TABLE OF CONTENTS H C VERAKIS, US Department of Labor, USA
Many different types of materials are used in the mining industry and for many different purposes. Some of the materials are of natural origin, such as wood and oil. Many of the materials are manufactured and include plastics, rubber, foams, and steel. The materials may be used for the various aspects of mining operations such as the control of mine ventilation, for mine roof and rib support, for providing electrical power and mechanical protection, for lubrication of equipment, and for haulage.
The mining industry consumes large amounts of timber used in roof and rib support and construction. High water bearing fluids are used in the roof supports of longwall mining equipment. Fuels and lubricants including various types of hydraulic fluids are used to power and lubricate mining equipment. Rubber or elastomer materials are used in a variety of forms such as tires, hoses, cables, and belts. Plastic materials may be used as piping or ventilation curtain to direct fresh air to workers in a mine and to remove gas and dust. Plastic tubing, both flexible and rigid, is also used for ventilation purposes. Materials such as cement blocks and steel panels or panels made from metal and plastic are used for the construction of stoppings to seal openings in underground mine passageways or tunnels. The stoppings are constructed to serve as devices for the control of ventilation in a mine passageway. Cementatious or foam materials may be...
