Coal Age

Hunter Trial for Hitachi Hauler

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:00:17 +0000

The latest variant of Hitachi's 500+ metric ton (mt) AC-drive haul truck is to be trialed and site tested in Australia's Hunter Valley. One of the world's leading ultra-class haulers, it will run alongside similar size conventionally-driven trucks to assess efficiency and productivity.

A rigid-frame haul truck, and the largest model in the Hitachi truck range, it provides payload capacities ranging from 286 mt to 315 mt, depending on body size and weight, material density, and application. With the standard body, capacity is 286 mt based on a GMW of 528.2 mt.

The flagship of the Hitachi hauler fleet, the truck is powered by a Detroit Diesel Series 16V-4000 developing 2,014 kW (2,700 hp) at 1,900 rpm, emission certified to U.S. EPA Tier 1.

"The EH5000 has been performing very well around the world, particularly in North America, and a number of sites in Australia have expressed an interest in its operation," said Peter Ross, general manager, Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia-Mining. "The opportunity for a site assessment was made available and we put the process in place to get one of these super trucks to Australia." The trial will be monitored by engineers from both the company's truck plant in Japan and the Brisbane office.

It's not the largest truck in the so-called 'hauler ultra class'—a fact freely acknowledged by Hitachi—but the company argues the EH5000 leads the way in productivity and availability, thanks to its power/weight balance and AC-drive technology.

Developed in conjunction with Siemens, the AC-drive system, which will handle up to 6,000 hp when connected to a trolley-assist system, gives the big truck outstanding starting rimpull, smoother running and, at the other end of the scale, the ability to come to a full stop without using its service brakes.

The truck is relatively quick over the ground and has a top speed of 67 kph fully loaded. The combination of higher top speeds, better gradeability, and stronger retardation make for increased productivity and reduced operating and maintenance costs. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Hitachi AC-drive system is some 2% to 3% more fuel efficient—a factor that will be assessed as part of the site trial.

"Our expectations for the trial are that the truck meets its performance and operational specifications," said Ross. "It has established a reputation for productivity and reliability which we will see continue in Australia." www.hitachiconstruction.com

China Shenhua Energy Sees Coal Output Swell During April

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:56:29 +0000

China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd., which is engaged in the coal mining, power generation, and transportation businesses, on May 14 announced that its coal output totaled 17.5 million metric tons (mt) in April, a year-on-year increase of 16.67%, China Knowledge reported. Last month, the company sold more than 22 million mt of coal, a year-on-year growth of 11.7%. The coal yield of the enterprise increased 16.1% to 51.8 million mt in the first quarter of this year. In March alone, coal output was 19.2 million mt, up 25.5% year on year. China Shenhua Energy recorded total power generation of 7.28 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in April, a year-on-year decline of 6.4%. Energy sales amounted to 6.76 billion kWh, down 5.5% year-on-year. In the first three months, the power generation of the firm stood at 21.2 billion kWh, down 10.3% year-on-year. Total energy sales declined 11% to 19.7 billion kWh.

Double Blade Mass Flow Feeder

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:57:05 +0000

The PEBCO Double Blade Mass Flow Feeder fits applications in facilities where several types of bulk materials of varying densities and properties are handled, and where the flow rate must be controlled. The Mass Flow Feeder performs as a volumetric feed rate control device which can adjust to varying material flow properties. The mass flow feeder has few moving parts, consumes minimal energy, and produces much lower noise levels when compared with either reciprocating or vibratory type feeders. The PEBCO Double Blade Mass Flow Feeder is the solution to the asymmetric flow problem discovered in many silos. www.pebco.com

Calendar (May 2009)

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:44:21 +0000

June 3-4, 2009 High Performance Mining—will be held in Aachen, Germany. Contact: Aachen International Mining Symposia (Tel: 49 241 80 95673; Fax: 49 241 80 92272; E-mail: aims@bbk1.rwth-aachen.de; Web: www.aims.rwth-aachen.de).

June 9-11, 2009 BPI Mining Conference 2009—will be held in Toronto, Canada. Penn State University’s Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering is hosting the conference. Contact: Penn State Outreach Marketing and Communications (Tel: 800-778-8632; E-mail: ConferenceInfo1@outreach.psu.edu; Web: http://programs.psu.edu/bpi2009).

June 9-11, 2009 IV International Industry Summit on Mining Performance—sponsored by Penn State’s Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, Queen’s University, the University of Toronto, and the University of Arizona. Will be held at the Delta Chelsea Hotel in Toronto, Canada. Contact: Kathy Pollard (Tel: 814-863-1738; Web: www.PSUMiningsummit.com/BPI).

June 10, 2009 2009 Clean Coal Technology Webinar Series, Opportunities for U.S. Companies in the Coal, Mining, and Power Generation Sectors of Vietnam—is being sponsored by the Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration. Contact: Shannon Fraser (Tel: 202-482-3609; Fax: 202-482-0170; E-mail: Shannon.Fraser@mail.doc.gov; Web: www.buyusa.gov/pittsburgh/coalwebinars2009.html).

June 16-18, 2009 Longwall USA-will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa. Contact: Tanna Holzer (Tel: 303-283-0640; E-mail: tholzer@mining-media.com; Web: www.mining-media.com).

June 28-30, 2009 RMCMI 105^th Annual Meeting & Convention—will be held in Snowmass Village, Colo. Contact: Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute (Tel: 303-948-3300; Fax: 303-948-1132; E-mail: mail@rmcmi.org; Web: www.rmcmi.org).

July 28-30, 2009 28^th International Conference on Ground Control in Mining—will be held at the Lakeview Scanticon Resort & Conference Center in Morgantown, W.Va. Contact: Karen Centofanti (Tel: 304-293-7680; Fax: 304-293-5708; E-mail: Karen.centofanti@mail.wvu.edu; Web: www.mine.cemr.wvu.edu).

August 10-12, 2009 Illinois Mining Institute Annual Meeting—will be held at Rend Lake College and Rend Lake Resort & Golf Course in Ina, Ill. Contact: Nancy Cline (Tel: 618-536-6631; E-mail: imi@engr.siu.ed).

September 8-11, 2009 Mining Electrical Maintenance & Safety Association Annual Symposium—will be held in Clearwater, Fla. Contact: Michael Casson (E-mail: memsa@tampabay.rr.com; Web: www.miningelectrical.org).

September 14-15, 2009 2^nd Annual Carbon Capture & Sequestration Policy, Economics, Regulation, and Risk—will be held at the Westin Grand Hotel, Washington D.C. Contact: Gina Herlihy (Tel: 781-430-2109; Web: www.events.platts.com).

September 16-18, 2009 The Bluefield Coal Show—will be held at the Brushfork Armory-Civic Center in Bluefield, W.Va. Contact: The Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce (Tel: 304-327-7184; Web: www.bluefieldchamber.com).

October 1-2, 2009 32^ndAnnual Coal Marketing Days Prices, Politics, and the Economy—will be held at the Doubletree Hotel & Suites in Pittsburgh, Pa. Contact: Gina Herlihy (Tel: 781-430-2109; Web: www.events.platts.com).

October 14-17, 2009 Mining Indonesia 2009—will be held at the Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta, Indonesia. Contact: Overseas Exhibition Services (Tel: 44 (0)20 7840 2102; Fax: 44 (0)20 7840 2119: E-mail: sluff@oesallworld.com; Web: www.allworldexhibitions.com).

October 21-22, 2009 ASTM International Training Course on Coal Chemistry—will be held in Atlanta, Ga. Contact: Eileen Finn (Tel: 610-832-9686; Fax: 610-832-9668; E-mail: efinn@astm.org; Web: www.astm.org).

February 7-10, 2010 36^th Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Techniques—will be held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fla. Contact: International Society of Explosives Engineers (Tel: 440-349-4400; Fax: 440-349-3788; Web: www.isee.org).

April 25-30, 2010 XVI International Coal Preparation Congress—sponsored by the Coal Preparation Society of America and the International Organizing Committee, will be held in Lexington, Ky. Contact: CPSA (Web: www.coalprepsociety.com) or ICPC (Web: www.ICPC2010.com).

Arch Coal Foundation Establishes CCT Endowment for University of Wyoming

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:37:26 +0000

The Arch Coal Foundation recently announced a $1.5 million gift to the University of Wyoming’s (UW) School of Energy Resources (SER) Clean Coal Technology Center. "This gift from Arch Coal will help move the University of Wyoming along on its path to becoming a leader in advanced coal technology development," said Governor Dave Freudenthal. "The research and innovation that will take place at UW's Clean Coal Technology Center will be critical to the future of Wyoming's economy, which has long been bolstered by the development of coal and other fossil fuels."

The Arch Coal Foundation's contribution will be doubled to $3 million under the State of Wyoming’s matching funds program. The $1.5 million endowment will be used to support students and faculty who are dedicated to the development of improved technologies for the extraction of energy from coal, widely known as clean coal technology.

Utility Carts

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:32:31 +0000

The Proto Utility Carts will earn their keep wherever technicians have to move tools around a large area. The heavy-duty model (46 in. high, 39 in. long, and 23 in. wide) is actually a cart, rolling toolbox, and workstation all rolled into one. It includes a lift lid with a rigid vinyl top that serves as a 900 square inch work surface when closed. Oil filled shocks ensure smooth operation when the lid is being opened and closed to access the tools within. The lid is attached to ball bearing slides, and can slide backward to reveal a two-tier tool storage compartment: a shallow upper shelf for wrenches and other hand tools, and a deep lower shelf for bulkier items. A row of slots on the side and at the rear of the compartment can secure long items including screwdrivers, socket extensions, and pry bars. www.stanleyproto.com

Polish Coal Miner Kompania Weglowa to Invest

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:29:58 +0000

Europe’s largest coal producer, Poland’s Kompania Weglowa, intends to invest PLN 9 billion by 2015 to increase its coal production capacities to 49 million metric tons per year (mtpy), Interfax reported. Currently Kompania Weglowa extracts some 46 million mt of coal a year. Since Kompania Weglowa’s creation in 2003 the company has had to decrease its coal production by 9 million mt a year in order to adjust to the market conditions. Kompania Weglowa will invest PLN 7 billion out of its own coffers, while the remaining PLN 2 billion will come from external sources. The company earmarked PLN 950 million in 2008 for investments and plans to invest more than PLN 1 billion annually in the following years. As of 2013, the investment level is seen increasing to PLN 1.5 billion annually. Kompania Weglowa will invest in new coal deposits in currently existing coal mines.

OSM Announces Final EIS for Buffer Zone Rule

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:43:29 +0000

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) announced the availability of the final environmental impact statement (EIS) evaluating potential changes to the excess spoil and coal mine waste disposal rules as well as the stream buffer zone rule.

The final EIS provides decision makers with information about the impacts that could result if these rules are revised.

The rulemaking alternatives considered in the final EIS address two requirements of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA): to prevent additional contributions of sediment to streams outside the permit area, and to minimize adverse impacts on fish and wildlife and related environmental values. The alternatives would address environmental concerns about the impacts of disposal of excess rock from coal mine excavation (excess spoil), coal mine waste, and other coal mining activities in and around streams. They would require minimization of impacts from these activities, and would clarify existing requirements that are not now interpreted consistently.

OSM published a proposed excess spoil minimization—stream buffer zone rule in August 2007 and released the associated draft environmental impact statement (EIS). Consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act, after considering a range of 17 alternatives, OSM narrowed the environmental analysis to four action alternatives and a fifth "take no action" alternative.

Of the five alternatives, the most environmentally-protective alternative is also OSM’s preferred alternative. The final EIS concludes that the net environmental effect of the preferred alternative is slightly positive because it requires coal mining operations to minimize certain impacts: the volume of rock and spoil disposed outside the mined area; the footprint of the disposal area; and the adverse effects from excess spoil and coal mine waste disposal (minimization requirements). The other four alternatives analyzed by the final EIS would result in little or no net environmental change.

The preferred alternative would also require coal mining activities to avoid the area in or within 100 ft of an intermittent or perennial stream (the stream buffer zone), or show why avoidance is not possible. Activities in the stream buffer zone would be prohibited unless OSM grants a waiver, or unless the activity is specifically exempted from the prohibition.

OSM received approximately 2,000 written comments on the draft EIS during the 88-day comment period. Additionally OSM held four public hearings and two public meetings at which 750 people attended and more than 200 people spoke.

All the comments were reviewed to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the environmental impact statement. The final EIS includes detailed responses to all substantial comments.

The FEIS is a two book set. Book One is the main body of the EIS. Book Two contains the appendices such as OSM’s response to the comments, hearing transcripts, and copies of comment letters.

To view Book One, please visit: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocumentDetail&d=OSM-2007-0008-0553.

To view Book Two, please visit: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocumentDetail&d=OSM-2007-0008-0553.1

Calendar (November 2008)

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:31:03 +0000

January 29-30, 2009 9^th Coaltrans Americas—will be held in Miami, Fla. Contact: Coaltrans Conferences (Tel: 44 (0)20 7779 8945; Fax: 44 (0)20 7779 8946; E-mail: registrations@coaltrans.com; Web: www.coaltrans.com).

February 8-11, 2009 35^th Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique—will be held at the Hyatt Regency Denver in Denver, Colo. Contact: International Society of Explosives Engineers (Tel: 440-349-4400; Fax: 440-349-3788; Web: www.isee.org).

February 18-20, 2009 MVTTC 27^th Annual Conference—will be held at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel in New Orleans, La. Contact: Mississippi Valley Trade & Transport Council (Tel: 866-782-6882; Fax: 504-588-1441; Web: www.mvttc.com).

February 22-25, 2009 Society of Mining Engineers Annual Meeting—will be held in Denver, Colo. Contact: SME (Tel: 303-973-9550; Web: www.smenet.org).

March 19-20, 2009 Platts Coal Properties & Investment—will be held in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Contact: Ron Berg (Tel: 781-430-2118; E-mail: ron_berg@platts.com; Web: www.platts.com).

March 25-27, 2009 2^nd World Coal-to-Liquids Conference—will be held at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Washington, D.C. Contact: (E-mail: info@world-ctl2009.com; Web: www.world-ctl2009.com).

April 27-30, 2009 Coal Prep—will be held in Lexington, Ky. Contact: Sam Posa (Tel: 800-525-9154; Fax: 913-514-3818; E-mail: sposa@coalprepshow.com; Web: www.coalaggprepshow.com).

May 12-14, 2009 11^th Annual Electric Power—will be held in Chicago, Ill. Contact: The TradeFair Group (Tel: 832-242-1969; Fax: 832-242-1971; E-mail: electricpower@tradefairgroup.com; Web: www.electricpowerexpo.com).

May 17-19, 2009 Haulage & Loading—will be held in Phoenix, Ariz. Contact: Chad Dorn (Tel: 720-855-3996; E-mail: cdorn@mining-media.com; Web: www.mining-media.com).

June 16–18, 2009 Longwall USA-will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa. Contact: Tanna Holzer (Tel: 303-283-0640; E-mail: tholzer@mining-media.com; Web: www.mining-media.com).

June 28-30, 2009 RMCMI 105^thAnnual Meeting & Convention—will be held in Snowmass Village, Colo. Contact: Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute (Tel: 303-948-3300; Fax: 303-948-1132; E-mail: mail@rmcmi.org; Web: www.rmcmi.org).

Comprehensive Pump Book Available

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:58:50 +0000

The reference publication Optimizing Pumping Systems: A Guide to Improved Efficiency, Reliability, and Profitability is now available from the North Americabased Hydraulic Institute. The 250-page book, according to the publisher, is the most definitive guidebook to date on how to optimize pumping systems for maximum energy efficiency. Based on the collaborative efforts of industry experts, the compendium explains how optimizing both existing and new pumping systems, and purchasing based on lifecycle cost, can lead to increased profitability through a reduction in unnecessary, expensive energy consumption and maintenance costs. The guide covers a range of topics including: pump fundamentals, pump and system interaction, calculating cost of ownership, improving the performance of existing pump systems, optimizing new designs, and pumping system economics—opportunities to improve lifecycle performance. Also included: a 13-page glossary of terms along with case studies and a detailed matrix of useful tools for optimizing pumping systems. Optimizing Pumping Systems is $195/single copy, with discounts available for larger quantities. For more information, visit the company’s Web site. www.pumps.org

MSHA Refers Issues Relating to Crandall Canyon Mine to U.S. Attorney for District of Utah

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:55:10 +0000

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently acknowledged that it has made a criminal referral of issues relating to the Crandall Canyon mine to the United States attorney for the District of Utah in a motion filed with the federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission.

The criminal referral arises out of the same facts, events, and conditions that led to MSHA’s issuance of civil citations and orders on July 24, 2008. At that time, MSHA fined the operator of the Crandall Canyon mine $1,340,000 for alleged violations that directly contributed to the deaths of six miners last year. Agapito Associates Inc., a mining engineering consultant, was fined $220,000 for an allegedly faulty analysis of the mine’s design.

"Through its investigation of the tragic accidents last year at Crandall Canyon, MSHA determined that the operator and its engineering consultants demonstrated reckless disregard for safety," said Richard E. Stickler, acting assistant secretary of labor for MSHA. "MSHA has referred this case for possible criminal charges."

The United States attorney for the District of Utah requested that the secretary of labor seek a stay of all civil proceedings, including all discovery in all civil proceedings, in response to this criminal referral. The requested stay is necessary to avoid potential interference with the criminal enforcement process, which could arise from a contemporaneous related civil enforcement proceeding.

The New Cat 785D Mining Truck

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:54:52 +0000

The new Caterpillar 785D Mining Truck incorporates new features to boost performance and reliability, reduce engine emissions, and enhance safety. The improvements also focus on component commonality to keep parts stocking and maintenance simple. The 785D builds on more than 20 years of proven performance for the 785 model. The 785D target payload ranges from 142 to 155 tons depending on the specific configuration. The range enables new trucks to integrate well with fleets of earlier 785s.

Using the latest technology, the Cat 3512C HD engine maintains fuel efficiency, delivers 1,348 net horsepower, and is compliant with U.S. EPA Tier II emissions standards. The engine is capable at altitudes up to 14,000 ft with no derate. With the change to a high displacement engine, engine life is extended.

Caterpillar also introduces the X body with the 785D. The X body provides mine specific options (e.g. liners, rail caps, sideboards, etc.) for new sites and contractors. The new body also provides greater volume—111 cubic yards (cu yd) vs. 102 cu yd for the dual slope body. Additional body choices are Mine Specific Body (MSD II), gateless coal body, and dual slope. The canopy of each of the bodies extends farther over the cab for greater protection. Additionally, the 785D has improved catwalks and a factory installed 600-mm diagonal stairway.

A number of changes extend reliability and durability: a new pump drive system provides continuous rear axle filtration. Benefits include cleaner oil, less downtime, and improved component life. Extended life disc brakes may achieve up to double the wear life of standard brakes and are resistant to glazing. The result is consistent braking power and reduced maintenance. New air intake and filters have a new seal, which provides easier servicing and lower maintenance costs. The Cat mechanical drive power train and power shift transmission provide superior operating efficiency and control on steep grades, in poor underfoot conditions and on haul roads with high rolling resistance. The 785D retains the Caterpillar mechanical power train that has enabled 785 models to achieve high productivity and reliability in challenging mining conditions around the world.
www.cat.com

Crow Tribe Strikes Deal for Coal Project

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:52:54 +0000

The Crow Tribe recently struck a deal with an Australian company toward building a $7 billion plant to convert coal into liquid fuels, which would be among the first such projects in the nation, The Associated Press reported.

Capping months of negotiations, the Crow Legislature ratified a 50-year development agreement with Australian-American Energy Co., a subsidiary of Australian Energy Co.

The Many Stars coal-to-liquids plant initially would produce 50,000 barrels a day of diesel and other fuels. Construction would begin in several years and coal for the project would come from a mine yet to be developed by the tribe on the reservation, Crow leaders said.

Illinois Basin Poised for Huge Resurgence

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:13:56 +0000

The Illinois Basin is forecast to experience a tremendous resurgence of interest similar to that experienced in the 1970s, much in part due to the developing scrubber and export market and renewed interest in coal gasification and coal-to-liquids, according to Wood Mackenzie subsidiary, Hill & Associates, in its latest comprehensive review of coal production in the region.

"If markets develop, the Basin’s production is poised to expand more than two-fold in the next 10 years," said John Hanou, vice president, Hill & Associates. "Given the Basin’s tremendous reserve of low-cost, medium and high-sulfur coal, existing producers are all planning expansions, in addition, many newcomers also are entering the market with plans to develop a multitude of mines."

The Illinois Basin’s turn-around has been long-coming. The region suffered great losses due to Phases I and II of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, when utilities switched to low-sulfur Powder River Basin coal to meet the new mandates. By 2000, production had declined to 89 million tons from 145 million tons in 1989. In 2007, production rebounded somewhat to 97 million tons, due to shortages in the eastern U.S and new scrubbing at several power plants.

"Basin production capacity will probably expand to 103-104 million tons in 2008," said Hanou. "Based on our 10-year analysis, we have identified enough projects to suggest that Illinois Basin production could expand to more than 250 million tons per year by 2017 with an upside potential to produce more than 350 million tons, assuming demand is present."

The Illinois Basin contains a tremendous underground reserve base, which is five to 10 times larger than the Pittsburgh No. 8 seam reserve base in Northern Appalachia. As the surface reserves deplete and as demand increases, these reserves will likely be developed in the next 10 years.

The top three producers currently (Peabody, Alliance, and Murray) control 57% of the market; however, by 2011, we estimate that this will fall to about 42%. Peabody is likely to retain its lead in 2011, but if The Cline Group is successful in developing the mines that the company has proposed, Cline will likely become the largest producer in the Illinois Basin post 2011.

Hill & Associates' latest review of the Illinois Basin is published in the Coal Supply Service. This update encompasses Indiana, Illinois, and West Kentucky and includes mine-specific data on coal reserves, quality, production costs, and capacity at active, idled, and proposed mines. In total, more than 240 mines and reserves are analyzed.

Custom AC Induction Motors

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:12:09 +0000

WEG has announced a program for ordering custom designed AC induction motors for a wide range of horsepower, voltage and speed ratings. Customization can include special shafts, special sealing or ventilation, special insulation requirements, and other factors, allowing an industrial user to exactly replace a motor used in an existing machine or facility.

"Until now, customers with an old nonstandard size motor were faced with a challenge–either modify a piece of machinery to accept a new standard size motor or continue to rewind the existing motor even as its performance continued to decline," explained Gerardo Elias, Marketing Manager. "Our new Custom motor program will enable these users to exactly replace or even upgrade an existing motor within the physical limits of their machinery or process."

Elias noted that WEG had a long tradition for building custom motors. "For example, our motor experts designed and installed the world’s largest induction motor at the Collahuasi mine in northern Chile to drive long conveyor belts removing copper ore and overburden. This motor weighed 15,000 kg and delivered 2,788 HP with an efficiency of 97.5%. And while not every custom motor will be this large, we are committed to meeting our customers needs going forward." www.wegelectric.com