Preliminary analysis of the probable causes of decreased coal mining productivity (1969 to 1976). [1950 to 1976]

Technical Report · Mon Nov 07 04:00:00 EST 1977

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5443070· OSTI ID:5443070

Walton, D. R.; Kauffman, P. W.

The concern shown by energy leaders regarding the continuing decline in productivity is not just academic. Rather, it is viewed as a serious threat, not only to the industry but also to the national economy. Recently, a mine operator commented on the productivity decline by saying that the decline does not affect his company because it merely raises the price and then passes the price increase on to the consumer. He felt that, while the mine operator is interested in reducing costs, legislation, labor unrest, and other factors contributing to increased costs are all beyond his control. Although a great many people in the coal industry do not share these views, many do. Therefore, a study of the underlying causes of the decline in productivity is extremely important and is, in essence, truly a national issue. The observation is that as productivity declines, the cost of coal rises proportionally. Obviously the coal industry is in business to make a profit. As conditions change (e.g., more laws are passed, labor unrest increases, and worker attitudes worsen) and resultant productivity declines occur, the costs of coal extraction will increase. Undoubtedly these costs will be passed along to the consumer. The USBM, as a part of an overall effort by the government to solve energy problems, is playing an important role in the coal industry. By identifying the causes of the decline in productivity, it can better direct its efforts in reversing the trend. This can be and is being accomplished by advancing mechanization and developing new technologies in coal mining that better meet the requirements of legislation, improve safety and productivity, and are less sensitive to the impacts of labor unrest, attitudinal shifts, and motivational problems.

• Research Organization: Management Engineers, Inc., Reston, VA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5443070
• Report Number(s): FE-8960-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
012000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Mining
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
COAL INDUSTRY
COAL MINES
COAL MINING
EMPLOYMENT
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
INDUSTRY
LABOR RELATIONS
LAND RECLAMATION
LEGISLATION
MINES
MINING
MINING EQUIPMENT
NORTH AMERICA
PRICES
PRODUCTIVITY
SIZE
SURFACE MINING
UNDERGROUND MINING
USA