1873 - Old Forge Coal Mines

INSPECTORS OF MINES. 161
8 east lower level between the cross-cut, a slant gangway is open 60 yards,
with 5 breasts and the main gangway working, where 10 men are employed.
First Counter.—A self-acting plane in No. 8, 110 yards long, on an angle
of 18°, over which the coal is conveyed to the lower level. There are 2
gangways open on this first counter level of 70 yards each and extending
it, employing 6 men in it. On this level the gangways communicate by
cross-cuts into No. 9, east and west, employing 10 men. No. 9 is open in
like manner, with counter schute and 800 yards of gangways, employing 18
men. 12 men are employed in the workings of the second counter gangway
on the No. 8 seam, with a total breasting of 27, and 6 gangways employing
100 hands besides 60 outside hands=160 men and boys. Thejgeneral
character of work done is considered safe.
Ventilation.—This is produced by the operation of a 30-horse steam fan,
located in No 12 seam near the bottom of the slope. The intake is open
as an air-hole on the mountain in No. 9 seam, and through No. 9 workings
into and through the workings of No. 8 ;
thence to fan outcast at the foot
of the slope. Ventilation is retarded in many places by fallen slate, while
the fan is located at the legitimate inlet end. I brought this matter to the
manager's notice, who stated it was a compulsory measure, as evil disposed
persons destroyed the fan machinery when it was located in the air-hole on
the mountain, hence the change. November 17, the mines were supplied
with air by natural means ; the fan being idle, the air current had been
reversed on that account. The outside temperature was 50°, while inside
it was 70°, showing a difference in favor of natural ventilation of 20°, this
appearing satisfactory for present supply.
Engines and Power.—A 60-horse power hoisting engine, a 30-horse
power breaker engine, and a 30-horse power fan engine, with 8 steam boilers
30 feet by 30-inch diameters ;
their condition is considered good.
Remarks November 7, a long distance of No. 9 lower level gangwa}'
had not been timbered, while the top rock appeared dangerous. I counceled
the proper timbering of the place so as to insure the safety of the'
miners. There are 160 hands employed in the mine ; 28 mules and 100
wagons are used ; 6,900 yards of track are laid at the colliery ; monthly
shipments will average 6,000 tons.
No. 13.
Lambert Colliery.— William Brown, Operator.
This colliery is situated near Shamokin, on the estate of the Mineral
Railroad and Mining Company. It consists of a double track slope sunk
163 yards deep, on the south dip of No. 11 seam, on an angle of 31° on its
second lift. The eastern district has been worked out and ' is idle ; the
western district is open 600 yards, with 5 breasts in a working condition,
the coal of which seam is 5^ feet in thickness. This gangway opens into
the Daniel Webster mine, and is adopted by both collieries for their ventilation,
which is sufficiently adequate for all present purposes.
June 27 I notified the operator to protect the slope drum by a proper
brake, to supply the boilers with safety gauges, and called his attention to
the legal requirements on this subject.
Steam Engines and Power.—A hoisting engine of 45-horse power, a
breaker engine of 20-horse power, and a 20-horse power steam fan, with 6
boilers, each 30 feet by 30 inches diameter ;
drainage is effected by one 12
inch and a 10 inch pole pump; 35 hands are employed ;
4 mules and 31
wagons are use ;
there are 1,226 yards of track laid ; the monthly shipments
will average 2,000 tons.