On Explosives used in Mining

Abstract

I intended to have read a paper upon the present extension of the Silkstone Coalfield, but I am prevented doing so because the explorations are in the hands of gentlemen who are anxious for the present to keep them private; however I may mention that so far as the extension of the Silkstone Coalfield in South Yorkshire is concerned, that it is progressing, and that the coal which has been reached in the new workings in the Dearne Valley District is of even better quality than that on the rise side of the Main Worsbro’ Fault. We may, therefore, look forward to the developement of the various coal measures underlying the Barnsley Seam, and rest satisfied that the Coalfield of South Yorkshire will be extended for many years to come, and, I hope, will be a source of profit to everybody concerned. With regard to the Final Report on the Royal Commission on Accidents in Mines, I am pleased to see that it has completed its enquiries, and that practicaliy the conclusions to which the Commission has come in many instances are similar to what the Midland Institute and other Societies in connection with Mining in Great Britain found to be the proper methods to be adopted to ensure increased safety in the working of mines, and had been recommended by these Societies to the Royal Commission, although such recommendations do not appear to be properly acknowledged in the Report itself; therefore we may consider that these various Societies have ...