Mining Publication: Inexpensive, Easy to Construct Materials-handling Devices for Underground Mines

The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) has developed and tested designs for six materials-handling devices for use in underground mines to reduce materials-handling injuries. Particular attention was focused on making the designs practical, low cost, and easily fabricated to be broadly applicable in underground operations. Where possible, the designs were simplified so that off-the-shelf components could be used to permit fabrication by mine personnel on site. The six devices include scoop-mounted lift boom, swing-arm boom, heavy component lift-transport, mine mud cart, container-work station cart, and timber car. This paper presents a brief discussion of that work and the six devices. It is intended for mine operators who wish to make use of the design concepts to manufacture similar devices for use in their mines.