A rich, diverse mixture of research, equipment production and consulting expertise was on hand both days, said Rosiek: “Manufacturers such as Excel, Jennmar and Strata Products gave updates on their newest roof control products [and] a presentation on MRS [mobile roof] supports and material handling was given by Fletcher.”

Also discussing the vital topic was Fasloc, which reviewed various aspects of resin from gel time to pull tests, and Hilti International, which presented its new One Step Bolt. Geological, engineering and communications company Marshall Miller was also present, said Rosiek, and offered a professional presentation regarding its findings from a retreat mining study in Kentucky.

The seventh annual seminar was certainly not lacking in research insight, he said: “There were several technical papers given by [MSHA] Tech Support and NIOSH [the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health]. The topics included geological hazards and how to recognise them, arches as roof support, and the hazards of multi-seam mining and how to avoid them.”

During the final afternoon attention was turned to the highwall scene, with presentations by NIOSH on the Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability – Highwall Mining (ARMPS-HWM) program, and Superior Highwall Miners discussing “A Close-up Look at New Developments in Highwall Mining”. After adjourning the technical discussions, attendees were offered a field trip to Superior Highwall Miners’ manufacturing plant.

The seminar is held each year during the week following the US Memorial Day holiday.