Evolutionary and Revolutionary Technologies for Mining

The Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT) of the U. S. Department of Energy commissioned the National Research Council (NRC) to undertake a study on required technologies for the Mining Industries of the Future Program to complement information provided to the program by the National Mining Association. Subsequently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health also became a sponsor of this study, and the Statement of Task was expanded to include health and safety. The overall objectives of this study are: (a) to review available information on the U.S. mining industry; (b) to identify critical research and development needs related to the exploration, mining, and processing of coal, minerals, and metals; and (c) to examine the federal contribution to research and development in mining processes. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary 1 Introduction 2 Overview of Technology and Mining 3 Technologies in Exploration, Mining, and Processing 4 Health and Safety Risks and Benefits 5 Research Opportunities in Environmental Technologies 6 Current Activities in Federal Agencies 7 Government-Sponsored Research and Development in Mining Technology 8 Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations References Appendix A: Biographies of Committee Members Appendix B: Presentations to the Committee Appendix C: Agency Web Address Acronyms