The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1906-02-09

its development to the tlreless eHOrts VI Cile
practical theorist. Previous, however, to
this period which we have arbitrarily chosen
as the beginning of modern mining, the
development of mining resources was at
the mercy of men whose ability, as highly
intelligent miners was seriously encountered,
The revelations of biologists presented
new and almost limitless field Of operations.
Mine owners were mentally disturbed and
Immediately turned their attention to more
efficient mine appliances. The discovery OF
gun-cotton and nitro-glycerine, and it's ultl-
mate conversion into dynamite and blasting
gelatine, together with the invention Of the
percussion rock drill did not satisfy their
ambitions, for after numerous minor I'M
provements on these appliances unbalanced
conditions were brought about.
A perfecting in one phase only served to
show deficiency in another. The increase
in rock broken called for more rapid re-
moval, both from the breast or stope and
from the mine to the surface.
Mining to greater depths and over more
extensive areas naturally followed and
methods.of ore extraction were conducted on
correspondingly large scale.
Numerous small shafts fed by restricted
workings we're no longer considered profit
able. Economic management demanded
the sinking of larger shafts with greater
hosting capacity, tapping more extensive
areas and deeper levels.
With the growing demands Of mining
more shafts were required and special ap-
planes we're designed to surmount the
difficulties of sinking through all kinds of
material and formations. The more inn
portant methods are; the ordinary excava-
ton by power or hand drills in firm rock
with mechanical hosting; the Kind-Chou-
dron system, practical application of the
drop tool method of boring on large
scale through heavy water bearing rock;
and the freezing method for sinking through
mud and quick sand.
Larger hoist were now in demand; high
speed and high pressure engines became an
absolute necessity; cross compound air
compressors or greater steam boiler capacity
were required to provide for the air or
steam actuated drills. In many cases the
great influx of water to the workings, which
serve as huge reservoirs, has forced the ill.,
stallation of pumping machinery of enor-
NOUS capacity and built to withstand ex-
cessive strains and rough usage The types
in use are Cornish, Plunger and Centrifugal,
and driven by all manner Of transmitted
power. Engines Of 5000 available horse
power are in common use in the larger min
ing fields, still dissatisfaction prevails. Min
ing is being carried to such depths; viz over
mile, that the weight of the hosting rope
presents serious obstacle to rope hosting.
Electric and pneumatic hoists are offering
q probable solution Of this problem and
doubtless will prove their value when their
installation becomes imperative.
On the surface and throughout the work.
ings multitude Of labor saving devices,
such as self dumping skips, storage bins and
electric, compressed air, and rope haulage
systems are in use, insuring more safe and
uninterrupted hosting In machine shops,
on the premises, facilities for prompt re-
pairs are maintained. Among. other inn
proyements, those providing for the well
fare Of the workmen are not overlooked, in
many cases ample provision is made for the
the health, safety and comfort Of the
miners. 3.
Another phase Of the subject here pre-
sents itself, Numerous scientific organize
tions are now in vogue which are instrumen.
tslin bringing together in common council
the officials Is well as the professional min
ing men whose work, while along different
lines, is all to q common purpose and
interest.