Randall G Peterson

US Patent:

60861592, Jul 11, 2000

Filed:

Apr 7, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/287885

Inventors:

Randall D. Peterson - Sandy UT

Assignee:

IMC-Agrico MP, Inc. - Northbrook IL

International Classification:

E21C 2718

US Classification:

299 17

Abstract:

Slurryable ore where the overburden is unstable and subject to collapse is mined from substantially parallel elongated main trenches connected by a perpendicular trench at the bottom of the mineral seam. A plurality of softwall mining devices supported by face equipment is placed in the perpendicular trench. The devices slurry the mineral material and move into the mineral seam as the overburden sloughs behind the mining devices. The subsided overburden is supplemented as necessary with injected material. Slurried mineral flows to the parallel trenches for removal to the surface. After the softwall devices have advanced the length of the parallel trenches, the devices are withdrawn and placed in additionally developed trenches elsewhere in the ore reserve.

US Patent:

57825394, Jul 21, 1998

Filed:

Nov 16, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/558826

Inventors:

Randall D. Peterson - Salt Lake City UT

International Classification:

E21C 4100

US Classification:

299 11

Abstract:

A mining process that consists of a combination of surface mining and underground mining techniques carried out in a novel extraction sequence. The coal seam is first mined by surface-mining stripping methods to produce a highwall. Roadways to a predetermined distance underground from the surface highwall are then developed using continuous mining equipment, so that a panel of coal with a minable underground face or wall is blocked out. A longwall is then set up at the face and the panel is mined in retreat toward the surface highwall to a safety barrier determined by the highwall slope. Adjacent panels are successively developed and extracted by longwall mining, thereby permitting the recovery of substantially all coal reserves between the surface highwall and the predetermined distance at which the underground wall was set up.

US Patent:

59971010, Dec 7, 1999

Filed:

Feb 17, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/024438

Inventors:

Randall D. Peterson - Sandy UT

International Classification:

E21D 912
B65G 4102

US Classification:

299 64

Abstract:

A system for providing utilities and support infrastructure on a continuous basis from the surface to the cutting face of an underground operation. A flexible belt structure system incorporates water supply and discharge lines, power and communication cables, hydraulic supply and return lines, bulk lubrication delivery systems, and belt support structure for underground coal haulage. The system consists of modular components that are added at the surface and connected underground to form a continuous support structure to the working area, such that the infrastructure necessary for the mining operation is expanded or reduced to keep up with the position of the mining face without interruption of operation. The belt structure is mounted on a stationary rail fixed to the roof of the mine and is rolled forward or backwards in the belt entry as the mine advances or retreats, as applicable.