PIB 

is intended to increase industry awareness of additional methods for detecting adjacent 

mine workings and voids. 

What is the authority for this PIB?

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977; as amended, 30 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.; 30 

C.F.R. §§ 75.372, 75.1200, 75.1201, 75.1201-1, 75.1202, 75.1202-1, 75.1203, 77.216-2(a)(14), 

77.1200, 77.1201 and 77.1202. 

Who are the contact persons for this PIB?

Technical Support 

Stanley J. Michalek, 412-386-6974 

E-mail: michalek.stanley@dol.gov

Is this PIB on the Internet?

This PIB may be viewed on the Internet by accessing MSHA’s home page at 

http://www.msha.gov then choosing “Compliance Info” and “Program Information 

Bulletins.” 

Who will receive this PIB?

MSHA Program Policy Manual Holders 

Underground Coal Mine Operators 

Miners’ Representatives 

Contractors 

Special Interest Groups