1900 - Coalmininghistorypa.org

300 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF MINES. Off. Doc.
Marine.—This is another new opening. This mine is located near
Fayette City and opened as a drift. The mining will be done by
electric mining machines, the machinery is now being installed for
that purpose. The method of working the mine will be on the double
entry' system. A furnace will be used to produce ventilation for the
present, the intention being to erect a ventilating fan at no distant
day.
Sheppler.—This mine was operated only a
short time during the
early part of the year. It appears to be abandoned, if not permanently,
at least for awhile as the machinery has been removed to
other mines of the same company. While I am not officially informed,
I take it that the coal remaining in this mine will be taken
out through Soniers No. 4. The former mine has always been a
great source of trouble on account of water, and the facilities for
removing it being inadequate was a source of annoyance to all
concerneu. Un my last examination of the mine the ventilation
was unsatisfactory a® was also the drainage.
Arnold No. 1.—Mine not in operation on my last visit. The workings
were in a general way, in fair condition; however, I
am of the
opinion that had the mine been in active operation the ventilation
would have been inadequate in parts of the workings. The ventilating
fau was running at the usual speed, but as it was producing
air for part of Arnold No. 3 mine, there was not sufficient power
in the air to ventilate both mines in such a manner as to comply
with the law. I suggested that the connection between the two
mines, so far as it related to a common ventilator being used, be
discontinued.
Arnold No. 3.—On my last examination of this mine the ventila
tion and drainage required improvement in parts of the mine. In
entry known as No. 3, East, the velocity of the air was so low as
to hardly deflect the flame of an open light; in examining the cause
for this I found that an effort was being made to force the whole
current of air for this entry through a regulator entirely too small
for the condition of the workings and to make matters worse, a room
was opened in advance of the last break-through, which was driven
quite a distance and as no means of ventilation were employed, I
ordered the place to be vacated forthwith and to remain so until
properly ventilated. I noticed an absence of cut-throughs in a
great many of the rooms, these I suggested should be stopped until
the act was complied with in regard to this requirement.
Arnold No. 2.—The ventilation was, in a general way, satisfactory,
but the drainage, in parts, was not up to the standard required by
law. Owing to the presence of fire damp on one of the falls I ordered
the entry vacated until it was removed. This mine is also connected
with Arnold No. 3 mine, and while I am not, in a general way, in