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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Design of surface mining systems. Task one. Research and demonstration of improved surface mining techniques for the eastern Kentucky coal fields

Book ·
OSTI ID:7357659
The broad objectives of the study were (1) to identify modified mining technologies (equipments and methods) whose estimated economic and environmental characteristics were such that further research and field demonstration of the methods was warranted, and (2) to identify feasible and desirable modifications in the policies and procedures used in regulation of the industry by the Kentucky Division of Reclamation (KDR). Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered and utilized. ... Six modified mining technologies (primarily methods) were subsequently designed. ... Estimates of the profitability of existing mining technologies were developed from mathematical models, and were validated using actual cost and revenue data for 38 randomly sampled mines. ... Desirable modifications to KDR management and operating procedures were identified and, in some cases, tested. A computer-based information system was developed and used to analyze data from all of the 4,136 surface mine inspections made in Eastern Kentucky during 1971. Procedures for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of mine inspection and surveillance were investigated. ... This report consists of three volumes. Volume I contains Chapter I, an introduction and summary of findings. Volume II contains Chapters II through VIII, in which the detailed findings appear. Finally, Volume III contains Appendices that show study methodologies and some of the data used in analysis. (auth, abstract modified)
Research Organization:
Mathematica Inc.; Ford, Bacon and Davis Inc., MI, Princeton, NJ; F,BandD Inc., New York, NY
OSTI ID:
7357659
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English