88���ֳ�

The group, compiled by the US Federal Government to analyse belt air utilisation and the properties of belts that make them fire retardant, will continue their yearlong research process May 16 and 17 at the Salt Lake Plaza Hotel at Temple Square. Each day will begin at 9am local time and adjourn at or before 5pm.

Belt air ventilation issues, ground control/convergence issues with regards to two-entry system development in western US mines, an overview of the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s investigation report of the Aracoma belt fire incident, and a period for guest input are the main topic headings on the agenda for the third meeting.

Once again, the meeting will be open to the public and open dialogue and enquiries will be encouraged.

“MSHA expects the amount of time allocated for public participation to be approximately one hour, but it may vary based on the interest expressed by the public,” the agency said in a statement, adding that it will also be accepting written submissions.

Those attending the Salt Lake City meeting who wish to be granted time to speak during the public input time block are asked to submit notification to MSHA, as those persons will be permitted podium time first. All input should be limited to five minutes or less, the agency said.

As with other gatherings the agency hosts, a transcript of the technical study meeting will be made available to the public afterwards on the MSHA website.

The technical study panel members include:

Dr Jurgen F Brune, NIOSH Disaster Prevention and Response Branch chief;

Dr Felipe Calizaya, University of Utah mining engineering associate professor;

Dr Jan M Mutmansky, Pennsylvania State University mining engineering professor emeritus;

Dr Jerry C Tien, University of Missouri-Rolla mining engineering associate professor;

Thomas P Mucho, of Thomas P Mucho & Associates mining consultancy; and

Dr James L Weeks, Evergreen Consulting director.

For further information on the panel, its progress to date and its goals, check out http://www.longwalls.com/storyview.asp?storyid=72042&sectionsource=s89&highlight=belt or MSHA’s Single Source page at http://www.msha.gov/BeltAir/BeltAir.asp.

Keep watching International Longwall News

for further updates on the technical study panel.