1873 - Old Forge Coal Mines

122 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
satisfactory. One hundred and seven hands are employed inside and 46
outside.
Engines.—There are 4 engines of an aggregate horse power of 95 horses,
with 4 boilers in use, all of which machinery and fixtures are in good order.
No. 22
Elmwood.— Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company.
Operators.
This colliery is .situated in the western limits of Mahanoy City, upon the
said corporations estate. It consists of a double track slope, sunk 110
yards deep on a 31° south dip of the 4 feet seam that underly the E seam'
The pumps are located in the slope for drainage, a tunnel IT yards south
opened the E seam, and 11 breasts are working on the east panel, with
mining runs of 75 j^ards, flanked by 8 yard pillars. Seven breasts are
working on the west panel and are supported by 8 yard pillars. The seam
is fifteen feet thick.
Ventilation is but moderate, and is effected by the discharge of the steam
pump. The slope is used for an intake, and the air carried, in close brattice,
to the working places, thence returning through the breastings to the
outlet, where .the exhaust steam propels to the surface.
Engines.—There are 4 engines of an aggregate of 245-horse power, with
10 boilers in use. A 16-inch column steam pump is used for drainage; all
of which fixtures and machinery I found in good condition.
Seventy-six hands are emplo} r ed in and about the colliery ; 6 mules and
12 wagons are in use. The slope and slope machine r}^ are in perfect order.
No. 23.
Mahanoy City.— Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Companxj,
Operators, (late Rummel, Hill & Harris.)
This colliery is situated in the northern limits of Mahanoy City, on the
said corporation's estate. It consists of a double slope sunk 170 yards
deep on a 33° south dip of the E seam. The eastern panel on this lift is
finished. The western gangway is 1,400 yards long. 13 breasts are working
in this panel. A monkey air-course is run along the gangway to its
face. A soiid section of coal, sufficient for 14 breasts, is left standing in
this panel until needed, with 85 yards of a mining run to the upper level.
A tunnel 120 yards in length opened the G or Primrose seam south, and
gangwa} r s have been opened on its north and south dip. Its north gangway
is 750 yards long, and four breasts are working in it. Its south dip gangway
is 1,050 yards long, and 9 breasts are working on this panel. Both
panels are ventilated by monkey air-courses, which is adequate for their
purpose.
Ventilation is produced by the operation of two steam fans—,one located
on the E seam, near and west of the slope, and the other fan is located on
the Gr seam. These fans furnish an abundance of air for the healthy and
safe working of the mine. I found, by measurement, 22,327 cubic feet of
air in circulation for 108 hands.
Engines.—5 engines=210-horse power, and 6 boilers, with a 12-inch stsam
pump in use.