1873 - Old Forge Coal Mines

No. 40.
INSPECTORS OF MINES. 175
Kemble Colliery.— Thomas H. Kemble, Operator.
This colliery is situated on Red Mountain, one mile south-east of Tremont,
in Schuylkill county, on the estate of the Philadelphia and Reading
Coal and Iron Company. It has been 2 years in operation. It consists of
a single track slope, sunk 131 yards direct through the measures dip 38°
south ;
the strata being 70° at right angles, on what is known as the Greenwait
vein, in 4 feet of good coal. 500 yards of an east gangway have been
opened, with 25 breasts worked out, and 60 yards of west gangway, with 4
breasts opened, the condition of which is safe. 2 engines are in use=H5-
horse power. 100 feet of a self-acting plane is used, over which the coal is
passed from the slope to the breaker. On the 8th of October the work had
been idle, and apparently would be until spring. Further remarks unnecessary.
No. 41. Otto, No. 2. Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company,
Operators.
The colliery is situated at Branch Dale, in Schuylkill county, on the said
company's estate, and has been 35 years in operation. It consists of 3
slopes, 2 of which are idle. The one in use is sunk 332 yards deep, in 3
lifts, on the Primrose or G seam, dipping 35° south in 12 feet of coal.
The upper lifts are nearly exhausted.
New lift west gangway is 650 yards long, with 17 breasts working all
;
of which are 9 yard breasts, with 7 pillars. The extension of the gangway
is continued, employing 48 hands and 4 boys in this district. The east
gangway is also 650 yards long, with 10 working breasts, and extension of
gangway continued, employing 27 men and 3 boys in this section.
The mine generates fire-damp gas largely, requiring the most vigilant
exertion iu its safe management throughout the year. It has been, previous
to this year, the scene of many serious disasters, resulting in death
and several injuries ;
but since its recent management, under George Scott,
these dreadful scenes have been abated, and life and property better secured.
Ventilation is produced by a 30-horse power fan. The slope being used for
an intake, the air is proportionally divided in the lower lift, and made to
circulate up and through the workings, and through them to the fan outcast
;
all of which system of ventilation is quite satisfactory. I found 28,-
000 cubic feet of air in the eastern district, where 52 hands were employed,
and 15,000 cubic feet on the west side, where 30 hands were employed.
The collieiy log indicated temperature outside, 73° ;
inside, 71°
;
difference,
2°
;
unfavorable. Barometer, outside, 28-^y ; inside, 29 T 3 - ;
difference,
T% inches; favorable. 181 hands are employed ; 23 mules and 140 wagons
are used ;
monthly shipments, 9,009 tons.
Remarks.— 150 yards west of the slope, on the lower lift, a new tunnel is
in progress of completion. Its present length is 195 yards north, to develop
the White Ash seam, the coal of which is 6 feet thick. Us total
length will be 220 yards. The dirt vein was cut through in 160 feet, having
8 feet of coal, and dipping 33° south. The Black Heath vein was cut
at 113 yards in 10 feet of coal. The White Ash seam was cut at 19S yards
in 1\ feet of coal, and diipping 32°. The Small White Ash seam was cut
at 221 yards in 7^ feet of coal. An air-shaft has been sunk 290 feet through
the same measures as the tunnel cut through. Taking it all in all, we have
not many better collieries in the region.