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Mining Publication: A Centennial of Mine Explosion Prevention Research
Keywords: Coal dust Coal mining Disasters Explosions Fire and explosion prevention 
 U.S. Bureau of Mines
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
Original creation date: February 2010
Authors: MJ Sapko, ES Weiss, ML Harris, C Man, SP Harteis
Conference Paper - February 2010
Download PDF Document (0.30 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20036611
2010 SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit, February 28 - March 3, Phoenix, Arizona. Littleton, CO: Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., 2010; :1-13
A mere 100 years ago the mining industry, scientific investigators, and a concerned public struggled with the notion that coal dust could lead to mine explosions. A succession of disasters in 1907 left the U.S. mining industry desperately seeking answers. The pioneering work of Taffanel in France and Rice in the U.S. convinced the mining industry of the dangers of coal dust. By 1911, the United States Bureau of Mines (USBM) was conducting full-scale studies of mine explosions at the experimental mine at Bruceton, Pennsylvania. While this work has dramatically improved mine safety since the early days, methane and coal dust remains a threat for miners even now. This paper provides a brief historical overview of full-scale mine explosion research conducted primarily at the USBM, now the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The paper will evaluate the factors common to explosion disasters over the last century and identify some of the new safety challenges created by modern mining methods. This report reviews the Federal Mine Health and Safety Acts that have been passed over the last century and discusses how explosion research and enforcement of safety regulations have led to a significant reduction in the number of fatalities and disasters.
Image of publication A Centennial of Mine Explosion Prevention ResearchConference Paper - February 2010
Download PDF Document (0.30 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20036611
2010 SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit, February 28 - March 3, Phoenix, Arizona. Littleton, CO: Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., 2010; :1-13
See Also
Coal-Dust Explosion Tests in the Experimental Mine 1919 to 1924, Inclusive
Determining the Root Causes of Flame Cutting and Welding Fires in Underground U.S. Coal Mines
The Explosibility of Coal Dust
Explosion Prevention
Explosion Prevention in United States Coal Mines
How Does Limestone Rock Dust Prevent Coal Dust Explosions in Coal Mines?
Modeling Natural Gas Explosions for Coal Mine Safety
Particle Size and Surface Area Effects on Explosibility Using a 20-L Chamber
Post-Explosion Observation of Experimental Mine and Laboratory Coal Dust Explosions
Rock Dusting Considerations in Underground Coal Mines
Structural Analysis and Design of Seals for Coal Mine Safety
Page last reviewed: September 21, 2012
Page last updated: September 21, 2012
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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