Agenda

Technical Program
(02/6/2023)
Keynote Address
Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 9:00 a.m.
Session I:
Modern Underground Coal Production
Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Longwall Shearer Operations from the Surface
By Cheston Weese, director of process improvement, Arch Resources
Data & Analytics Supporting Longwall Automation Everyday
By Willem Fourie, senior product manager for longwall data solutions, Komatsu Mining
Improved Productivity with Wide Head Continuous Miner and a Crawler Bunker Bolter Car System
By Michelle Burich, senior application engineer, Komatsu Mining
Automation – A Journey to Underground Room-and-Pillar Improvement
By Toby Cressman, product manager for automation and data solutions, Komatsu Mining
New Lithium-ion Battery Technologies for Underground Coal Mines
By Jim Haughey, Business Development Director – Marketing and Production, Komatsu Mining
Session II:
Panel Discussion
Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Evolving Landscape for Underground Coal Mining Equipment Suppliers
Moderator: Steve Fiscor, editor, Coal Age
Jay Armburger, president and CEO, HBT Americas
Brian Edmonds, president, Seetech USA (invited)
Greg Sanders, president and CEO, Becker Global America
Steve Sangalli, president and CEO, Swanson Industries
Don Simms, president and CEO, United Mining Equipment
Jason Sizemore, general manager, Gainwell Engineering
Session III:
Ventilation
Wednesday, May 10, 2022, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Longwall Gob Permeability
By Josh Silvis, manager of hydrogeology, CONSOL Energy
Canopy Air Curtain Technology for Shuttle Car Cabs
By Randy Reed, research mining engineer, NIOSH
NIOSH’s role in developing ventilation input to new engineering guidelines for shale gas wells influenced by longwall mining
By Steven J Schatzel, geologist, NIOSH
A Field Study of Longwall Mine Ventilation Using Tracer Gas in a Trona Mine
By V. Gangrade, S. J. Schatzel, and S. P. Harteis, NIOSH
Session IV
Coal Handling & Storage
Wednesday, May 10, 2022, 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Construction Considerations for Coal Handling Projects
By Devan Welch, president and CEO, Powell Construction
Controlling Carryback: More Than Just Belt Cleaners
By Jerad Heitzler, program manager and lead instructor, Martin Engineering
How to Save Money Cleaning Your Silos
By Dennis Blauser, CEO, Marietta Silos
Top Performers Awards Presentation
May 10, 2022, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Session V
Health & Safety
Thursday, May 11, 2023, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Harvey Mine Positive Pressure Respirators
By Tim Costa, manager, strategic industrial accounts and distributor partnerships, CleanSpace USA
Laboratory Investigation of Underside Shield Sprays Used in Conjunction with a Directional Spray System to Lower Respirable Dust Exposures on Longwalls
By Scott Klima, mining engineer, NIOSH
Electromagnetic Interference Considerations in Underground Coal Mines
Dr. Jim Zhou, Senior Electrical Engineer, NIOSH
Coal Mine Barrier Pillar Design
By Dale Hamilton, geologist, MSHA Roof Control Division
Impacts of Longwall Mining on Gas Wells
By Greg Rumbaugh, supervisory engineer, MSHA Roof Control Division