mining and quarrying coal mine quarry. mining vs. quarrying - though the words "mining"...

Mining and QuarryingMining and Quarrying

Coal Mine Quarry

Mining vs. QuarryingMining vs. Quarrying

- Though the words "mining" and "quarrying" often are used interchangeably, they are separate words with separate but closely related meanings.

- Mining, strictly speaking, is the practice of extracting minerals from pits or excavations. Quarrying is the surface-mining of limestone, sandstone and other materials.

MiningMining

Many rocks and minerals must be mined in order to extract the valuable elements they contain

Geologists use the term “ORE” to describe a mineral deposit large enough and pure enough to be mined for a profit.

An Introduction to Coal MiningAn Introduction to Coal Mining

What is Coal?What is Coal?

Coal is a combustible, black sedimentary rock composed predominantly of carbon. It is formed out of plant matter that accumulated at the bottom of swamps millions of years ago, during the Carboniferous Period. At this time, the earth's climate was extremely favorable for plant growth.

How Did Coal Form?How Did Coal Form?

Organic matter accumulated in stagnant swamps which were low in oxygen and thus inhibited decomposition. Eventually, seas rose or the land subsided and the swamps were submerged. Sand, clay and other debris at the bottom of the seas buried the organic material.

How Did Coal Form?How Did Coal Form?

Over thousands of years, the organic material was compacted under the weight of the overlying sediments and was transformed into coal (Figure 1). Coal deposits are now found buried beneath layers of sandstone, limestone and shale all over the world.

How Does Coal Form?How Does Coal Form?

Peat

Lignite

Bituminous

Anthractite

Where Coal is Found in the United States

Where Coal is Found in the United States

Where Coal is Found in Pennsylvania




Anthracite Coal Fields in Eastern Pennsylvania

Coal and Its UseCoal and Its Use - Last year 93% of mined

coal is used by electric utility companies.

- Coal is also used to make plastic and steel.

- Coal can be burned just as it comes from the ground or converted into liquid and used in traditional gasoline engines.

Mining CoalMining Coal - Last year 67% of the

coal was produced from surface mines and 33% from underground mines.

- In the last 20 years mines have become larger but fewer in number.

Coal Mine Productivity by Type 2008-2013Coal Mine Productivity by Type 2008-2013

U.S. Coal Production by Type 2013U.S. Coal Production by Type 2013

Early Coal Mining in U.S.Early Coal Mining in U.S.

Modern Coal Mining in U.S.Modern Coal Mining in U.S.

Types of MiningTypes of Mining The mining method used to extract a particular

mineral deposit depends on the type of deposit and the economics involved with extraction

When the deposit occurs in veins or beds that extend deep into the Earth’s crust or when the overburden (overlying soil and rocks) is very thick, underground mining methods are required. When the deposits are near the surface, surface mining methods such as open pit or quarrying may be most efficient.

Types of Modern MiningTypes of Modern MiningSurface Mining

Surface Mining is accomplished by the removal of overburden from the coal seam and then blasting and removing the coal. Area surface mines are usually located in flat terrains, while contour mining occurs in mountainous terrain and follows the coal seam along the side of a the hill. Open pit mining is usually found where coal seams are think, reaching depths of several hundred feet.

Surface Mining EquipmentSurface Mining EquipmentDragline

Surface Mining EquipmentSurface Mining EquipmentLarge Capacity Dump Truck

Types of Modern Coal Mining

Types of Modern Coal Mining

Underground Mining This drawing depicts the three types of underground

mines – shaft mines, slope mines, and drift mines. The decision of what type of mine to construct depends on the depth of the coal seam and the surrounding terrain.

Almost all underground mines are less than 1000 feet deep, but some mines reach depths of 2000 feet.

Types of Underground Mining

Types of Underground Mining

Most underground coal is mined by the room and pillar method, whereby rooms are cut into the coal bed leaving a series of pillars, or columns of coal, to help support the mine roof and control the flow of air.

Underground Mining EquipmentUnderground Mining Equipment

Continuous Mining Machine

Underground Mining EquipmentUnderground Mining Equipment

Coal Conveyors

Coal Mining in PennsylvaniaCoal Mining in Pennsylvania

Coal mining in PA began in the mid-1700’s and fueled the colonial iron industry

PA is now the 4th largest coal producer

Two kinds of coal are mined in PA – anthracite and Bituminous

Over 64.5 million tons of bituminous coal were mined in 2006 and 1.5 tons of anthracite.

Bituminous Coal Mining in PA

Bituminous Coal Mining in PA

10 billion tons of Bituminous Coal have been produced in PA during over 200 years of mining

Geologic history in PA resulted in nearly flat layers of bituminous coal deposits in western PA. In between layers of coal are layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone

Bituminous Coal in PABituminous Coal in PA

Anthracite Coal Mining in PA

Anthracite Coal Mining in PA

All of the nation’s anthracite coal is found in eastern PA.

Anthracite coal seams are locked in the folded layers of rock that make up the geology of northeastern PA.

The geology often made it difficult to mine.

Anthracite Coal in PAAnthracite Coal in PA

Anthracite Coal in PAAnthracite Coal in PA Anthracite production in PA reached

its peak in 1917 when more than 100 million tons of coal were mined from underground operations in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton region.

Large scale underground mining essentially ended in 1959 when in this region as a result of the Knox Mine Flood.

The Susquehanna River literally disappeared into the mines. The Lehigh Valley Railroad was relocated to move 30 rail cars and 400 mine cars to plug the hole caused by the breakthrough.

Environmental Problems Environmental Problems Coal mining disturbs large

quantities of land and can cause severe environmental problems if they are not addressed. Erosion can cause streams to become clogged with sediment. Top soil can be lost. Sulfur-bearing (Pyrite) rocks can cause acid mine drainage. And, if left unreclaimed, a mine can leave dangerous highwalls and many years of off site pollution problems. The photo to the left looks like typical farmland; however, just five years before it was an active surface mine that has been reclaimed.

Regulating Coal Mining to Prevent Environmental

Problems


Problems The Surface Mining

Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, the law that regulates coal mining throughout the country, established a coordinated effort between the states and the federal government to prevent the abuses that had characterized surface coal mining in the past.

Acid Mine Drainage


Problems


Problems Mine Tailings

The Law provides authority to regulate active coal mining and fund reclamation of abandoned mine problems. In addition, Congress recognized that mining could damage unique cultural and natural resources and the Law prohibits mining that would destroy them. The Law also provides citizens with special responsibilities in carrying out the enforcement.

What is Acid Mine Drainage?


AMD results when the mineral pyrite (FeS2) is exposed to air and water, resulting in the formation of sulfuric acid and iron hydroxide

FeS2 + O2 + H2O Fe(OH)3 + H2SO4

Pyrite is commonly present in coal seams and in the rock layers overlying coal seams. AMD formation occurs during surface mining when the overlying rocks are broken and removed to get to the coal. It can also occur in deep mines which allow the entry of oxygen to pyrite-bearing coal seams



The products of AMD formation, acidity and iron, can devastate water resources by lowering the pH and coating stream bottoms with iron hydroxide, forming the familiar orange colored “yellow boy” common in areas with AMD.

Many areas also naturally occurring limestone (CaCO3) deposits which neutralizes acidity.

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) cannot issue a permit for new coal mining where it is determined mining will cause acid mine drainage.

Acid Mine DrainageAcid Mine Drainage

Acid Mine DrainageAcid Mine Drainage Yellow boy

in a stream receiving acid drainage from surface coal mining.

Reclaiming Mined AreasReclaiming Mined Areas In addition to regulating

active mines the Surface Mining Law provides funding to reclaim mines abandoned before passage of the Law. Funding for this reclamation program comes from a tax paid by active mine operators on each ton of coal mined. Since there are so many abandoned mine problems, those that pose a danger to the health and safety of people are given the highest priority for reclamation.The photo below shows a very dangerous abandoned mine opening.

Pre-Surface Mining Law Photos (1977)


Mining without reclamation This site was mined and left unreclaimed in the early 1970's. It was a contour mine that followed the coal outcrop around the mountain. The mine operator only excavated into the hillside about 100 feet, the point where it was uneconomical for him to remove the overburden with bulldozers. After the coal was removed, bench auger mining was done to remove some of the coal behind the highwall (auger holes can be seen along the coal seam). Water draining from these auger holes and the surface above the mine can be seen collecting on the bench and creating an unstable condition that is likely to cause a landslide



Scars across the mountains Before the Surface Mining Law was passed in 1977, mile upon mile of bare highwalls scarred the Appalachian skyline, as shown in this Tennessee scene. In addition to the visual destruction of this mountainous landscape the spoil that was pushed downslope from the mining operation quickly eroded and destroyed the streams and rivers below the mine. When left, unreclaimed mining operations like this were a safety hazard and a long term threat to the natural environment.



Typical Pre Surface Mining Law view of the coal fields This scene, typical of East Tennessee surface coal mining in the early 1970's shows an unreclaimed contour mine. The mine operator followed the coal seam around the mountain pushing the overburden down the hillside. Without any reclamation the dangerous unstable highwall remained exposed and the disturbed soil and overburden was left to erode and pollute nearby streams

Reclaimed Mine PhotosReclaimed Mine Photos

Reclaimed Mine PhotosReclaimed Mine Photos Reclaimed surface mine

This productive pasture land in Central Ohio was once a coal mine. After mining was completed the land was reclaimed and restored to long-term productive use. This is a dramatic difference from the post-mining landscape before the law was passed in 1977, and a scene where is it is difficult to identify the reclaimed site from the natural landscape.

Local Reclamation Success(Swatara Creek

Watershed)


Watershed) An abandoned coal mine

reclamation project in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, has restored state game lands and transformed environmental and public safety hazards into a wildlife paradise. The site was characterized by dangerous highwalls, large spoil piles and acid mine drainage. The area was dangerous for hunters, an eyesore for the community, and an environmental liability.

Prior to the reclamation project, steep highwalls and water filled pits posed a major safety hazard


Watershed)


Watershed) The restoration of the game lands

reclaimed 160 acres of abandoned surface mines from the World War II era. When the entire site was completed in Spring 2001, more than 833,000 cubic yards of material were graded to backfill old strip pits ranging from 20 to 80 feet deep. The reclamation of the site eliminated dangerous mine openings and more than 98,200 linear feet of dangerous highwalls.

Acid Mine Drainage from the old mine was polluting the watershed


Watershed)


Watershed) Wetlands were created

at the site to treat acid mine drainage - part of a comprehensive plan consisting of other mine drainage remediation projects to restore the Swatara Creek watershed.

More than 833,00 cubic yards of on-site material were graded to backfill the old strip pits


Watershed)


Watershed) The Department developed

specifications for revegetating the area in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Trees recovered during the clearing and grubbing of the area were used to create long, narrow brush piles for rabbits, groundhogs and other wildlife.

Ditches lined with limestone were created to capture runoff and treat acid mine damage


Watershed)


Watershed) Several types of clovers

now provide wildlife food and a "bugging area" for birds. The remainder of the area was seeded with warm season grasses providing nesting cover for a variety of wildlife.

The once abandoned area is now a wildlife paradise.

Quarrying in PennsylvaniaQuarrying in Pennsylvania

Quarrying: OverviewQuarrying: Overview The process is

simple: Make big rocks into little rocks.

Crushed stone and sand and gravel are the main types of natural aggregate used in the United States

Local Quarries: Pennsy Supply


Pennsy Supply operates eight quarries that produce high-quality crushed stone, sand and high calcium limestone. Their 11 manufacturing facilities to turn aggregate in the quality blacktop and concrete

Quarrying: Site SelectionQuarrying: Site Selection Producers who expect a return

on their investment in personnel and equipment must understand the basics of evaluating deposits, obtaining permits, removing overburden and beginning the operation.

Rule number one is to determine whether there is ample product to be mined and whether stripping and handling costs will weaken the profit potential of the product.

Quarrying: DrillingQuarrying: Drilling

Drilling is often the most critical element of the drilling and blasting process.

Quarrying: BlastingQuarrying: Blasting Maximum profitability

depends largely on good blasting. Consider that drilling and blasting are the first unit operations performed in any open pit. Therefore, the results of these operations will affect more down line activities, such as loading, hauling and crushing, than any other unit operation.

Quarrying: Loading/ExcavatingQuarrying: Loading/Excavating

The backhoe loader is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment at the jobsite. From digging trenches to cleaning up debris, the backhoe loader is well-suited to handle a variety of different jobs.

Quarrying: Loading/ExcavatingQuarrying: Loading/Excavating

Front-end loaders, also referred to as wheel loaders, are used to pick up blasted material from the quarry face. They can be used to deliver material to a haul truck or directly load it into a crusher or screening unit.

Quarrying: HaulingQuarrying: Hauling Today's haul trucks

completely eclipse those of years gone by. With increased payloads, horsepower, torque and computing power, these trucks not only increase productivity but also cost-per-ton.

Quarrying: Crushing/Breaking

Quarrying: Crushing/Breaking

The industry is moving toward larger primary crushers as production capacity objectives increase.

The proper selection of primary crushers in a limestone aggregate plant is extremely important.

Quarrying: Handling/Conveying

Quarrying: Handling/Conveying

A typical plant system may include conveyors, belts and accessories, feeders, vibrators, hoists, elevators, pneumatic pumps and equipment. As the material-handling process goes along, weighing equipment, packaging machinery, trucks, railroad cars and bulk-storage equipment come into play.

Quarrying: ScreeningQuarrying: Screening Aggregate producers

who know the ins and outs of screening can achieve three important goals: maximization of production efficiency, minimization of downtime, and ultimately increased profitability.

Quarrying: Washing/ClassifyingQuarrying: Washing/Classifying

Washing is required to remove dust that is created in the crushing stage.

Quarrying: Weighing/Loadout

Quarrying: Weighing/Loadout

Truck scales are an integral part of a quarry operation. Controlling inventory, knowing the value of the transaction and the ability to ship the maximum possible load without exceeding highway weight limits are all benefits of a good scale.

Quarrying: ReclamationQuarrying: Reclamation There are many potential

end uses for an exhausted pit or quarry. These include land preparation for commercial or residential building, construction of recreational facilities, with the water-filled pit accommodating swimmers and boaters, or land conditioning to provide a home and breeding ground for wildlife.

mining and quarrying coal mine quarry. mining vs. quarrying - though the words "mining"...

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