Skip to search.

Breaking News Visit Yahoo! News for the latest.

×Close this window

MineRescue · A forum to exchange ideas and provide support to the subject of Mine Rescue.
  • Members Only
  • Post
  • Members
  • Calendar
  • Promote

The Yahoo! Groups Product Blog

Check it out!

Group Information

  • Members: 782
  • Category: Mining
  • Founded: Dec 1, 2000
  • Language: English
? Already a member? Sign in to Yahoo!

Yahoo! Groups Tips

Did you know...
Message search is now enhanced, find messages faster. Take it for a spin.

Messages
Message #
Search:
Advanced
 Messages Help
Messages
Topics
Hot Topics
Messages 428 - 457 of 9527   Oldest  |  < Older  |  Newer >  |  Newest
Messages: Show Message Summaries Sort by Date ^  
#428 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Sun Mar 2, 2003 3:53 am
Subject: Rendell Administration Updates Quecreek Mine Accident Investigation 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Press Release Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Rendell Administration Updates Quecreek Mine Accident Investigation
Friday February 28, 4:30 pm ET

DEP Acting Secretary Requests Assistance from The Office of Inspector General

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Acting Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty today requested assistance from the Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General in DEP's ongoing investigation into the July 2002 Quecreek Mine accident. The accident happened when nine miners working in the Quecreek Mine, Somerset County, accidentally cut into the adjacent, abandoned Saxman Mine, flooding the Quecreek mine.

Acting Secretary McGinty requested the Office of Inspector General to review the Bureau of Deep Mine Safety's implementation of state safety requirements, specifically provisions of the Bituminous Coal Mine Act.

"As the Department's review of mine safety procedures has progressed, questions have arisen regarding how safety requirements were understood by Department personnel and how this understanding was communicated within the Department and to outside parties. To assure that every perception of impartiality is maintained as these questions are answered, I have asked the Inspector General to conduct an external review. It is critical to me that the results of the Quecreek investigation enjoy the full confidence of everyone involved in the accident and having this review conducted by an independent third party will make sure this occurs," said Acting Secretary McGinty.

While these investigations and reviews continue, the following steps have been taken within the Department: 

 1. The Director of Deep Mine Safety will personally review and approve the
work of mine safety staff. Prior to this change in procedure, the
Director would undertake that personal review only when specific issues
were raised for his consideration.
2. The Deputy Secretary for Mineral Resources will personally review the
recommendations of the Director of Deep Mine Safety. Prior to this
change in procedure, the Deputy Secretary would undertake such a
personal review only in extraordinary circumstances.
3. The workload of mine safety personnel has been shifted as necessary to
ensure the most vigorous application of mine safety standards.

These measures are being taken in addition to the process changes and improvements instituted by Governor Schweiker following the Quecreek accident.

CONTACT: Darlene Crawford of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, +1-717-787-1323


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#429 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Wed Mar 5, 2003 11:54 am
Subject: Mine on the Moon? China Considering 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 

Mine on the Moon? China Considering

[Tuesday, March 04, 2003] Some Moon craters could soon be manmade: China has announced plans for an unmanned lunar probe by 2005 and hinted at future resource extraction.

"We will be able to embark on a maiden unmanned mission within two and a half years if the government endorses the scheme now," Ouyang Ziyuan, chief scientist of China's lunar exploration program, told The People's Daily.

Called the Chang'e Programme, the project would consist of an orbiter, a lander and a craft that returns samples.

Supply satellite

Luan Enjie, director of China's National Space Administration, has suggested that the country's long-term goal is to extract the Moon's rare resources. "The prospect for the development and utilization of the lunar potential mineral and energy resources provide resource reserves for the sustainable development of human society," he says.

Ziyuan reinforced the opinion, saying that the Moon "probably holds the key to humanity's future subsistence and development."

China has launched four Shenzhou spacecraft to prepare for an upcoming manned mission, scheduled for later this year.

Comments about the lunar mission that would follow this are timed to attract the attention of the country's political advisers and the National People's Congress delegates, who meet in Beijing this week.


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#430 From: Jason Perry <Jason.Perry@...>
Date: Wed Mar 5, 2003 10:00 pm
Subject: RE: [USMRA] Mine on the Moon? China Considering 		Jason.Perry@...
Send Email Send Email
  
Amazing, they are have enough safety problems and they want to start on the
moon? But on a more interesting note, how does one go about staking/pegging
a claim on the moon. And I'm positive that there will some native title
issues.

-----Original Message-----
From: Rob McGee [mailto:usmra@...]
Sent: Wednesday, 5 March 2003 7:54 PM
To: MineSafetyTraining@yahoogroups.com; MineRescue@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [USMRA] Mine on the Moon? China Considering




Mine on the Moon? China Considering





[Tuesday, March 04, 2003] Some Moon craters could soon be manmade: China has
announced plans for an unmanned lunar probe by 2005 and hinted at future
resource extraction.


"We will be able to embark on a maiden unmanned mission within two and a
half years if the government endorses the scheme now," Ouyang Ziyuan, chief
scientist of China's lunar exploration program, told
<http://fpeng.peopledaily.com.cn/200303/02/eng20030302_112549.shtml> The
People's Daily.

Called the Chang'e Programme, the project would consist of an orbiter, a
lander and a craft that returns samples.

Supply satellite

Luan Enjie, director of China's National Space Administration, has suggested
that the country's long-term goal is to extract the Moon's rare resources.
"The prospect for the development and utilization of the lunar potential
mineral and energy resources provide resource reserves for the sustainable
development of human society," he says.

Ziyuan reinforced the opinion, saying that the Moon "probably holds the key
to humanity's future subsistence and development."

China has launched four Shenzhou spacecraft to prepare for an upcoming
manned mission
<http://www.betterhumans.com/News/news.aspx?articleID=2003-01-19-8> ,
scheduled for later this year.

Comments about the lunar mission that would follow this are timed to attract
the attention of the country's political advisers and the National People's
Congress delegates, who meet in Beijing this week.


Yahoo! Groups Sponsor

ADVERTISEMENT

<http://rd.yahoo.com/M=246920.2960106.4328965.2848452/D=egroupweb/S=17050833
35:HM/A=1464858/R=0/*http://www.gotomypc.com/u/tr/yh/cpm/grp/300_Cquo_1/g22l
p?Target=mm/g22lp.tmpl>

<http://us.adserver.yahoo.com/l?M=246920.2960106.4328965.2848452/D=egroupmai
l/S=:HM/A=1464858/rand=613430867>

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
MineRescue-unsubscribe@egroups.com



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service
<http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/> .

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#431 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Thu Mar 6, 2003 10:27 pm
Subject: China Steps Up Its Output of Metals 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 

China Steps Up Its Output of Metals

New York Times
March 6, 2003
By BERNARD SIMON

TORONTO, March 5 — To many Western companies, China is the future, either as a huge potential customer or a looming low-cost competitor. But in the world's metal markets, that future has already arrived, and Noranda, the Canadian mining group, has the bruises to prove it.

Noranda, a unit of Brascan, and its partners spent years and 733 million Canadian dollars ($496 million) to build the world's biggest magnesium smelting plant, at Danville, Quebec, and planned to have it go into commercial production around now. Instead, it is being mothballed, and Noranda has written off its 80 percent stake in the plant.

Noranda says that the plant cannot be run economically now chiefly because so much magnesium, a lightweight metal used mainly in the electronics, auto and aviation industries, is pouring out of China. From hardly any production a decade ago, China has shot up to become the world's biggest exporter. According to Richard Opatick, director of the International Magnesium Association in Washington, magnesium prices have fallen by half in the last three years, as Noranda's plant was being completed.

China "is the subject on everyone's mind," said David Humphreys, chief economist with Rio Tinto, the mining giant. "It is very big indeed, and growing bigger by the month."

And not just on the supply side. Inco, the West's biggest nickel producer, told analysts last month that demand in China for stainless steel, which is made with nickel, expanded so fast last year that the growth alone was equal to more than half of total consumption in the United States or Japan. In the presentation to analysts, much of which was devoted to China's impact, Peter Goudie, Inco's executive vice president for marketing, said, "It is easy to understand why China has become such a dominant influence in nickel and across the full range of metals."

China's fast-growing economy is one of the world's few bright spots for some industrial commodities that China imports. But for others, the combination of government subsidies, cheap credit, cheap electricity and lax environmental controls has fueled huge increases in production, far in excess of domestic demand.

"The Chinese business model is based on creating a critical mass and then finding the market," said Simon Hunt, a British consultant who specializes in China and spends several months a year there. According to Mr. Humphreys at Rio Tinto, "Rapid growth of China's exports has hit prices and put huge pressure on producers elsewhere in the world."

China is becoming the most important actor in the market for one metal after another.

Copper is one example. Bloomsbury Minerals Economics, a London consulting firm, estimates that China's use of refined copper grew 21 percent in 2001 and 13 percent last year, moving it ahead of the United States as the world's biggest consumer.

Bloomsbury forecasts a further 10 percent rise in 2003, reflecting the rapid expansion of China's electric power grid and rapidly growing demand for domestic appliances. By contrast, copper consumption in the United States is expected to inch up by just 1.4 percent.

China also accounted for two-thirds of the increase in global demand for nickel in 2002. Its purchases of alumina, the raw material used for aluminum, have helped almost double world prices in the last year.

China is now the world's second-biggest importer of iron ore and of lead, and has become the top producer of steel, aluminum and tungsten. Its exports of tin, coal and a number of industrial minerals are rising fast.

These trends generate both excitement and worry among metals executives in the West. Copper producers, for example, are delighted, because little high-grade ore has been discovered in China and the country must import refined metal to meet its needs — a rare source of strength in a largely depressed industry. Bloomsbury calculates that Chinese imports have surged by an average of 37 percent a year since 1999, and are probably still growing at that pace.

"There is certainly no sign of a reversal just yet, with booming domestic consumer spending rather than exports driving the market," the consulting company reported in February. "China, yet again, appears to be the savior of the copper market."

But China sends shivers through other markets. The United States and the European Union have moved to impose duties on Chinese magnesium, saying that China is dumping the metal on the market at prices below the cost of production. In addition to the Noranda plant in Quebec, the slump in prices has recently forced the closings of the last two primary magnesium producers in Europe, one in France and one in Norway.

Mr. Humphreys of Rio Tinto said that aluminum was "potentially another magnesium situation." China has gone from importing 132,000 tons of aluminum in 2001 to exporting about 220,000 tons last year. China has a substantial advantage, according to Carmine Nappi, director of industry analysis at Alcan, a major producer based in Montreal. "They can build a smelter in less time than us, and the cost is half that in the Western world," Mr. Nappi said.

Mr. Nappi, however, expects that surge in Chinese exports to be short-lived. The sharp rise in world alumina prices over the last year is likely to encourage Chinese producers to shut down old, inefficient plants and limit their output to domestic needs, which are expanding because of a boom in construction, in car production and in erection of power lines, he said.

Doing business with China can be a headache for Western producers because of uncertainties about government policies and the legal system there. Peter Hollands, head of research at Bloomsbury Minerals, said that while Western producers and buyers of metals commonly sign long-term contracts, most business with China is conducted on spot markets through trading companies.

Still, Western analysts said that China's recent entry into the World Trade Organization and the country's growing contacts with foreign companies have helped promote mutual understanding.

"You've seen a wholesale change in attitude, both in the state-owned companies and the private sector," Mr. Hunt, the consultant, said of China.

The Chinese government is taking steps to modernize the industry and its practices. Kaihui Yang, a University of Toronto research geologist, said in an e-mail interview from Yunnan in southwest China that more than 150,000 small mines in the country have been closed for environmental or safety reasons since 1998. According to Dr. Yang, subsidies for small or unprofitable mines and processing plants have been "largely removed."

A new mining law, due to take effect this month, "will be more favorable for foreign investments," Dr. Yang said.

According to Mr. Humphreys, the Chinese government "has become increasingly aware that uncontrolled selling has damaged its own interests, suppressing world prices and encouraging the over-rapid depletion of its domestic resources."

China's shifting role in the zinc market may offer lessons for other metals. A burst of zinc shipments from China severely disrupted world markets in the late 1990's and 2000. But, according to the International Lead and Zinc Study Group in London, mine closings since then have resulted in the first drop in Chinese refined zinc output in almost two decades. Last year, China became one of the biggest customers for Western zinc producers.


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#432 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Thu Mar 6, 2003 10:32 pm
Subject: Fire knocks ERPM 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Fire knocks ERPM
By Justin Brown
March 6, 2003

The underground fire which has blazed for more than a month at the East Rand Proprietary Mines (ERPM) mine in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, has been a significant financial blow for the mine while the local community has protested about the health and environmental hazards the smoke is allegedly causing, Paseka Ncholo said on Thursday.

Ncholo is chief executive of South African empowerment company Khumo Bathong Holdings, which has a 60% stake in ERPM, while the remaining 40% is held by Durban Roodepoort Deep (DUR).

"The fire has been burning the timber supports in the Far East Vertical shafts' working areas. About 1,200 people from emergency rescue services have been battling the fire 24 hours a day for the whole month of February at a cost of R4.5-million," Ncholo said.

The total cost of fighting the fire is expected to be R6-million.

"Right now the fire is smoldering and should be over within the next week," he added.

The fire at ERPM started on February 1, between levels 70 and 71, about 2,300 metres underground at the Far East Vertical shaft.

This shaft produces about 85% of ERPM's gold output.

As a result of the fire, 120 kilograms of gold production has been lost at ERPM.

"We still don't know the cause of the fire. The fire official, who didn't notice the development of the fire on February 1, has been formally suspended.

The 500 miners who used to work in the shaft have been moved to other areas," Ncholo said.

He expects ERPM to return to its usual rate of production by August.

"There have been concerns about the smoke from the fire from residents in the Sunward Park area. They have formed a concerned Sunward resident group but we deny that the smoke has caused health or environmental damage," he added.

In February, ERPM hired Margot Saner, an occupational hygienist registered with the Labour Department, to carry out a detailed monitoring of the 100 different substances contained in the smoke.

Saner's report presented to management on February 21 indicated that various substances monitored were at levels below minimum contained in US standards, Ncholo said.

The Gauteng Department of Health as well as officials from the Department of Minerals and Energy have also inspected the smoke and both have found the smoke to be below danger levels, he added.

"The community doesn't believe the results of the health and environmental investigations so they need to do their own independent investigation to prove their allegations," Ncholo said.


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#433 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Thu Mar 6, 2003 10:38 pm
Subject: DEP seeks state scrutiny of its mine-safety rules 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 
DEP seeks state scrutiny of its mine-safety rules
By MIKE FAHER, TRIBUNE-DEMOCRAT SOMERSET BUREAU March 01, 2003
SOMERSET – In response to public criticism of the Quecreek Mine probe, a watchdog office will review the state’s implementation of mine-safety rules.
The Department of Environmental Protection has asked the state Inspector General’s office to review how the department has handled safety regulations, especially one section that mandates certain buffers between mines.
That section, depending on its interpretation and implementation, could have helped prevent July’s Quecreek accident that nearly killed nine men.
DEP officials, who also are placing tighter reigns on mine-safety staff, yesterday said the inspector general’s review is meant to lend integrity to the wide-ranging Quecreek investigation.
But it also will further delay a final report on what happened at the mine.
“It is critical to me that the results of the Quecreek investigation enjoy the full confidence of everyone involved in the accident,” acting DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty, who took office in January, said in a statement.
“And having this review conducted by an independent third party will make sure this occurs,” McGinty said.
DEP officials were quick to add that asking for the review does not mean they believe the department’s Bureau of Deep Mine Safety has done anything wrong.
“This is not a criminal matter,” DEP spokeswoman Darlene Crawford said in a telephone interview from her Harrisburg office. “There are no allegations of fraud or abuse that should be inferred.
“We have been asked repeatedly by the public if it’s appropriate for the DEP to undertake a review of itself,” Crawford said.
Crawford said the independent review will focus on general regulations and not on what happened at Quecreek.
But McGinty’s letter to the inspector general specifically asks for a closer look at a law that mandates a 1,000-foot safety buffer between active bituminous mines.
McGinty says that, in 1998, the department began to interpret that buffer as applying also to the space needed between active and abandoned mines. But officials said during the Quecreek incident that only a 200-foot buffer zone is needed in such situations.
To make the matter more complex, former Governor Schweiker last summer mandated a 500-foot buffer zone at some mines.
The Quecreek disaster happened when nine miners were flooded after breaking into the adjacent, abandoned Saxman Mine, which was supposed to be much farther away.
McGinty said it’s unclear whether the 1,000-foot interpretation “was ever fully adopted by the department, and if so, how this interpretation was communicated to and implemented by relevant staff.”
And if the new interpretation had been developed, McGinty asks, “have staff performed in accordance with this interpretation ... with regard to the Quecreek mining operations?”
That request raises the question of whether the 1,000-foot rule, if adopted and enforced, could have prevented the Quecreek accident.
Pittsburgh attorney Howard Messer, who represents seven of the nine miners who were trapped at Quecreek, applauded the independent review. He’s not sure whether increased buffer zones would have saved his clients from their underground ordeal.
That’s because Quecreek operators and state inspectors were using outdated maps that did not come close to showing the full size of Saxman Mine.
“How do you know where the buffer begins if you don’t know where the coal was taken out,” Messer told The Associated Press. “If we assume the maps are bad, how do we draw the line?”
The state’s final report on Quecreek has been delayed twice. And Crawford said the inspector general’s involvement will push the report back indefinitely.
“It’s going to depend on when the inspector general completes his work,” she said.
In the meantime, McGinty also has placed more supervision over mine-safety staff. The Deep Mine Safety director will “personally review and approve the work of the mine-safety staff,” officials said.
And DEP’s Mineral Resources deputy secretary then will “personally review” the Deep Mine Safety director’s work.
“This will be for the duration of the inspector general’s investigation,” Crawford said. “We take what happened very seriously.”


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#434 From: "kr" <krawllins@...>
Date: Fri Mar 7, 2003 5:30 pm
Subject: Mine Rescue 		cfclover7
Send Email Send Email
  
I am looking for information on mine rescue and working around
mines.  I am a fire fighter in an area where the mines were abandoned
in 1900 and have been full of water from a rock quarry since 1970.
They are now talking about draining the quarry which would drain our
mines.  Also, I read that water from mines should not be disturbed
because it could cause a release of mine gases that are dissolved in
the water.  Would we be able to draft, suck out hundreds of gallons
of water, from this or should we consider it unsafe.

Any information about working around mines and what we could expect
if the mines were drained would be extremely helpful.

Kelly

Reply | Messages in this Topic (6)
#435 From: "kr" <krawllins@...>
Date: Fri Mar 7, 2003 5:30 pm
Subject: Mine Rescue 		cfclover7
Send Email Send Email
  
I am looking for information on mine rescue and working around
mines.  I am a fire fighter in an area where the mines were abandoned
in 1900 and have been full of water from a rock quarry since 1970.
They are now talking about draining the quarry which would drain our
mines.  Also, I read that water from mines should not be disturbed
because it could cause a release of mine gases that are dissolved in
the water.  Would we be able to draft, suck out hundreds of gallons
of water, from this or should we consider it unsafe.

Any information about working around mines and what we could expect
if the mines were drained would be extremely helpful.

Kelly

Reply | Messages in this Topic (6)
#436 From: "kr" <krawllins@...>
Date: Fri Mar 7, 2003 5:30 pm
Subject: Mine Rescue 		cfclover7
Send Email Send Email
  
I am looking for information on mine rescue and working around
mines.  I am a fire fighter in an area where the mines were abandoned
in 1900 and have been full of water from a rock quarry since 1970.
They are now talking about draining the quarry which would drain our
mines.  Also, I read that water from mines should not be disturbed
because it could cause a release of mine gases that are dissolved in
the water.  Would we be able to draft, suck out hundreds of gallons
of water, from this or should we consider it unsafe.

Any information about working around mines and what we could expect
if the mines were drained would be extremely helpful.

Kelly

Reply | Messages in this Topic (6)
#437 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Sat Mar 8, 2003 9:33 pm
Subject: Man dies in Queensland Austrailia mining accident 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 

Man dies in Queensland Austrailia mining accident

March 8, 2003

A mine worker has been killed in an accident at the Newmont Pajingo gold mine south of Charters Towers in Queensland.

Details of how the accident happened are still unclear.

The Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines says it is believed the man was working underground on a service line which carries air and water when he was struck by a pipe just after 12:30pm AEST.

Police and ambulance services from Charters Towers attempted to revive the man using CPR but failed and he died at the scene.

A spokeswoman for the mines owner, Newmont, said there was no further risk to other employees.

Mine investigators are on site.


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#438 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Sat Mar 8, 2003 9:37 pm
Subject: Alaska Mine worker treated for burns 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 

Article Published: Saturday, March 08, 2003 - 3:06:27 AM AKST

 

Alaska Mine worker treated for burns
By KYLE HOPKINS
The Steese Area Volunteer Fire Department transported a 30-year-old Fort Knox Mine employee to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital early Friday morning for treatment of second-degree burns to the neck, face, right arm and chest.

The cause of the accident was unclear Friday afternoon, though Fort Knox employees told firefighters the man was burned by hot steam, said Nicholas Rich, Steese fire chief.

Located near Cleary Summit, Fort Knox Mine is roughly 26 miles north of Fairbanks.

Firefighters received a report of the accident at 12:43 a.m. and arrived at the mine at 1:14 a.m. The patient was on an ambulance en route to FMH by 1:35 a.m.

Doug Bowen, a Vacaville, Calif., supervisor for the Mine Safety and Health Administration, said the accident was minor and the organization--which monitors mining industry health and safety regulations--does not plan to investigate.

Firefighters declined to identify the worker. Repeated attempts to contact a Fort Knox spokesperson Friday were unsuccessful.

Fort Knox workers trained as emergency medical technicians helped lessen the injuries by immediately running cold water over the burns, Rich said.

"Their security and their first aid people are always right there, ready, willing and able to lend a hand," the chief said. "They did an outstanding job out there."


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#439 From: johnnie rotten <johnnie1_99@...>
Date: Sun Mar 9, 2003 4:46 pm
Subject: Re: [USMRA] Mine Rescue 		JOHNNIE1_99
Send Email Send Email
  
Hi Kelly. I am not really sure what kind of mine you
are referring to, and maybe one of the more
knowledgeable guys will help you out, but would like
to pass along a few comments. Based on my limited
knowledge of your situation, here goes:
The main gases I would be concerned about would be
methane and hydrogen sulphide. Of course, depending on
the host material (what they were mining) could add to
the list. Certain gases will go into solution given
the right conditions, and some gases, H2S and SO2 for
example are usually found in water. Depending on how
the water will be handled can also make a difference.
I have seen H2S accumulate to high concentrations in
the oil industry, basically because they recycle the
water into holding tanks. The main thing to remember
is that any gas if exposed to enough air will become
less toxic or explosive as the mixing with air takes
place. This is where you have to decide where your
risk is. If it is a risk to people breathing the air,
there is the possibility of using SCBA. If it is a
risk of explosion, you can help eliminate risk by
using intrinsically safe testing and/or pumping
equipment. The key is proper ventilation and knowing
the results of what your ventilation is going to do.
You would not want to use a local ventilation set-up
and pump your return air near an area where people are
located, or onto a propane torch etc. If you are able
to get an idea of what gases may be present, you would
be able to study the properties of them, ie.
solubility, specific gravity, toxcicity and explosive
ranges. Managed carefully nothing is impossible. We
have companies who routinely make all kinds of wild
products but with due care and handling they don't
pose a risk.
Hope this babble makes sense, and possibly someone
will have a contrary position. There are tons of good
resources out there, and if you need, drop me a line
and I can maybe point you in the right direction.
Regards,
Frank Falkevitch CRSP
--- kr <krawllins@...> wrote:
> I am looking for information on mine rescue and
> working around
> mines.  I am a fire fighter in an area where the
> mines were abandoned
> in 1900 and have been full of water from a rock
> quarry since 1970.
> They are now talking about draining the quarry which
> would drain our
> mines.  Also, I read that water from mines should
> not be disturbed
> because it could cause a release of mine gases that
> are dissolved in
> the water.  Would we be able to draft, suck out
> hundreds of gallons
> of water, from this or should we consider it unsafe.
>
> Any information about working around mines and what
> we could expect
> if the mines were drained would be extremely
> helpful.
>
> Kelly
>
>


__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, more
http://taxes.yahoo.com/

Reply | Messages in this Topic (6)
#440 From: "Black, Dick" <dblack@...>
Date: Thu Mar 13, 2003 5:03 pm
Subject: RE: [USMRA] Mine Rescue 		gasman0803
Send Email Send Email
 
Kelly,
    Re: the old mines drainage problem.
1. Re: explosive hazards:  If the quarry and mine were for limestone, it is highly unlikely (but not impossible) that you will run into methane.  Methane (CH4 or natural gas) can occur in any underground strata, but is much less likely in limestone.  If the rock quarry and the underground mine were for different minerals, or if the material was something like shale or slate then you want to be extremely cautious while draining the underground mine.  If there are fractured strata above or below the old underground workings it is possible for methane to bleed into the air space of the old workings.  If they are totally roofed with water they will not have methane in the water, but pressure differentials upon draining the water could allow methane seepage.  As was already mentioned, precautionary measures such as using intrinsically safe or explosionproof equipment are in order, as is monitoring for combustible gases as you create air space in the old workings.
2. Re: dissolved toxic gases:  It is very likely that you could have some dissolved H2S in the old standing water.  H2S is created from decaying organic materials, and as surface water can have micro-organisms and other organic materials, H2S may be present.  The hazard of this reveals itself when the water is disturbed; i.e; pumping, stirring or even walking through it.  The H2S will be liberated into the atmosphere at the point of exit or outfall from a pump discharge, or where it is stirred up sufficiently in the atmosphere.  As long as the pump outfall is in a well ventilated open area, and people do not spend much time near the hose outfall, you will probably be safe.  However, monitoring for H2S would still be recommended.
3. Re oxygen defficiency and other toxics:  Even though ambient air will flush into the underground workings as they are drained, you cannot assume that the would be safe for entry, even for a brief inspection once drained.  There are many hazards, above and beyond the atmospheric ones associated with abandoned mine workings, and they should never be entered except by highly trained mined rescue professionals.  However, even with respect to the atmosphere, it may not be safe.  Newly exposed surfaces, that have been in contact with only water for many years, can react with air to create oxygen deficient  or other toxic conditions. 
    For more information on mine gases and gas detection equipment, contact me directly at dblack@...
Dick
-----Original Message-----
From: kr [mailto:krawllins@...]
Sent: Friday, March 07, 2003 12:31 PM
To: MineRescue@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [USMRA] Mine Rescue

I am looking for information on mine rescue and working around
mines.  I am a fire fighter in an area where the mines were abandoned
in 1900 and have been full of water from a rock quarry since 1970. 
They are now talking about draining the quarry which would drain our
mines.  Also, I read that water from mines should not be disturbed
because it could cause a release of mine gases that are dissolved in
the water.  Would we be able to draft, suck out hundreds of gallons
of water, from this or should we consider it unsafe.

Any information about working around mines and what we could expect
if the mines were drained would be extremely helpful.

Kelly



To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
MineRescue-unsubscribe@egroups.com



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (6)
#441 From: "Mwansa, William" <william.mwansa@...>
Date: Fri Mar 14, 2003 10:17 am
Subject: BG174 AND BG4 BREATHING APPARATUS 		mwansaw
Send Email Send Email
  
Iam a Mine Rescuer with Konkola Copper Mines plc at Nchanga Underground mine. We
are currently using the BG174 breathing apparatus in rescue operations and it
has been decided that we do away with this type of set and go for the BG4 sets.
In case of a mine flooding, which one of the two will be most idea for a rescue
team?


William.

E-mail: william.mwansa@...

DISCLAIMER: This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are
addressed. If you have received this email in error please let me know by email
reply and delete it from your system. Please note that any views or opinions
presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of Konkola Copper Mines plc. Finally, the recipient should check
this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Konkola Copper Mines
plc accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this
email.

DISCLAIMER: This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are
addressed. If you have received this email in error please let us know by email
reply and delete it from your system. Please note that any views or opinions
presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of Konkola Copper Mines plc. Finally, the recipient should check
this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Konkola Copper Mines
plc accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this
email.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
#442 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Sat Mar 15, 2003 6:43 am
Subject: Three miners killed in accident in Ukraine 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 
According to latest reports, three miners killed in accident in Ukraine
KYIV. March 9 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Three miners were killed by falling rock in the Krasnolimanskaya mine in the town of Rodinskoye, in Ukraine's Donetsk region.

The bodies of two miners have been brought to the surface and work is under way to recover another from the debris, the Ministry for Emergency Situations reported to Interfax on Sunday.

It was reported that at about 5:20 p.m. on Saturday, a pit collapsed 450 meters underground, burying seven miners. Four were found and evacuated to safety. One of them was badly injured.

An investigation is under way.

About 30 miners have been died in Ukrainian mines since the beginning of the year.


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#443 From: "smokeater4pa" <breski@...>
Date: Tue Mar 18, 2003 10:51 pm
Subject: Re: BG174 AND BG4 BREATHING APPARATUS 		smokeater4pa
Send Email Send Email
  
You could check with rob for sure but it is my understanding that
although the bg-4 is more user user friendly and comfortable ,
neither can go completely under water.

smokeater4pa
--- In MineRescue@yahoogroups.com, "Mwansa, William"
<william.mwansa@k...> wrote:
> Iam a Mine Rescuer with Konkola Copper Mines plc at Nchanga
Underground mine. We are currently using the BG174 breathing
apparatus in rescue operations and it has been decided that we do
away with this type of set and go for the BG4 sets.
> In case of a mine flooding, which one of the two will be most idea
for a rescue team?
>
>
> William.
>
> E-mail: william.mwansa@k...
>
> DISCLAIMER: This email and any files transmitted with it are
confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or
entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in
error please let me know by email reply and delete it from your
system. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this
email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent
those of Konkola Copper Mines plc. Finally, the recipient should
check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses.
Konkola Copper Mines plc accepts no liability for any damage caused
by any virus transmitted by this email.
>
> DISCLAIMER: This email and any files transmitted with it are
confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or
entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in
error please let us know by email reply and delete it from your
system. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this
email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent
those of Konkola Copper Mines plc. Finally, the recipient should
check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses.
Konkola Copper Mines plc accepts no liability for any damage caused
by any virus transmitted by this email.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
#444 From: "smokeater4pa" <breski@...>
Date: Tue Mar 18, 2003 10:51 pm
Subject: Re: BG174 AND BG4 BREATHING APPARATUS 		smokeater4pa
Send Email Send Email
  
You could check with rob for sure but it is my understanding that
although the bg-4 is more user user friendly and comfortable ,
neither can go completely under water.

smokeater4pa
--- In MineRescue@yahoogroups.com, "Mwansa, William"
<william.mwansa@k...> wrote:
> Iam a Mine Rescuer with Konkola Copper Mines plc at Nchanga
Underground mine. We are currently using the BG174 breathing
apparatus in rescue operations and it has been decided that we do
away with this type of set and go for the BG4 sets.
> In case of a mine flooding, which one of the two will be most idea
for a rescue team?
>
>
> William.
>
> E-mail: william.mwansa@k...
>
> DISCLAIMER: This email and any files transmitted with it are
confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or
entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in
error please let me know by email reply and delete it from your
system. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this
email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent
those of Konkola Copper Mines plc. Finally, the recipient should
check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses.
Konkola Copper Mines plc accepts no liability for any damage caused
by any virus transmitted by this email.
>
> DISCLAIMER: This email and any files transmitted with it are
confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or
entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in
error please let us know by email reply and delete it from your
system. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this
email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent
those of Konkola Copper Mines plc. Finally, the recipient should
check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses.
Konkola Copper Mines plc accepts no liability for any damage caused
by any virus transmitted by this email.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
#445 From: "smokeater4pa" <breski@...>
Date: Tue Mar 18, 2003 10:56 pm
Subject: god bless the troops 		smokeater4pa
Send Email Send Email
  
having a son in the Air Force who just completed a tour in Saudia
Arabia, I would like to take time to wish all American troops
wherever they are in the world good luck and come home safe and
sound.
smokeater4pa

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#446 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Wed Mar 19, 2003 9:15 am
Subject: Ukrainian miners' underground strike enters third week, two miners dead in accidents 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Ukrainian miners' underground strike enters third week, two miners dead in accidents
Tue Mar 18,11:06 AM ET

KIEV, Ukraine - An underground strike by dozens of Ukrainian miners entered its third week while others launched a hunger strike demanding the government pay millions of dollars in back wages, the union said Tuesday.

 

Thirty of the 58 miners who stopped working at the Krepinska mine in the eastern Luhansk region on March 4 continued their subterranean protest and 13 others started a hunger strike "several days ago", said Mykhailo Volynets, leader of the Ukrainian Miners' Independent Trade Union.

The miners are demanding some three million hryvna (US$564,000) in wages that have remained unpaid for several months, higher monthly pay and a halt to the government's program to transform the former Soviet republic's 200 state-owned mines into 21 joint-stock companies.

Fourteen miners ended their hunger strike at the Bendyuzka mine in the western Lviv region last week after the government promised to meet their demands, Volynets said.

Meanwhile, one miner died when the ceiling of a mine shaft collapsed some 360 meters (1181 feet) underground at the Noviyvolynska mine in the Hrybovytsya-Ivanychyvsk district on Monday, said Ihor Krol of the Emergency Situations Ministry.

A second miner died Monday after an electric locomotive struck him in the Ternivska mine in the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, Krol said. Two other men were hospitalized with injuries from the accident.

Ukraine's mines are considered among the world's most deadly due to high concentrations of methane gas, frequent violations of safety rules and outdated equipment.

More than 250 miners died on the job in Ukraine last year, the Interfax news agency reported.


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#447 From: "Rob McGee 1" <usmra@...>
Date: Wed Mar 19, 2003 9:45 am
Subject: Re: [USMRA] Re: BG174 AND BG4 BREATHING APPARATUS 		usmra
Send Email Send Email
 
Righto.  Although I'm a little gun shy commenting on the great work capable of mine rescue teams, I can state, without a doubt - DO NOT TRAVEL UNDERWATER - not intended for this use - WARNING - DANGER, ETC.
 
But if you must . . . then I'd think the BG4 would be the apparatus of choice.
 
Perhaps BG4 or BioMarine240 users can help out and explain why this might be possible.
 
Oddly enough, one of the tests performed on the Aerorlox SCBA was to completely submerge the unit in water observing for leaks.  Go figure.  If you can get past all the negatives of this apparatus, and you ever have the opportunity to wear it, you'd make the Aerorlox your #1 pick.  Cool, Comfortable, dependable, and reliable (and all those other -able words).  We used to train with the Aero 2 times a year, and I can honestly say I looked forward to it - it was fun.
 
Rob
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2003 5:51 PM
Subject: [USMRA] Re: BG174 AND BG4 BREATHING APPARATUS

You could check with rob for sure but it is my understanding that
although the bg-4 is more user user friendly and comfortable ,
neither can go completely under water.

smokeater4pa
--- In MineRescue@yahoogroups.com, "Mwansa, William"
<william.mwansa@k...> wrote:
> Iam a Mine Rescuer with Konkola Copper Mines plc at Nchanga
Underground mine. We are currently using the BG174 breathing
apparatus in rescue operations and it has been decided that we do
away with this type of set and go for the BG4 sets.
> In case of a mine flooding, which one of the two will be most idea
for a rescue team?
>
>
> William.
>
> E-mail:      william.mwansa@k...
>
> DISCLAIMER: This email and any files transmitted with it are
confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or
entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in
error please let me know by email reply and delete it from your
system. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this
email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent
those of Konkola Copper Mines plc. Finally, the recipient should
check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses.
Konkola Copper Mines plc accepts no liability for any damage caused
by any virus transmitted by this email.
>
> DISCLAIMER: This email and any files transmitted with it are
confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or
entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in
error please let us know by email reply and delete it from your
system. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this
email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent
those of Konkola Copper Mines plc. Finally, the recipient should
check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses.
Konkola Copper Mines plc accepts no liability for any damage caused
by any virus transmitted by this email.



To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
MineRescue-unsubscribe@egroups.com



Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
#448 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Wed Mar 19, 2003 10:49 am
Subject: One killed, 2 missing in Ukraine mine collapse 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 

One killed, 2 missing in Ukraine mine collapse

Agence France-Presse
Published 2:15 p.m. PST Sunday, March 9, 2003

MOSCOW (AFP) - One miner died and two were missing when a coal mine collapsed in eastern Ukraine, a spokesman for the Ukrainian emergencies ministry said Sunday.

Rescuers pulled four other men out of the mine pit alive, the Interfax news agency quoted the spokesman as saying.

The incident occurred late Saturday in the town of Rodinskoye, in the eastern Donbass region, the spokesman added.

Three miners were killed in a mine blast in the same area earlier this year, and more than 200 died in accidents in Ukraine last year.

Some 600,000 people work in Ukraine's 200 notoriously accident-prone mines, most of them located in the Donbass region.

Last August President Leonid Kuchma pledged to close down unsafe mines in an industry plagued by outdated equipment and underfunding.

Some 20,000 miners went on strike throughout Ukraine Wednesday to protest the non-payment of salaries, poor working conditions and a government policy aiming to close down non-profitable mines.


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#449 From: <sweethearts_man@...>
Date: Wed Mar 19, 2003 10:48 pm
Subject: Re: [USMRA] Re: BG174 AND BG4 BREATHING APPARATUS 		sweethearts_man
Send Email Send Email
  
Hey Rob and all at USMRA:

As I was taught in mine rescue over the years the
reason the units are not used for travel underground
has primarily to do two items, one is that SCBA or
(Self contained breathing apparatus) like the  Bg4 and
biomarine 240-s units use pure oxygen to  suppliment
breathing in a closed circuit, verses compressed air
which is a combination of natural air gases of
nitrogen , oxygen and other atmospheric gas used in
SCUBA(self contained underwater breathing apparatus).
Secondly the  SCBA units are not designed to go below
one atmosphere in submerged water. The reason for this
has to do more with developing nitrogen gases (or
called the bends)that can be developed in the blood
stream by using pure oxygen at depths below one
atmosphere that can make these unit lethal to life.
This same effect wearing Scuba gear for underwater use
is minumized by using compressed air which gives
better blood gas transition in the lungs. In addition
most of the relief valves, and breathing bag
reservoirs in the units are not rated for use below
one atmosphere where external water pressure can
affect the preformance of these  chambers, and valves,
affecting the life of the user. In addition
conventional scuba gear devices do not recycle
breathed gas as SCBA do. And vents to atmosphere gases
breathed only once.  Althought there are closed
circuit SCUBA devices, additional gases are used in
addition to compressed air such at helium.  This is
what I've be schooled at over the years.  I hope this
may answer some reasons why these units are  not
designed for total submersion for extended periods of
time.

Pat Gazewood
patpenn1@...
--- Rob McGee 1 <usmra@...> wrote:
> Righto.  Although I'm a little gun shy commenting on
> the great work capable of mine rescue teams, I can
> state, without a doubt - DO NOT TRAVEL UNDERWATER -
> not intended for this use - WARNING - DANGER, ETC.
>
> But if you must . . . then I'd think the BG4 would
> be the apparatus of choice.
>
> Perhaps BG4 or BioMarine240 users can help out and
> explain why this might be possible.
>
> Oddly enough, one of the tests performed on the
> Aerorlox SCBA was to completely submerge the unit in
> water observing for leaks.  Go figure.  If you can
> get past all the negatives of this apparatus, and
> you ever have the opportunity to wear it, you'd make
> the Aerorlox your #1 pick.  Cool, Comfortable,
> dependable, and reliable (and all those other -able
> words).  We used to train with the Aero 2 times a
> year, and I can honestly say I looked forward to it
> - it was fun.
>
> Rob
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: smokeater4pa
>   To: MineRescue@yahoogroups.com
>   Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2003 5:51 PM
>   Subject: [USMRA] Re: BG174 AND BG4 BREATHING
> APPARATUS
>
>
>   You could check with rob for sure but it is my
> understanding that
>   although the bg-4 is more user user friendly and
> comfortable ,
>   neither can go completely under water.
>
>   smokeater4pa
>   --- In MineRescue@yahoogroups.com, "Mwansa,
> William"
>   <william.mwansa@k...> wrote:
>   > Iam a Mine Rescuer with Konkola Copper Mines plc
> at Nchanga
>   Underground mine. We are currently using the BG174
> breathing
>   apparatus in rescue operations and it has been
> decided that we do
>   away with this type of set and go for the BG4
> sets.
>   > In case of a mine flooding, which one of the two
> will be most idea
>   for a rescue team?
>   >
>   >
>   > William.
>   >
>   > E-mail:      william.mwansa@k...
>   >
>   > DISCLAIMER: This email and any files transmitted
> with it are
>   confidential and intended solely for the use of
> the individual or
>   entity to whom they are addressed. If you have
> received this email in
>   error please let me know by email reply and delete
> it from your
>   system. Please note that any views or opinions
> presented in this
>   email are solely those of the author and do not
> necessarily represent
>   those of Konkola Copper Mines plc. Finally, the
> recipient should
>   check this email and any attachments for the
> presence of viruses.
>   Konkola Copper Mines plc accepts no liability for
> any damage caused
>   by any virus transmitted by this email.
>   >
>   > DISCLAIMER: This email and any files transmitted
> with it are
>   confidential and intended solely for the use of
> the individual or
>   entity to whom they are addressed. If you have
> received this email in
>   error please let us know by email reply and delete
> it from your
>   system. Please note that any views or opinions
> presented in this
>   email are solely those of the author and do not
> necessarily represent
>   those of Konkola Copper Mines plc. Finally, the
> recipient should
>   check this email and any attachments for the
> presence of viruses.
>   Konkola Copper Mines plc accepts no liability for
> any damage caused
>   by any virus transmitted by this email.
>
>
>         Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
>               ADVERTISEMENT
>
>
>
>
>   To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>   MineRescue-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>
>
>   Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo!
> Terms of Service.
>


__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop!
http://platinum.yahoo.com

Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
#450 From: Rescue1UK@...
Date: Fri Mar 21, 2003 5:02 am
Subject: Re: [USMRA] Re: BG174 AND BG4 BREATHING APPARATUS 		rescue1uk2000
Send Email Send Email
 
Greetings fellow rescuemen,

Up until approximately 5 years ago, every mines rescue team man in the UK would take part in an annual underwater training (up to a depth of 12 feet, 4m) in closed circuit oxygen BA. This was because of a serious water innundation here in the UK where 7 miners were killed, rescue teams had to operate in water filled workings for some time. It was then deemed everyone should get the chance to train for the eventuality.
I personally wore the Seibe Gorman "Proto" many times in a training pool, and was one of the first ever to use the positive pressure Sabre "SEFA" underwater, and can say its great fun, including acrobatics.
Part of any EN (European Norm) BA standard such as the Drager BG4 is that "it should continue to function if accidentally or temporarily submerged to a depth of 2m".
Pure Oxygen BA should not be used below 33 feet because of the already stated narcosis problems, other problems are excess pressure build up in bag and mask.
The lower the relief valve is positioned, the better for a BA, as it will not constantly flow out.
Problems for BG4 will be the electronics, unless they are IP68. Looking at the sender box, I don't think it would survive submersion, you would then lose your "Monitron" facility.
I'll let you know about BG174 when I get chance to try it.

Again up until about 10 years ago, all BA here would be emersion tested in water as Bob pointed out, to look for leaks, we still do this if it fails its test kit test and you cant find where that darn leak is coming from!!!
I used the Aerorlox liquid oxygen set until about 88', and yes, it was probably the best set ever produced.

Brian

Brian Robinson
mines rescue consultant
Great Britain

Reply | Messages in this Topic (3)
#451 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Sat Mar 22, 2003 11:27 am
Subject: Grant helps cash-strapped fire departments improve 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 

Grant helps cash-strapped fire departments improve

By CHRISTINA REDEKOPP - The Herald-Dispatch

March 16, 2003

WAYNE -- About 35 people from fire departments across the Tri-State attended a workshop Saturday to learn about a competitive federal firefighters grant program and the application process.

The Wayne Fire Department was one of four West Virginia locations this month that offered free workshops sponsored by the U.S. Fire Administration and the West Virginia State Fire Marshal.

In an effort to help cash-strapped local fire departments, U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., secured $745 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in the Fiscal Year 2003 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, according to a news release from Byrd’s office.

The legislation recently was signed into law.

"The men and women who make up these organizations are always ready to answer the call," Byrd said in the news release. "Yet, this vigilance carries a price tag that is growing too quickly for many communities to afford."

The federal grant program provides assistance to local fire departments and fire service organizations across the nation.

The grants can be used to improve fire operations, conduct firefighter safety training and purchase equipment.

In 2002, the program provided more than $4 million to 57 fire departments in West Virginia, but applications from the state constituted only 1.1 percent of awards presented nationwide, according to the news release.

"This area could definitely use some funding from the federal level," said Capt. Todd Ferguson with the Wayne Fire Department.

In the past, the Wayne Fire Department applied for funds for a new truck but did not receive an award, Ferguson said.

This year, with help from the workshop, the department hopes to receive funds for breathing apparatuses for firefighters, as well as health and fitness and fire prevention programs, Ferguson said.

For more information, call the program’s toll-free helpline at (866) 274-0960 or visit the USFA Web site at www.usfa.fema.gov.


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#452 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Sun Mar 23, 2003 9:26 am
Subject: 28 killed, 44 trapped in gas explosion in coal mine in northern China 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 
28 killed, 44 trapped in gas explosion in coal mine in northern China
Canadian Press

Sunday, March 23, 2003
BEIJING (AP) - A gas explosion in a coal mine in northern China killed 28 people and trapped 44 others, an official said Sunday.

Eighty-seven people were working in the Mengnanzhuang mine in Shanxi province when the blast occurred Saturday afternoon, said a rescue official, who only gave his surname, Zhang. Fifteen miners survived the accident in the city of Xiaoyi, he said. "So far, it's difficult to predict whether the trapped miners can be saved," Zhang said. Officials were still investigating the cause of the explosion at the privately owned mine, which had a license to operate, he said.

China's mining industry is one of the world's deadliest. More than 5,000 deaths were reported last year in coal mines. Many of the accidents were blamed on a lack of fire and ventilation equipment in small, often illegally run mines.


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#453 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Mon Mar 24, 2003 8:55 pm
Subject: Four Ukrainian miners killed in accidents 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Four Ukrainian miners killed in accidents
Mon Mar 24, 5:12 AM ET

KIEV, Ukraine - Mine shafts collapsed at two coal mines in eastern Ukraine, killing three miners, and a fourth miner died after falling into a coal chute, an official said Monday.

Two miners were working about 750 meters (2,500 feet) underground at the Zhovtnevyi Rudnyk mine in the Donetsk region Sunday when the shaft collapsed and killed them, said Ihor Krol of the Emergency Situations Ministry.

Another miner was killed early Monday when the roof caved in a shaft at the 50 Years of the Soviet Union mine in the Luhansk region.

A fourth miner died at the Novopavlivska mine in the eastern town of Krasniy Luch after falling into a chute during cleaning operations. The miner violated safety regulations, the Emergency Ministry said in a statement.

Ukraine's mines are considered among the world's most deadly due to high concentrations of methane gas, lack of funds to upgrade equipment and frequent safety rules violations.

At least 49 miners have died in accidents this year; more than 3,700 have died since 1991.


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#454 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Wed Mar 26, 2003 1:01 am
Subject: N. China Mine Explosion Death Toll Climbs to 60 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, March 26, 2003

N. China Mine Explosion Death Toll Climbs to 60

A total of 60 bodies have been retrieved from the debris of a coal mine in northern China's Shanxi Province following Saturday's gas explosion.
 
Nine rescue teams involving nearly 100 people have been workingaround the clock since the deadly explosion occurred in the Mengnanzhuang coal mine early Saturday afternoon.

Of the eighty-seven miners in the mine at the time of the blast,11 miners escaped unharmed, four have been rescued and 12 are still missing.

Central government and local officials are on the scene supervising rescue efforts.

The Shanxi provincial government has ordered all coal mines to cease operations starting Sunday, given that this blast was the third in the region with a death toll above 10 since February.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#455 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Wed Mar 26, 2003 1:06 am
Subject: 500 feared dead in Diwalwal (Phillipines) cave-in 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 
03/25/2003
500 feared dead in Diwalwal (Phillipines) cave-in
By Priscila A. Arias

About 500 small and medium scale miners were feared dead after a multiple cave-in occurred in the gold rush area of Mt. Diwalwal in Moncayo, Compostela Valley province, the other day.

Reports reaching the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Quezon City said 17 miners were rescued while the rest, many of them migrants from the Visayas, were still unaccounted for. The Natural Resources Development Corp. and the Bureau of Mines and Geosciences are set to conduct their own investigations of the accident.

Presidential Assistant for Mindanao Jesus Dureza reported that the caves, identified as SW670 belonging to the Australia Mining Corp., a group owned by local policemen in the area, were completely sealed off by rocks and boulders as of yesterday. The firm has more than 10,000 workers and about 500 of them are still missing and feared dead.

The cave-in occurred after timber and posts supporting the caves broke down forcing the soil and rocks to seal entrances and conduit routes to several adjacent caves.

According to the report, about 500 miners were trapped in the tunnel and only 17 were able to free themselves from the rushing rocks and debris.

Among the rescued workers were Allan Santos, Bert Caber, Ricky Marangit, Reynante Banduan, Eddie Roxas, Ricky Suringa, Nelson Pamin, Rogelio Lampira, Ronaldo Ligo, Archie Baguio, Roy Marurot, Raffy Traya, Samanter Ortigas, Carmelo San Juan, Bryan Epno, Cornelio Roselia and Sergio Bulaong. The families of those who were feared dead have been given P3,000 each by their employer, a report said.

It was learned that the tunnels have been declared as an off-limits zone by the DENR since last year and mining activities in the area are prohibited, but this rule which was apparently disregarded by the mine owners.

The gold rush site has so far claimed more than 5,500 lives since mining activities started in the area in 1996.

Mt. Diwalwal, which has so far produced gold worth more than P30 billion, has been the subject of many controversies, some of them now pending in courts. The gold rush site produces an average of 1,000 tons of toxic and hazardous wastes, most of them mercury which has adversely affected the health of downstream residents and has gravely polluted farms and waterways.


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#456 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Fri Mar 28, 2003 12:17 pm
Subject: Death Toll in North China Mine Explosion Rises to 62 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 
Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, March 26, 2003

Death Toll in North China Mine Explosion Rises to 62

Two more bodies have been recovered from the debris of a coal mine in north China's Shanxi Province, bringing the death toll from a weekend gas explosion to 62.
 
Ten miners are still missing, according to rescuers, who have been working around the clock since the blast occurred in the Mengnanzhuang mine in Xiaoyi city of Luliang Prefecture early Saturday afternoon.

Xiaoyi city has sent 110 officials to deal with the aftermath of the accident.

Central government and local officials are on the scene supervising rescue efforts, which are continuing.

The Shanxi provincial government ordered all coal mines in Luliang Prefecture to cease operations from Sunday, given that the blast was the third in the region to kill more than 10 people since February.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#457 From: "Rob McGee" <usmra@...>
Date: Fri Mar 28, 2003 12:22 pm
Subject: Seven miners buried alive in India mine collapse 		usmra@...
Send Email Send Email
 
March 28, 2003
Seven miners buried alive in India mine collapse
 
GUWAHATI, India: At least seven miners were killed after being trapped inside a coal pit when a section of mine collapsed in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya, sources said Friday.

The accident occurred at the remote Nongalbibra Coalfields in South Garo Hill district, 350 kilometres (218 miles) from Meghalaya capital Shillong, said a police spokesman. The miners were buried alive while digging a pit when a huge chunk of land caved in followed by gushing water, trapping all of them, he said.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
Messages 428 - 457 of 9527   Oldest  |  < Older  |  Newer >  |  Newest
Add to My Yahoo!      XML What's This?
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Guidelines NEW - Help