The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-09-26
DEVELOPING Ignite INDUSTRY
Directions Given for Use of Ignite
JAMES MTLLOY

millions of tons of bitumlnous ,
and anthracite coal are shipped an
nually into the Ignite bearing reg
considerably an example of car
rying Goals to Newcastle. The re-
suits are high prices for both indus
trial and domestic fuel, the impossi-
tion Of a great handicap on the in
development of these reg
ions, the tying up of much transpor
tation equipment needed for other
service, and other economic lost mo-
ton"
The above paragraph when it ap-
peared in "Notes on Ignite, Its
and Utilization" pub
lished by the U. s. Department of In
terror in 1919, gave national publicity
to fact familiar to the people of
North and South Dakota. And when
the same pamphlet declared, "All Of
the coal imported into North and
South Dakota and substantial
part Of that consumed by Min
nesota, should be replaced by lig-
mite from the Dakota fields" some of
the forward looking men of the
northwest began to realize that the
situation was worthy of attention.
They could see that Northwest
Coal for the Northwest" was posi-
bic If the coal buyer could be reach
ed with facts about Ignite. The re-
suit has been a concerted effort to
extend the market for Ignite by CIV
ing the people Of North and South
Dakota and parts of Minnesota COM
plhte information us to the use of
Ignite coal.
Association Is Organized.
About q year ago Governor r. A.
Nestos and Frank Milhollan, chair
man of the State Railroad Commits
sion, called q conference of North
Dakota Ignite coal operators in Bis
marck to discuss the possibility Of
North Dakota mines coming to the
rescue of the northwest with Ignite.
The coal strike had resulted in an
acute shortage in the northwest and
Ignite was in demand. Others inter-
ested in the development Of Ignite
a. one Of the states great resources
were also. invited to attend and the
portant one for out Of it developed
real progress toward the develop
ment Of Ignite.
The operators were businessmen
and could see that in another year,
when eastern coal would be available,
the extended market for Ignite could
not be held unless the new users
we're satisfied. So they set them
selves to the task Of educating the
public as to the proper method Of
handling Ignite and agreed to charge
fair price, pushing production to
capacity and depending upon busi-
ness in future years to reward them.
One result Of the conference was the
organization of the North Dakota
Ignite Coal Operators association.
During the past month the opera
tors association has been directing
special attention to campaign aim
ed at having coal consumers buy it
least q part of their winters supply
now. Governor r. A. Nestos and
Frank Milhollan have issued appeals
urging early buying so as to enable
the operators to meet the increased
demand from other sections when
cold weather arrives. The advantage
Of buying early, it is pointed out, is
twofold. The consumer effects a
In. ~. -.
the event of an unexpected cold snap
and the transportation facilities Of
this section will be available for NOV
ing the crop if coal is moved now. !.
In its educational campaign the
operators association points out that
many people who are unfamiliar with
Ignite have erroneous ideas as to
the possibility of storing Ignite.
Ignite is Of higher moisture content
than other Goals and has a tendency
to break down when subjected to
weathsfing. but those familiar. with
it know the necessary steps to les
sen this breaking down and to use
to advantage such. slack as may be
formed in the breaking down process.
ISuiite Can Re Stored.
During the summer months ignite
should not be piled in the open, Tor
the sun and wind will dry It out and
reduce. .. hart Of it to slack. This
sl&king tfocess, however can be
much reduced by storing Ignite prop
erly. Cellars. Easements, or COW
cred bins can be used to store lig-