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From the Department of Mining Engineering College of Engineering and Mineral Resources West University n April 20, James “Buck” O Harless presented the Volume 6 Issue 1 For the latest, visit our website at June 2006 Poundstone Lecture to a http://www.mine.cemr.wvu.edu packed house of students, pro- fessors, alumni and friends. His lecture was simply titled, James “Buck” Harless Presented the Spring “Success”, and he is certainly uniquely qualified to discuss 2006 Poundstone Lecture this topic. Buck was born 86 years ago in Logan County, “Success” (WV). The inter- that success often requires vening years have seen him At the start of the lecture, Buck presented hard work and sacrifices; and 3) grow a single sawmill into a a strong faith to provide spiri- multi-million dollar, multi- three important ques- tions for the students to tual and moral guidance. national company (International Another secret of success is Industries) in the timber, ponder: 1) What does success mean? 2) How recognizing opportunity. Specifi- and land businesses. Along the cally for the students, Buck way, he earned six honorary do we know that we have achieved success? noted that education is an op- doctoral degrees from higher portunity and is important to institutions in WV and KY, in- and 3) Who determines if a person is success- maximizing an individual’s op- cluding WVU, became a vision- portunities. Throughout his ary leader in the WV lumber and ful? To assist the stu- dents in their pursuit of career, Buck related how he coal industries, and has gener- had advanced his businesses ously given back to his local success, and the mean- ing of success, Buck interests by buying and selling and state communities as a his various assets as the best distinguished philanthropist. proceeded to relate a number of his personal opportunities presented them- thoughts and experi- selves. Buck wanted to make MAJOR STORIES ences in the area. First, sure that the students under- Buck noted that there stood that business is good for are different areas for James “Buck” Harless at the society. Specifically, he stated • James “Buck” Harless success: social, per- podium during his lecture. that “no institution in society presented Poundstone Lecture. sonal and business, and contributes more to our well being than economic enter- • Raymond Blower Endowed that these areas are very inter- case was the result of his aunt prise. The finer aspect of society Scholarship to Mining who raised him after his mother related. Buck then credited his such as schools, churches, etc., are Engineering Program. passed away when he was four foundation for success to three only possible when businesses months old; 2) a supporting • Marshall Miller awarded with specific aspects of his child- make a profit”. And Buck cer- community, including teachers WVU Honorary PhD. hood: 1) a very loving and nur- tainly understands this and coaches who taught him turing home, which in Buck’s (See Harless, Page 2) • Dr. Su received the first SME Syd S. Peng Ground Control in Mining award at 2006 SME Annual Meeting. Raymond H. Blowers Endowed Scholarship • Visiting Committee discussed he Department of Mining former School of Mines of West fied Mining Engineering stu- curriculum and recruiting T Engineering is the recipient Virginia University (WVU). dents from all other states. Mr. Initiatives. of a new undergraduate schol- The undergraduate scholar- Blowers was a resident of Gal- • Alumni feature articles & news. arship named, The Raymond H. ship will give first preference to lipolis, Ohio and devoted the Blowers, Jr. Scholarship. The qualified Ohio residents en- major portion of his profes- • Alums, faculty and students scholarship was established by rolled in the Mining Engineering sional life to the electric power received awards and his will in his estate. Raymond Program at WVU. If there are no industry. Mr. Blowers died in scholarship at Spring Award H. Blower, Jr. was a 1951 Min- qualified Ohio residents, then May 2004. Banquet. ing Engineering graduate of the the scholarship is open to quali- Volume 6, Issue 1, Spring 2006 Black Diamond Page 2 Marshall Miller Honorary Doctoral Degree, WVU

arshall S. Miller, a member of the M Visiting Committee, Department of Mining Engineering, WVU, was awarded Honorary Doctoral Degree at the 137th Commencement WVU on May 14, 2006. Marshall S. Miller started his own com- pany in 1976, Marshall Miller and Associ- ates, Inc., and he is chairman and CEO of the company. The company has since be- James “Buck” Harless, David Hardesty, presi- come one of the largest consulting firms for dent, WVU, and Dr. Syd S. Peng, Chair of Mining the coal industry in the United States, and Engineering Department, CEMR, WVU. has offices in eight states as well as in China, South America, and Canada. It has Marshall S. Miller (right) received been recognized as a top engineering and the Honorary Doctoral Degree design firm by Engineering News-Record, from David C. Hardesty, Jr., WVU and Mr. Miller has been honored as president at the Commencement. "Entrepreneur of the Year" by various groups.

(Harless from Page 1) connection personally having donated considerable time and money to society. At the end of the lecture, Buck Dean Gene Cilento, CEMR, welcomes and answered one of his original Presents gifts to Mr. Harless. questions by suggesting that maybe success is measured by the person himself. And in clos- ing, he charged the students with maintaining a good work ethic and promised that there is still a lot of opportunity available for James “Buck” Harless received the crystal those that are willing to work trophy from Dr. Syd Peng, Chair of Mining hard. Engineering Department.

The audience packed the auditorium to listen to Department Visiting Committee Met Mr. Buck Harless presenting the Poundstone lecture. to Discuss Curriculum and Recruiting

he Department Visiting Com- T mittee met on April 20, 2006. Among the issues discussed were the BSMinE curriculum, recruit- ing, and computer support and space. The Committee explored the possibility of additional courses on “business aspects” of the energy industry, and reviewed the progress of high school re- Attending the Visiting Committee Meeting were (from left): Stanley Suboleski, Federal Health & cruiting program and college com- Safety Review Commission; John Murphy (Chair), University of Pittsburgh; James Boyd, J. T. Boyd puter support and the need for Company; Bill Raney, WV Coal Association; Michael Peelish, Foundation Coal; James Corsaro, Penn more space for Mine Design Virginia Resources; Ron Stovash, CONSOL Energy; Jeff Wilson, Wilson Energy Advisors; Jeff Kelley, Laboratory. ICG; Jim Laurita, Mepco Inc.; and Marshall Miller, Marshall Miller and Associates. Volume 6 Issue 1, Spring 2006 Black Diamond Page 3 by Steve Tadolini (PhDMinE ‘03), Dr. Daniel Su Received the First SME Society Chair, SME S. S. Peng Ground Control in Mining Award Syd S. Peng Ground Control in Mining Award

urement. he Syd S. Peng Ground Con- Dr. Su has been a pioneer in the trol in Mining Award is pre- T development of accurate numeri- sented annually to recognize cal modeling software programs, outstanding professionals who horizontal stress concentrations have demonstrated insight and and the concept of stress shad- understanding of ground con- owing, the estimation of large- trol issues by developing con- scale coal pillar strengths, and cepts, theories or technologies hydraulic fracturing techniques to that have been adopted by the reduce frontal abutment stresses mining community or the suc- for longwall face supports. Dr. Su cessful implementation of is invaluable to the CNX COAL ground control designs or prac- operations staff and consulted tices. The first recipient was Dr. when changes in ground condi- Daniel W. H. Su (PhDMinE, ‘82), tions occur, when mining scenar- Sr. Geomechanical Engineer of Dr. Syd S. Peng, Chairman and C. T. Holland Professor, ios are being modified, and for all CNX Coal Operations’ Engineer- West Virginia University, presenting SME Syd S. Peng standing and intrinsic support ing Group, CONSOL Energy who Ground Control in Mining Award to Dr. Daniel Su. system designs. Dr. Su’s impact received the award at the 2006 can be summarized by a quote Annual SME Meeting in St. coal business joining CONSOL Conference of Ground Control from a Mine Superintendent who Louis, MO. Energy in 1986 where he in Mining (ICGCM) that high- stated, “When Daniel talks, every- The Syd S. Peng Award was serves the vital role in oversee- lighted his expertise on complex one listens”. presented to Dr. Daniel Su in ing all aspects of geotechnical ground control issues such as recognition of his distinguished design and problem solving for longwall geomechanics, subsi- Note: For Award selection record of integrating theoretical 14 underground complexes and dence, shield design, pillar de- criteria, visit, http:// and technical solutions to solve 13 longwalls. Dr. Su has pub- sign, entry and floor stability, www.smenet.org/SCRD/ real-world operational ground lished and presented 14 techni- roof and rib support, horizontal SCRDViewAward.cfm? control problems. Dr. Su has cal papers at the International stress, and in situ stress meas- BUID=0&TypeID=44 spent nearly 35 years in the Letter from Josh Moran in Alumni Northeastern Iraq • Gerald Clark, Sr. (BSEM ‘53 Jan 6, 2006 MSEM ‘60) passed away in Dr Peng, Staff and MinE Stu- March 2005. dents: • Douglass Fala, P.E. (BSMinE ‘99) was promoted to the osh Moran here, in northeast- superintendent, Harris #1 J ern Iraq. Here is what I drive Mine, Eastern Associated every day, an uparmored freight- Coal Corp., a subsidiary of liner. I haul all sorts of stuff like Peabody Energy. vehicles, lumber, parts, etc., on a Editor’s Note: Josh, a native • Joseph Ferrell, P.E. (BSEM 40 ft flatbed trailer. This is what I of Fairmont, WV, is a junior in ’81) resides in the Strasburg, gotta wear when we go out the mining engineering. He Virginia area. He is the Vice gate of my base. About 25 lbs of enlisted and went to Iraq in President/General Manager protection you see there. I am Spring 2005. Throughout his of O-N Minerals, Inland Op- industry. There’s always room doing great - keeping busy and active duty, he has been in erations. for improvement. making the time fly. I have 9 more correspondence with Mining • Gerry Finfinger (PhD ‘03) has Take care, see you in spring months to go. Thanks for all of Engineering faculty and stu- been appointed interim direc- ‘07. your thoughts and prayers. Our dents through his advisor Dr. tor of NIOSH – Spokane Re-

prayers go out to the families of Syd S. Peng. Here is his latest search Laboratory, Spokane, Sincerely, those miners. I am anxious to get letter report. His e-mail is: WA. Gerry has been the chief

back into the program so I can [email protected] scientist for NIOSH Mine Josh Moran help make a difference in the (See Alumni News, Page 4) Volume 6 Issue 1, Spring 2006 Black Diamond Page 4

by Richard W. Lee A Great Number of Happy Memories at WVU (BSEM, ’47) hanks for the Memories! membered for their care, teach- Do you remember Ernie’s T This was a popular song ing, and antics; Professor Lunch Room across from the years ago. I thank WVU for a Boomslider, Ed Jones, W. W. Armory where you could eat and great number of happy memo- Hodge, and Professor Davis, check out the girls from Women’s ries. As you get older the happy and Renolds, all come to mind. Hall? Incidentally, you had to memories erase the bad situa- Ask any emeritus engineer who have your date back in Women’s tions that occurred during your their favorite professor was and Hall by 10:00 p.m. or you were life in school and work. Why do 99 times out of 100 it would be locked out. Many of us married we alums love WVU so rever- “Big Cather” or “Screaming the girls we met and had long and ently? I think it is due to the Carl”, one and the same. Most happy lives with them. Remember time spent getting a degree to Richard W. Lee at 2006 remember him for making us the occasional panty raids? Satur- be able to be a proficient engi- better students and good engi- day nights were fraternity dances CEMR Emeritus Club neer. The fellowship with per- neers. at the Armory or the Sadie Haw- sons from different areas of the Luncheon. kins dance when the women in- state and elsewhere, the chased at the book exchange vited the men. The ROTC Scab- memories of professors, were $10.00, and cab fees bard and Blade held an annual classes, cramming for finals, were $2.50 for the semester. I dance. The queen was the most Thanksgiving and Christmas worked in and around a coal popular girl on campus. breaks, and the graduation mine earning $4.40 per day. In those days we had many ceremonies were happy and Nine months pay covered two freezing rains and snowstorms. equally sad times as we parted semesters tuition. The rest Students could be found sled company with friends and the helped with incidental needs. riding on North High Street, boys University. We, as freshmen, had to pur- trying to ski on barrel staves, and I started WVU the fall of chase and wear at all times, a the popular snowball fight be- 1938, but spent 40 months in blue and gold beanie and tie. tween the Delts and the Tekes. service. The Morgantown Post How about wearing the woolen Football players were standing stated that over 3,000 students outside Men’s Hall on North High army uniform to ROTC classes Richard Lee in WVU Geology enrolled at WVU that fall. The and how they made you itch in Street in zero degree weather class: Doing dip and strikes tuition at that time was $40.00 the fall and spring heat! wearing only Tee shirts. Show per semester, used books pur- Several professors were re- in Decker’s Creek (1939). Offs! Richard W. Lee (BSEM, ’47) 2006 CEMR Emeritus Club Luncheon took the trip from his home in (Alumni News from Page 3) Fairmont, WV. He shared many Health & Safety. So this is an for ‘40 and ‘50 Emeriti happy memories of his time at additional duty for him. • Jonathan Gordon (BSMinE ‘06) n April 28, 2006 CEMR held WVU (See the article above). He its Emeritus Club Luncheon has 39 years of underground Is working on Tunnel Ridge O project this summer for Alliance in Morgantown to honor the Em- mining experience. “I wouldn’t eriti from both the 1940’s and trade it for the world. I loved Resources in Triadelphia, WV. Jon is planning to attend Law 1950’s. mining.” The Mining Engineering De- Fred Miller (BSEM, ’56) de- School this coming Fall. partment saw four alums return scribed a difficult two years as • Ron Hite (BSEM ‘81) has been for the event. Seated at Chairman he began school. He says, “My promoted to chief operating Syd Peng’s table were Edmund freshman and sophomore year I officer, Asian American Coal, Bookman, with his wife Jane, worked in a coal mine at night Inc. in Bejing, China. Richard W. Lee, and Fred Miller, Fred Miller at 2006 and went to school during the • William Mark Hart (MSEM ‘95) with his wife Mary. Also present at Emeritus Club Luncheon. day.” He credits his wife Mary has been appointed president an adjacent table was Paul with helping him get through of West Hawk Development, an those years. He continues, “I’ve Farmer, with his wife Marlene. mington, North Carolina. exploration and mining com- worked just about every posi- Edmund Bookman (BSEM, ‘52) Paul C. Farmer (BSEM, pany located in Vancouver, tion, from laborer to supervi- said, “I graduated from the ’56) remembered WVU that at Canada. sor.” Fred and Mary Miller re- School of Mines on June 2nd the time all males were made • Gary Jarrell (BSEM ‘80) stopped turned to Morgantown from 1952, by June 15th I was in the to take ROTC. Later he pur- by a couple of times to visit Louisiana to retire and have army. Bookman began a lifelong sued a law degree at George former advisor Dr. Syd Peng, certainly been enjoying this career in the army. He did a tour Washington and still practices and MinE faculty. His son, banner year in Mountaineer in Korea and two in Viet Nam. He procurement law at this time. (Alumni News, Page 5) and his wife Jane resides at Wil- sports. Volume 6 Issue 1, Spring 2006 Black Diamond Page 5

Charles McGlothlin, Jr., Received Jim Dean Appointed as Acting 2006 ASSE Educator Award Director of WV Office of MHS&T

harles W. McGlothlin, Jr., ames M. Dean C was the recipient of 2006 J (MSEM ’90) William E. Tarrants Outstanding was appointed as Safety Educator award, from Acting Director of the American Society of Safety the West Virginia Engineers (ASSE). The recipient Office of Miners’ of this award is recognized for Health, Safety his contribution to the educa- tion in the occupational safety, and Training health and environmental field, (MHS&T), by Gov- and the Society. Dr. McGlothlin ernor Joe Man- Charles McGlothlin, Jr. Jim Dean (right) was the guest speaker at Ka- received his B.S. in 1966 and chin on February (BSEM ‘66 and MSEM ‘68). nawa Valley Mining Institute (KVMI) Annual M.S. degrees in 1968 in Mining 14, 2006, for a Meeting. He was introduced by Jim Cosaro (left), Engineering from West Virginia period of six periences in safety, health and president of KVMI. University, and his Ph.D. in Edu- months while the cation and Human Resource environmental related fields, Studies at Colorado State Uni- with Bethlehem Steel, PA, Atlan- state is searching for a perma- Virginia University. Jim is also a versity. Dr. McGlothlin is the tic Richfield and Kaiser Coal nent director. Jim is the Director certified instructor through the Department Head and Assistant Corporations, UT and KN En- of the Mining Extension Out- U.S. Mine Safety and Health Ad- Professor in occupational safety ergy, CO. Charles began his reach Service, CEMR, at West ministration. and health program, Oakland teaching career at Trinidad University located in Rochester, State Junior College (TSJC) in Michigan. Charles is also the 1993. During his years there he ABET accreditation for the President of the ASSE Greater was instrumental in developing program was achieved this Detroit Chapter. He was also the TSJC degree for online deliv- year. Dr. McGlothlin is working voted for the safety profes- ery and gaining ABET accredita- with School of Business Admini- sional of the year in 1997. tion, the first time a two-year stration to offer a Master of Charles has 25 years of ex- college in America was given Science in Safety Management accreditation. degree. Making A Gift to the MinE Department (Alumni News from Page 4) Doug Fala Coordinated Mine Rescue Team hinking of making a gift to Jason, graduated with a BSAE Contest, Boone County, WV T benefit our Department in in May 2006. your will, living trust, IRA, or • Richard L. Lewis II (BSEM oug Fala (BSMinE ’99), other manner? If so, the proper ‘82) is an attorney. He cur- D superintendent of the Har- wording is very important to rently works for Steptoe & ris Mine, coordinated the mine ensure that your gift works out the way you intended. Johnson Attorneys at Law in rescue team contests in Madi- Have your attorney include a Charleston, West Virginia. son, Boone County, WV on June provision directed "to the West • Bradley C. Lewis (BSEM ‘78) 9, 2006. Harris #1 Mine is Virginia University Foundation, joined ICG ADDCAR Systems, owned by Eastern Associated Inc. (i.d. #55-6017181) to LLC as director of marketing Coal Corp. (EACC), a subsidiary benefit the Department of and sales, launching its Nar- of Peabody Energy. There are Doug Fala, Superintendent of Mining Engineering in the row Bench Highwall Mining six rescue teams competing in Harris #1 Mine, EACC, Peabody College of Engineering and Mineral Resources." Your gift system. Madison. They came from Energy. Southern West Virginia, Eastern provision can provide for the • Lucas O’Neal (BSMinE ‘06) is team contests the Joseph A. creation of an opportunity fund, and Morgantown, WV, a coal preparation engineer Holmes Safety Association a faculty development fund, a including teams from Eastern, with Peabody Energy, holds every year throughout the scholarship — whatever you Arch Coal and Massey Energy. Charleston, MO. coalfields, with the assistance choose. It will help us in an The event was a part of one • Scott Pack (BSEM ‘83) has from MSHA and the State Office important way to further our of the dozens of mine rescue educational, research and been promoted to senior Vice of Miners’ Health, Safety and service mission. President in charge of Corpo- Training. The safety teams rate marketing and sales, worked through disaster sce- If you would like further Foundation Coal Corporation, narios in annual competitions assistance with your gift plans, and president of Foundation which help mine rescue teams call Bob Bragg, CEMR at (304) Energy Sales. Congratula- sharpen their skills to do the 293-4821 Ext 2240, or Syd tions! things they need to do under- Peng, Department Chair at (Alumni News, Page 7) ground during an emergency. (304) 293-7680 Ext 3301. Volume 6 Issue 1, Spring 2006 Black Diamond Page 6

Reflections on My Experience as a Mining Engineering Student by Samantha Stahle After my freshman year I took responsibilities ranged from doing BSMinE ‘06 an internship with Pennsy Sup- mine plans to surveying, and min- ply, Inc. in Harrisburg, PA. This eral tax work. I am thankful for hen I graduated high subsidiary of OldCastle Materi- the opportunity that they gave W school I thought I wanted als Group is one of the largest me; I learned so much and was to be a civil engineer “when I aggregate producers in central able to apply what I had learned grew up”… needless to say, I was PA. I worked in the quality con- in the classroom. wrong. As most freshmen do, I trol lab as a technician the first The time that I spent at WVU changed my mind. I was im- summer and as an operations prepared me for the mining engi- pressed by the scholarships that intern the second summer. I neering career that I am starting were awarded for mining engi- was able to experience how a at MEPCO, Inc. as a staff engi- neering. I could try it, and if I did- Samantha “Sami” Stahle quarry operation functions; from neer. I feel as though not only n’t like it I could always try some- exploration drilling, mine plan- have I come away with a satisfy- thing else. But obviously, I first hand exposure to the ning, blasting, haulage, and ing education and degree in Min- stayed. At first I wondered what I mining industry. We are able screening plant operations. The ing Engineering but also with had gotten myself into, I was to interact with industry repre- third summer, I thought that it lasting relationships within the outnumbered being one of only sentatives and establish last- would be a good idea to do an Mining Engineering Department. two girls in the Mining Engineer- ing relationships, whether internship with a coal company. So a big thank you to all that have ing Department, and completely through school functions or I took a summer internship with helped me along the way, I could- out of my element, but for some summer internships. We feel MEPCO, Inc., Morgantown, WV, n’t have achieved my goals with- reason I was drawn to it. welcome and are able to with Mr. James Laurita, Jr., out your help and support over The Department and SME Stu- make our place in the mining President, and Brian Osborn, the past four years. dent Chapter provide students world. Senior Mining Engineer. My Touring Mountain Laurel Mine Complex, Logan County, WV

ountain Laurel mine com- plant has 2,100 tph ca- M plex is Arch Coal ‘s newly pacity. The new plant developing mine located out- structure and equipment side of Sharples, Logan County, are already in place, but WV. Mining Engineering stu- electric wiring, some pip- dents and faculty visited the ing, and exterior walls mine courtesy of Calvin Kidd need to be completed. and Arch Coal. The new mine This makes the plant tour has two continuous mining sec- extremely beneficial be- tions to extract Alma seam coal. cause we can ask the The Mountaineer II longwall guides questions and per- mine is under development and ceive the answers on-the- will begin production of Cedar Grove seam coal in 2007. The scene. The plant has three system. The products are meet multiple market specifica- ROM coal belt conveyor from modules. Each module has four shipped on CSX rail system. The tions. underground to surface has a coal cleaning circuits, using, a Plant will process both Alma The tour of the new under- 12 degree 1600 ft long slope. dense-medium vessel, dense- and Cedar Grove seam , ground mine, plant and surface Jeff Roberts (BSMinE ‘03), MinE medium cyclones, spirals and a and multiple seam coals from facilities provided WVU students Alum, greeted us at the mine. flotation column. The product adjacent Spruce Fork surface the experience of seeing how Cardinal coal preparation quality is monitored by a mining operations. A combined new technologies are applied in gamma ray mineral analysis total of approximately 10 mil- the field. The Mining Engineer- lion tons clean coal product will ing Department appreciates be produced annually. Calvin Kidd and the engineers The plant and material han- of Arch coal for their hospital- dling facilities are uniquely ca- ity. We also thank Jim Corsaro’s pable of blending raw coals (BSEM, ’58) invitation to attend and/or cleaned products or by- the Kanawha Mining Institute passing the cleaning plant, meeting and dinner prior to the using 4 raw coal and 4 product mine trip. stacking tube stockpiles to Shuttle is ready to go underground mine. Volume 6 Issue 1, Spring 2006 Black Diamond Page 7

Spring Mineral Resources Awards Banquet o the surprise of no one except T Calvin Kidd, he received the first "industry service" award cre- ated by Kevin Rakes (BSMinE ‘05) and the Department. Kevin recog- nized Calvin's lifetime of support for WVU mining students with a Brijes Mishra and Jun Lu re- commemorative plaque. Kevin Lucas P. O’Neal received the Benjamin G. Worley received ceived Mining Engineering recalled his anticipation of the OLD TIMERS Award. Lucas is CAREERS in COAL Award. Faculty “Hammer” Awards. trips to Charleston each April to also a recipient of the Charles attend “Continental” mine visits. T. Holland Award. Many other students and faculty were recognized for their participa- tion, service, and our expectations of productive and safe careers in mining. Their awards are explained in the captions below the photos. And thanks to outstanding plan- Dan Alexander received SME Jonathan A. Gordon re- Calvin Kidd received Best ning and execution, Royce Watts Student Chapter Outstanding and Nancy Ireland provided all the ceived MRAC Award. Service Award. Faculty Award. Mineral Resources Alumni Chapter attendees a time of fellowship over dinner.

(Alumni News from Page 5) • Walter J. Scheller, III (BSEM ’ 86) has been named Senior Vice President of strategic operations, Morgan Sears received the Bryan N. Schwalm received Peabody Energy, with responsibil- Joy Machinary Scholarship, Mining Engineering Faculty Samantha J. Stahle received ity for leading the company’s SME Student Chapter, and “Hammer” Award. The West Virginia Coal Mining continuous improvement initia- Mining Engineering Faculty Institute Award. tives and implementaing stan- “Hammer” Awards. dard operating procedures. Con- gratulations! • Samantha Stahle (BSMinE ‘06) 137th WVU Commencement, May 14, 2006 accepted a job from MEPCO Co. She is a mining engineer working in the Engineering Department. • Don Swartz (BSMinE ‘03) was promoted to assistant shift fore- man at Blacksville No. 2 Mine, CONSOL Energy in Blacksville, WV. • David G. Zatezalo (BSEM ‘77) is president of CAM Ohio, LLC with operating coal mines in Cadiz, OH. Burt Garofalo (BSEM ‘75, MSEM ‘86) is also with him as a sr. mining engineer. • Hua Zhao (MSMinE 05), following Attending the Commencement reception and Ceremony were: (from left to right): Lucas her husband, Dr. Bo Yu (PhDMinE O’Neal, BSMinE; Dr. David Tang, PhDMinE; Dr. Felicia Peng; Dr. Syd Peng; Dr. Tom ‘05), has joined Agapito Barczak, PhDMinE; Dr. Dan Alexander, PhDMinE; Hongyan Sun, MSMinE; Dr. Yi Luo, Dr. (Alumni News, Page 14) Wahab Khair. Volume 6 Issue 1, Spring 2006 Black Diamond Page 8

Bill Wooten Sales Engineer West Virginia Mine Inspector Examining Board (MIEB) Minova USA, Inc. Member of MIEB, WV represents the mine workers point of view. Charles Justice, he State of West Virginia had President, Justice Mine Service; T created the Mine Inspectors and Bill Wooten, Sales Engineer Examining Board for the purpose for Minova USA represents the of establishing a register of quali- mine operators’ viewpoint. fied, eligible candidates for ap- These men have effectively pointment as mine inspectors. mingled their collective 120+ This five member board is ap- years of mining experience to pointed by the Governor with the provide unparalleled innovations consent of the State Senate. Two MIEB members and staff (let to right): C. A. Phillips, Hoya in the improved examination proc- members represent the viewpoint Clemens, Charles Justice, Bill Wooten, Tina Miller, Rick ess. Computer programs which generate exams from a pool of of coal mine workers while two Glover and Dr. Syd Peng (Chair). members represent the viewpoint questions; randomly created ex- of coal mine operators. The re- lected by taking and passing Dr. Syd Peng, chairman. Prior to ams; hands on identification and maining member, who represents the exams administered by Dr. Peng's arrival, the Board’s use of tools and devices and the public and sits as chairman, the Mine Inspectors Examin- work languished in unchanged, video inspection exams are some is the Director of the School of ing Board (MIEB). Those pass- unimaginative examinations of the areas this board has Mines at West Virginia University. ing the exams are placed in which did not challenge candi- worked on to challenge candi- The state mine inspectors are the roster in ranking order for dates. Coupled with Dr. Peng’s dates and help identify the best under the supervision of Director hiring by the Director of efforts, the four remaining potential employee for the State. (currently, Jim Dean, Acting Direc- OMSH&T. The exams are board members, all coming This board continues to push for tor) of West Virginia Office of Min- scheduled and announced from very diverse backgrounds, more modern updated training ers’ Health, Safety and Training state-wide, whenever needed, have put aside differing political and continuing education for all (OMHS&T) in Charleston. There and consist of three compo- viewpoints in order to achieve a mine inspectors. The OMHS&T is are 65 inspectors and 12 safety nents: written, hands-on, and higher degree of excellence and mandated to inspect and provide instructors distributed in four oral interview. MIEB also to strive for better working con- assistance to all mine operators regional offices: Fairmont, Oak reviews complaints filed by ditions and a safer work place in this State. The success of this Hill, Danville, and Welch. Among the inspectors and safety for all coal miners. office is totally dependent upon the inspectors, there are 42 un- instructors. Hoya Clemens, chairman of the proper functioning of the derground mine inspectors, 10 In recent years, this board the UMWA Safety Committee at Mine Inspectors Examining surface mine inspectors, and 12 has taken the candidate ex- the McElroy mine and Rick Board. electrical inspectors. Inspectors amination process to a higher Glover, retired UMWA Interna- and safety instructors are se- level under the guidance of tional Safety Representative,

Visiting Jerry Bays, Inc. and Thomas Howard, Inc. Mt. Hope, WV

Mining Engineering students visited Bays Inc., and Tom Howard Inc., Mount Hope, WV on April 12, 2006. The design and consulting firms are headed by MinE alumni: Neil and Jerry Bays (BSEM ‘62), Tom Howard (BSEM ‘44, MSEM ‘55) and Charles Howard (BSEM This group photo was taken in front of what once was the New ’83). The photo shows the mining engineering students and faculty with Mr. Jerry Bays in his office. We would like to thank Mr. Bays River CO. office building. (Back row) The second from right is and Mr. Howard for their hospitality. Charles Howard. Tom Howard is in front of Charles. Volume 6 Issue 1, Spring 2006 Black Diamond Page 9 Articulation Agreements : Dual Degree Majors and Feeder Programs

by Syd S. Peng, Chair and several common courses and BSCE-MinE Dual complete the four-year civil engi- C. T. Holland Professor mutual agreement of technical neering degree program, receiv- electives, the combined dual Degree (4+1), and ing a BSCE from WVU Tech, and degree requires only 158 credit- BSMinE (2+2) then transfer to WVU for one year hours and can be easily com- to complete and receive a pleted in five years. The recom- Experience gained from high BSMinE from WVU. Due to WVU’s mended course schedule in- school recruiting in southern residency requirement, this pro- volves course sequencing that parts of the state during the gram involves 171 credit-hours in follows the individual programs past 10 years shows that many five years. In order to implement very much. Students enrolled in students believe WVU Morgan- this program, some MinE courses n response to the growing the program will have to follow town campus is too far and too needed to be offered in Mont- I needs for mining engineers the recommended course se- big. They prefer to stay closer to gomery so that course pre- and improving services to quence in order to complete home and enroll in local col- requisites can be met. Therefore, Southern West Virginia, MinE both programs on schedule. leges. In order to accommodate effective with the Fall Semester, has established several articu- Upon completion of the recom- this concept of attending col- 2005, MinE offers one course lation agreements with related mended course work, students leges, MinE developed articula- each semester in Montgomery, majors at WVU and other West will receive both BSMinE and tion agreements with WVU Insti- MinE 205 Introduction of Under- Virginia institutions as feeder BSCE degrees. tute of Technology in Montgom- ground Mining Systems in Fall programs during the 2005- ery and Southern Community and Introduction to Surface Min- 2006 academic year, including BSGEOL-MinE and Technical College in Logan. ing Systems in Spring. Other re- WVU’s Civil Engineering and BSCE-MinE- WVUTech. quired mining and geology Geology, WVU Tech in Mont- courses are being considered. Dual Degree The agreement with WVU Tech gomery, WV, and Southern covers two programs with the The forthcoming governing Community and Technical Col- changes between WVU and WVU The Mining Engineering and Civil Engineering major: 2+2 lege in Logan, WV. Tech, as mandated by the 2006 Geology dual degree program and 4+1. The 2+2 program is, WV legislative session, may allow also requires 158 credit-hours strictly speaking, a four-year the total number of credit-hours BSCE-MinE for five years. The four-year BS BSMinE program involving 134 to be reduced to the level similar Dual Degree degree in Geology requires 128 credit-hours. In this program, to those dual majors of MinE and credit-hours. Similarly, due to students enroll in the Civil Engi- CE, and MinE and Geology as The Mining and Civil Engi- several common courses and neering program at WVU Tech in stated previously. neering dual degree program mutual agreement of technical Montgomery for the first two requires 158 credit-hours for and science electives, the com- years, and then transfer to WVU BSCE-MinE-Southern Com- five years. The program com- bined dual degree program also in Morgantown for the last two munity & Tech. The agree- bines the requirements for both requires 158 credit-hours and years. Upon completion of the ment with Southern Community B.S. degrees in mining and civil can be completed in five years. program, students will receive a and Technical College is a 2+2 engineering. The four-year Upon completion of the recom- BSMinE degree from WVU. program, similar to that with WVU BSMinE requires 134 credit- mended course work, students The 4+1 program is a dual Tech. This program began in hours while that for BSCE is will receive both BSMinE and degree program. In this pro- 2003 and enrollment headcount 131 credit-hours. But due to BSGeology degrees. gram, students first enroll and has been staying around 4-6.

Dow Chemical Visited MinE Dept Jennet Cooley, New Staff Member

ccasionally when a new She describes herself as a O person joins an organiza- “mature, responsible, dedicated tion, she (or he) adds some life achiever with excellent written that was otherwise missing. and oral communication skills.” Jennet Cooley recently joined Her background includes newspa- the Department of Mining Engi- per reporting and managing small neering as a Recruiting Assis- consumer oriented businesses. tant to help grow the number of She holds a BA in English, Suma Dow Chemical Group visited Mining Engineering Department on students in mining and support cum Laude, Ohio University. May 10, 2006, and discussed mining research with MinE faculty. the existing faculty and staff to Come in and meet our newest (From left to right): Dr. Dan Alexander, Dr. Syd Peng, Dr. Manuk do a better job of keeping our Colakyan, Dr. Keith Healey, Brian Keen, Ailene Phillips, Dr. Wahab member of the expanding mining Khair, John Henley, and Dr. Yi Luo. stakeholders informed, reach program at WVU. out to alumni and the public. Volume 6 Issue 1, Spring 2006 Black Diamond Page 10

Ryan Murray on Tips to Senior Mine Design Class visited Mine Management Federal No. 2 Mine, EACC

yan Murray (BSMinE ‘02) his experience on running the lair McGill, Operations signing, constructing and main- R was the first speaker in- mine. Other than technical is- B Manager, invited the taining the mine fresh water, vited to speak to the SME Stu- sues, he also presented the senior mine design class to power, rockdust, ventilation, dent Chapter for the Spring social and economic issues see how mine services are communications, supply and Semester 2006 on January 17. associated with longwall min- provided at Federal No. 2 drainage systems. The seniors Ryan is mine superintendent of ing. He also touched upon how Mine. During the February can use what they learned on Century Mine, Alledonia, OH to manage people productively visit, John Kucish, mine man- the mine tour in their senior which is a longwall mine with an and safely. Students were ex- ager, reviewed the long history mine design project reports. annual production of 6.6 million tremely interested and im- of the mine and how the pre- John Ewell, Randy Findaffer, tons in 2005. He talked about pressed by his speech. sent operation is organized. Danny Curry (BSMinE ‘02) and We were especially interested Ben Worley (BSMinE ‘06) were in the critical role the outby excellent guides and were en- Jim Laurita on Water Pool in Aban- mine infrastructure plays in thusiastic about the need to achieving production goals. keep the mine running doned Pittsburgh Seam Coal Mines As future engineers, the smoothly. It was a pleasure to WVU Mining Students will visit a well run efficient mine. im Laurita (BSEM ‘82), presi- mine the Sewickley seam, often be responsible for de- J dent of MEPCO, Morgan- which is approximately 80-100 town, WV, presented a seminar ft above the Pittsburgh seam. on May 2, 2006 to SME stu- He then talked about his com- dents. He said all the aban- pany engaging in a huge water doned mines in the Pittsburgh pumping project with a de- seam are flooded and intercon- signed capacity of 6,000 gal- nected hydraulically. The lons per minute for pumping the flooded water level is rising and water. must be pumped off in order to

Provide Spport for Mining Engineers of the Future Debrah Miller. J. D., Director of (From left to right): Josh Moran, Jonathan Gordon, Dan Alexander, Planned Giving WVU Foundation, Inc. Brandon Willianson, Dr. Keith Heasley, Ben Worley, and Luas O’Neal.

hose who provide the day-to-day energy and expertise to edu- T cate students in the Department of Mining Engineering know Schwoebel Presented Directional that the results are quite impressive. Students truly grow and ma- ture during their years in the program. Each new class of graduates Drilling Techniques makes us very proud to have been a part of the process of molding them as engineers of the future. Everyone has the opportunity to effrey J. Schwoebel, Director aid this important process in a truly personal way. A choice to in- J of REI Drilling, made a pres- clude a gift provision in your Will is one option. entation on “Long Hole Direc- Supporting the Department’s greatest needs – an opportunity tional Drilling and Innovative fund, a professorship, or a scholarship – can be done with the Methane Drainage Technique,” wording “to the West Virginia University Foundation for the benefit on March 1, 2006 at a SMESC of Department of Mining Engineering, the College of Engineering & Seminar. Jeff provided excellent Mineral Resources” in your Will. Your attorney can add the appro- general information on the tech- priate language to carry out any of these important choices for niques of directional longhole support. drilling for methane drainage. You may also choose to have any of those funds function as an The seminar was well attended endowment that will operate in perpetuity and will provide annual and enjoyed by faculty, and corporate activities in REI Drill- income for the Department to fulfill your specifications. You may students in multidisciplinary ing (http://reidrilling.com), and name the endowed fund for whomever you wish to honor in this team project from the Depart- is a recognized international special way. ments of Mining Engineering expert in methane drainage, Yes, it’s possible to be part of shaping the progress made by the and Petroleum & Nature Gas directional drilling applications, future mining engineering majors who walk in the doors at WVU Engineering. and coal mine methane com- and say “I’m here to learn!” Mr. Schwoebel directs overall mercialization. Volume 6 Issue 1, Spring 2006 Black Diamond Page 11

by Patrick Pelley MinE Sophomore CONSOL Energy Summer Internship

oal mining is something mining was really like, and 20th I only took off one day, the C that half of the United if it was something I would Fourth of July. I grossed over States doesn’t even realize want to do for the rest of $17,000 in that short period of goes on in today’s world. Coal my career. time. I worked between sixty to mining, however, is exactly what I remember my first day sixty-five hours a week. With the I did for ninety days straight in going underground at Enlow money that I earned I was able to summer 2005. I remember Fork Coal Mine. I was nerv- pay off my rent for the whole year, going into Dr. Syd Peng’s office ous, but yet excited to start buy a truck, pay for college, and and asking him if he would be working as a real coal save enough to last me through able to find me a job in the min- miner. I remember them the year. I would encourage unde- ing industry for the summer. He telling me that I would be Patrick Pelley and his truck. cided engineers to give mining then told me that CONSOL En- engineering a chance. Mining working on conveyor belts for regulations and standards, and ergy interviews would be com- engineering has opportunities all the day. I was thrilled to see everything else that I wanted to ing up within the next week; I across the world and gives you how these belts really ran, and know. The miners that I went asked him to sign me up. I was the chance to further your educa- see all of the fresh coal leaving with were experienced and worried that CONSOL would not tion. I would like to thank CON- the coal mine on them. Finally helped me out in everyway they be interested, since I was a SOL Energy for giving me this eight o'clock came and I went could. Soon enough four o'clock freshman at the time; luckily opportunity, West Virginia Univer- down on the elevator cage with came and I left the mine. On that was not the case. Signing sity Mining Engineering Depart- my crew . the way home I was thinking up for that interview was one of ment for the scholarship money, I learned a lot that first day; about my experience and de- the best choices that I have and most of all Dr. Syd Peng for the different working sections in cided that this is something made. I was very excited the helping out all of his undergradu- the mine, both continuous min- that I could love doing. day I received the job offer. I ate students including myself. ers and longwalls, the different From May 23rd to August was eager to see what coal 2006 SME Annual Meeting in St. Louis, MO 006 SME Annual Meeting was held in 2 St. Louis, MO from March 25 to 27. Faculty, visiting scholars and students from the Department attended the meeting by a chartered WVU bus. Graduate students and Faculty presented technical papers in vari- ous sessions at the Meeting. The students enjoyed the meeting & exhibits, socialized with alumni and vendors, and toured the Arch in downtown St. Louis. After the Meeting, the mine tours were planned to Gundlach Crusher; Doe Run (formerly St. Joseph Lead Co.), Buick Mine; and Farmersburg Coal, Black Beauty Sur- face mine. See articles on tours to mines in this newsletter. Volume 6 Issue 1, Spring 2006 Black Diamond Page 12

Wenbing Guo, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar from Henan Polytechnic University Associate Dean, and Associate Professor WVU Mining Engi- ous states. In the mean time, I neering Department have also gained some knowl- came from Henan Polytech- has the best faculty edge about the longwall mining nic University (HPU), China as I in U.S. coal mining subsidence issues in the U.S., a visiting scholar. I am studying schools and is fa- including its effects on the at West Virginia University mous in the world. surface structures and ground (WVU) for one year under Dr. So study and work- or surface water, etc. Syd Peng’s supervision. I spe- ing with such a In addition to gratifying re- cialize in mining subsidence group of outstanding search and professional experi- and control technology. researchers is of ences, the rich cultural diversity HPU, located in Jiaozuo City great benefit to me brought in by students from and founded in 1909, was the in many ways. Since different countries with differ- first coal mining university in my arrival in Sep- ent socioeconomic back- China. Today, it has expanded Drs. Wenbing Guo and Syd Peng at 2006 tember 2005, I have grounds also enriched my out- to become a comprehensive SME Annual Meeting, St. Louis. MO. had many terrific look on other aspects of life. university consisting of many memories of experi- The great experiences I gained institutes and graduate schools. from the Department of Mining There are 1,758 faculty and Science & Engineering is well- ences such as attending the Engineering at WVU will play an staff and about 26,000 under- known in China for its programs regional and national profes- important role in my future ca- graduates and graduate stu- in mining technology, ground sional meetings and visiting reer. dents. The School of Energy control, and rock mechanics. high-production mines in vari-

Gundlach Crusher Manufacturing Standing on 115 Cu. Yard Dragline Bucket, Plant Tour Farmersburg Mine, Black Beauty Coal, IN

fter attending the 2006 tomer's specifica- A SME Annual Meeting, a tions to create the group of 23 students and fac- crushing equipment ulty members visited the T. J. and parts required. Gundlach Manufacturing Plant Robotic welding is in Belleville, Illinois. Gundlach used to manufacture provides a wide variety of crush- crusher rolls to exact ers and crushing solutions to standards. the coal, steel, chemical, petro- Our hosts spent leum coke, mineral, electric their valuable time power and recycling industries to show the group (www.tjgundlach.com). the entire manufac- This manufacturing facility turing operation at has complete fabricating, ma- the facility and to chining and assembly services. answer questions. Using computer aided manufac- The Department of turing, Gundlach's cutting and Mining Engineering armersburg Mine, Black machining equipment is pro- at West Virginia Uni- F Beauty Coal CO., an subsidi- grammed directly to its cus- versity would like to ary of Peabody Energy, is lo- cated near Farmersburg, IN. The take this opportunity to mine uses a B&E 2570 dragline express its with a 115 cu yd bucket. The gratitude to photo shown above is the group Jim Compton, of mining engineers from WVU Jim Korte, with engineers of the company mine tour. The Department thanks and Mark standing on the bucket during Mark Sebree, Jerry Kempf, Mid Kohler, Vice the mine tour. The photo on the West Director of Surface Mining, President for right was Mark Sebree, General and Bob Mitchell, Human Resource making our manager explaining their mining for their hospitality. trip possible. Observing the robotic welding operation plan and operations prior to the Volume 6 Issue 1, Spring 2006 Black Diamond Page 13 Visiting Doe Run, Buick Mine and Plant, Viburnum, MO ne of the post-SME meet- intervening sill extracted last. averages about 10.5% Pb, and the copper concentration circuit. O ing mine trips was to visit They used drill jumbos and their cut-off grade is 6% lead The sink is further floated in the Doe Run Co., Buick mine, Vibur- ANFO loader vehicles to blast and 1.2% zinc. zinc concentration circuit. The num, MO on March 31, 2006. the ore. They scale and mark The mineral processing starts concentrated ores are thickened, Buick Mine is in the middle of a the roof and rib. All of the inter- from underground. A gyratory filtered and stockpiled, sepa- long 40 mile north-south line of sections are bolted with 6 ft no. crusher is used to reduce the rately. The lead is concentrated to lead mines. All of the mines are 7 rebar. These mines are very fractured ore to minus 5-in size. 80%, copper to 32%, and zinc to connected for ventilation. You different from underground coal At the surface, cone crushers 56%. The concentrated products can drive 18 miles under- mines. further reduce the size to mi- are shipped by barges to the ground. The production of Buick The Viburnum Trend is a Mis- nus 3/4-in. In the milling plant, local smelter for refining. Tailings mine is 5 million tons of rock a sissippi Valley Deposit with a rod mill and a closed circuit of from zinc concentration circuit is year, of which 1.6 million comes galena, sphalerite and chal- ball mill and hydrocyclones disposed of into the slurry pond 3 from pillar recovery using ce- copyrite deposits in the Bonne- produces 55% passing minus miles away. mented rock backfilling. The tree dolomite (CaMgCO3). We 75 micron size, with 40% solid Visiting the base metal mine, mine recovers 80% of inplace had a chance to “pick“ some feed by wt for the flotation cir- and concentration plants is a new ore. The ore can be up to 100 ft pure lead, dolomite, zinc, and cuits. Initially, at the lead con- experience for most of our stu- thick, and mining proceeds sphalerite and chalcopyrite ore centration circuit, both galena dents. The Department would like from multiple levels with the samples to take home. The ore and chalcopyrite are floated to thank Bob Dunn, George Moel- and sphalerite is depressed to lering, Tom Yanske, and others of the sink. The float is separated Buick mine for their excellent into galena and chalcopyrite in guide and accommodation.

At Buick Underground Mine, observing roof and rib scaling Over looking tailings. In the background are the lead and zinc operation in very large stopes. concentrates thickeners.

SME Doe Run mine tour (from left to right): Zhengxing Gu, Brijes Mishra, Dr. Yi Luo, Dr. Keith Heasley, Dr. A. Wahab Khair, Jun Lu, Rajagopala Kallu, Dr. Felicia Peng, Tom Appel, Dr. Syd Peng, Mathew Vance, Anil Ray, Dr. Wenbing Guo, Hakan Gurgenli, Mathew Bonnell, Qinghua Jin, Dr. Takashi Sasaoka. (Front row): Jonathan Gordon, Lucas O’Neal, Ryan Critchfield, Ted Kle- metti, Dr. Qingxiang Huang. Volume 6 Issue 1, Spring 2006 Black Diamond Page 14

by Syd S. Peng, Mapping Coal Mine Roof Geology Using Roof Bolter Ph.D. Chair and als, thus may not be quantita- A method has C. T. Holland Professor tively reliable. It follows that if been developed the drilling parameters, such as for identifying the n order to employ the correct thrust, torque, revolution per location and size roof bolting system for under- I minute, penetration rate, etc., of bed separa- ground coal mine roof support, are recorded in real time, they tions and frac- the roof geology must be known can be analyzed for determining tures, and deter- correctly in advance. But under- the rock type being drilled, in- mining the ranges ground coal mine roof changes cluding separations and frac- of rock strength. It from place to place, very often tures. With this concept in will produce a drastically. These include mind, a project, in partnership Net Feed Pressure, Output unit stratigraphic col- changes in rock type, rock layer R with J. H. Fletcher & Co., NIOSH, o umn showing thickness, bedding plane sepa- R t and U.S. DOE, was launched in a at variations in rock te io rations, or fractures, etc. Roof ( n 2001. DOE provided the fund- rp strength and loca- bolting systems must change as m Penetration Rate ing; J. H. Fletcher provided the ) tion and size of the roof geology changes. Oth- drill control unit, lab facilities, bed separations erwise, roof falls will occur. Distribution and approximate boundaries and roof bolter operators; and fractures. Experienced roof bolters can for sandstone (red) and shale (blue). NIOSH provided the roof bolter Based on the re- tell what kinds of rocks they are and lab facilities; and WVU per- sults, J. H. drilling by carefully listening to formed data analysis and soft- Fletcher & Co. has drilling sound, drill rod vibration, ware development. During the refined the drill drill penetration rate, etc. But past six years, the system was control unit on an this is seldom recorded system- extensively tested in the labora- operating roof atically for analysis. Besides its tories, 10 coal mines and two bolter. The system perception varies with individu- limestone mines. is now under test- ing in producing PI: Dr. Syd Peng, Chairman of MinE, mines. WVU; and Co-PI: Doug Hardman, president of J. H. Fletcher & Co. Calendar of Events March 25-31 2006 SME Annual Research team members involved in the project (left to right): Dr. Takashi Sasaoka Meeting and Exhibit, St. Louis, (Research Associate) with Kyushu University; Japan; Mr. Benjamin Mirable (MSMinE, ‘04); MO, and post-meeting Mine Field Dr. Gerald Finfinger (PhDMinE, ‘03) with NOISH; and Dr. David Tang (PhDMinE, ‘06) with Trips. DBT. April 6-7 Kanawha Coal Mining Institute Meeting, Charleston, and (Alumni News from Page 7) Mine Trips—Mountain Laurel Associates in Grand Junction, Complex, Arch Coal, Sharples, CO as a project engineer Logan County, WV. working on numerical simula- April 9 Mineral Resources Award tion in ground control. Banquet, LakeView Resort, • Ben Worley (BSMinE ‘06) is a Morgantown, WV. mining engineer working at April 20 William Poundstone Eastern Associated Coal, Inc., Lecture, Mineral Resources Bldg, Federal No. 2 Mine, Peabody Morgantown, WV. Energy, Fairview, WV. Ben is a very happy father. The Worley April 21 Mining Engineering Dept family welcomes a new arri- Visiting Committee Meeting. val: Zadie Reese Worley, born May 4 WV Coal mining Institute May 4, 2006. She weighted 6 and WV Coal Association Joint lbs 3 oz. She will be the sev- Shelley Shalvis (BSMinE ‘00) Meeting, Stonewall Jackson State enth generation of future coal Proud papa, Ben, and his and Matthew Gager at their Park, Roanoke, WV. miners, that includes the baby Girl—a future woman wedding ceremony on May May 14 West Virginia University Grandpa Phil Worley MS de- mining engineer. 13, 2006 in Knoxville, TN. 137th Commencement. gree student in WVU. Volume 6 Issue 1, Spring 2006 Black Diamond Page 15 WVU Won 2005 SME New Students, Fall, 2006 Student Chapter Membership he Department antici- engineering class, and transfer. T pates a total of 19-22 Additionally two students from Challenge “Grand Prize Award” new students, including 12 Civil Engineering (CE) have de- new freshman recruited from clared for double major in Civil ME has announced that the high schools, and seven stu- Engineering and Mining Engineer- S SME Student Chapter of West dents from freshman general ing. Virginia University won the 2005 Student Chapter Membership Chal- lenge Grand Prize Award with the highest percentage of member renewals and the number of new members recruited. The chapter recruited 18 new members and 20 members renewed their member- ships for SME and the Student Chapter. The grand prize award is a $ 400 check. CEMR Engineering Week Basketball Game Competition: MinE team won 2nd Place. Recruiting Program for Mining Engineering by William Ryan type of program will be con- Special Recruiter tacted this coming year. The he recruiting program for students requesting information T Mining Engineering at West concerning our program in- Virginia University (WVU) has creased from 34 to 46 and 73. undergone many changes in 3 High school students admitted to mining engineering major years. For first contact, we vis- The study tour group from Aachen University, Germany, vis- was also increased from 2 to 2 ited high schools to inform ited MinE and discussed on-going research on May 2, 2006. counselors of our program. and 12. Included in the changes was The group consisted of seven members including four sen- Presentations about our pro- iors led by professors Ralf Schulte, Jorg Kramer and Axel gram were made to the stu- an attempt to develop an inter- Preusse. dents and information was est in mining engineering with handed out or mailed to the students who are underclass- men in high school. This was students. The numbers of high SME Student Chapter New Officers for schools contacted increased done by presentations at col- from 45 to 54 and 89 for the lege fairs at various high 2006-2007 three year period. schools. So far 54 underclass- President: Morgan Sears Major changes were made men requested information Vice-President: Jeremy Holt during the 2005-06 school concerning the program at Secretary: Mathew Vance year. By contacting 5 Junior and WVU. 22 of those have re- Treasure: Mathew Bonnell community colleges with Pre- quested additional contact. We Programs: Patrick Pelley engineering programs in West- will continue correspondence GEM Coordinator: Alison Sears ern MD, Southwestern PA and during the summer and meet WV. More schools that have this with them in the fall.

ome, Join the whitewater C rafting at the end of April. If it can’t be Grown, Dr. Keith Heasley leads a group of faculty, students, and it must be mined! friends in a high adventure raft trip in the Cheat River each spring before finals week. 365 Mineral Resources Building Non-Profit The Department of Mining Engineering Organization College of Engineering and Mineral Resources U.S. Postage West Virginia University PAID PO Box 6070 Morgantown, WV 26506-6070

Alumni and Friends

Editors: Faculty and staff Department of Mining Engineering, WVU (304) 293-7680 Everything starts with mining!

W E ’ RE ON THE WEB! http://www.mine.cemr.wvu.edu/

Chair’s Message

Dear Alumni and Friends: 2nd Edition (October 2006) have exciting news to ered by Buck Harless. by Syd S. Peng I report to you. Dr. Chris The success story of his The 1st edition was published in 1984. It was and still is the Bise, currently chair of life impressed so many mining engineering pro- people that we received most comprehensive book on the subject. The 2nd edition gram at Penn State has requests for his lecture has been completely re-written to emphasize the practical agreed to take over as notes even long after aspects of longwall mining operations based on the au- chair of WVU’s Mining his lecture. thor’s world wide research and consulting experiences in Engineering Department Interest in mining the past 30 years. It covers the following 14 chapters: effective September 1, engineering is convinc- 2006. I will step down and ingly increasing as re- U.S. Longwall Mining continue teaching and flected by more rising Design Considerations for Panel Layout research. I thank you for sophomore and also Strata Mechanics your continuing support for high school seniors from Panel Development the past 29 years during across the state, declar- my tenure as your Depart- ing major in mining engi- Shield Support – General ment Chair. neering, as reported by Shield Support – Design & Selection We have also selected Bill Ryan, our special Coal Extraction – the Shearer and appointed Dr. Yi Luo recruiter. The obvious Coal Extraction – the Plow as Associate Professor, downside of expanding Coal Transportation responsible for mine venti- job market on our Application Issues with Longwall Mining lation. graduate program is Ventilation and Methane, Dust and Noise Controls With these two appoint- that students are taking Longwall Move ments, coupled with the jobs before finishing Longwall System Control and Power Distribution rising enrollment, WVU’s their thesis or disserta- Mining Engineering pro- tion. Surface Subsidence gram is in excellent posi- tion for growth. For further information, contact: [email protected] The Spring 06 Pound- stone lecture was deliv-