On Friday morning, we left the Best Western Logan Inn early to drive to Rock Springs deep mine near East Lynn, WV. Rock Springs is part of Alpha Natural Resources. We were given a safety course then we were taken about three miles underground to observe a continuous mining process in operation. It was quite impressive to see the coal removed, loaded into transfer cars and dumped onto a belt that delivers the coal to a nearby prep plant. No one in our group had ever spent much time underground so the trip was very informative. We were all impressed with the speed with which the mining machine can fill a 15 ton cart. The roof bolting operation was also a sight to behold. Two holes are drilled, a two part epoxy glue and six foot long roof bolts are inserted within two minutes. The roof bolting machine is manufactured by J. H. Fletcher Mining Equipment of Huntington, WV. The miners report that these are the best machines in the industry.
We concluded our trip with a stop at the prep plant for Rock Springs. Their plant is much like the one we visited earlier at Mountain Laurel but was about twice as large.
The drive back to Huntington on Friday evening was bittersweet. While everyone was happy to be back at their homes and with family, we were sad to see the trip come to an end. Everyone learned about the science, technology, history, economics and culture of coal. In addition, we made many friends not just among our group but with our hosts at each location we visited. Everyone was anxious to infuse their knowledge and experiences with coal into their classrooms.
We concluded our trip with a stop at the prep plant for Rock Springs. Their plant is much like the one we visited earlier at Mountain Laurel but was about twice as large.
The drive back to Huntington on Friday evening was bittersweet. While everyone was happy to be back at their homes and with family, we were sad to see the trip come to an end. Everyone learned about the science, technology, history, economics and culture of coal. In addition, we made many friends not just among our group but with our hosts at each location we visited. Everyone was anxious to infuse their knowledge and experiences with coal into their classrooms.
Hey thanks for the specifics on the equipment. I didn't know the bolter was made locally too! This has been the most fulfilling experience ever!!
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