HomeMy WebLinkAboutAtqasuk Coal Mine Project Phase III 1990NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH
Planning Department CLP. / RELI.
P.O. Box 69
Barrow, Alaska 99723
PROJECT ATQASUK COAL MINE PROJECT
Phase III
PROJECT REPORT
ete September, 1990
(@S) ARCTIC SLOPE CONSULTING GROUP, INC. ’
| Engineers e Architects e Scientists e Surveyors
NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH
ATQASUK COAL MINE PROJECT - PHASE III
RELI PROJECT # 13-127
PROJECT REPORT
NSB Contract No 87-193
September 199¢
Prepared For:
NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH
P.O. BOX 6:
BARROW, ALASKA 23723
(2 S ARCTIC SLOPE CONSULTING GROUP
| Engineers ¢ Scientists * Surveyors
Rick Sampson, Acting Deputy Director
Planning Dept
North Slope Borough
P.O. Box 69
Barrow, Alaska 99723
Subject: NSB Atqasuk Coal Mine Project Phase III
RELI # 13-127, Project Report
Dear Mr. Sampson:
Arctic Slope Consulting Group is pleased to submit herein our
Project Report on the Atgasuk Coal Mine Project, Phase III and
supplemental documents entitled, North Slope Borough, Atqasuk Coal
fine Project Phase III - Project Installation Photographs and
Checklists.
The NSB Coal Project has built upon the results of the previous two
Phases. Improvements were made in stripping and productivity. Two
new types of stoves were installed. One with an attached hopper
and a coal burning furnace. Although there are many steps to be
taken concerning the development of the local coal resource in the
areas of coal guality and coal handling, this demonstration has
made significant advances towards that end. i syed working on this project and look forward to discussing
results with you.
Regional Manager vu O Ww oO don oO Ow Q oO asx to . FAX {907} 852-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION
List of Tables.
List of Figures
1.@ INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background. ——
1.2 Project Objectives.
1.3 Scope of Work soe
1.4 Project Organization. .
2.@ MINING PROGRAM
2.1 General .
2.2 Mobilization.
2.3 Mining. . ... . 2. ee ee ee
2.4 Production and Equipment Schedule
3.@ COAL STOVE INSTALLATIONS
3.1 General Soe ee ee
3.2 Selection of Participants .
3.3 Equipment Purchase and Transport.
3.4 Installation.
4.@ COAL UTILIZATION
4.1 General ;
4.2 Observations.
5.@ PROJECT COST .
5.1 Cost Breakdown.
5.2 Mining Productivity
6.@ PROJECT WORK FORCE
6.1 General
6.2 Work Force Profile
6.3 Labor Cost
7.@ RECOMMENDATIONS.
7.2 Mining.
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LIST OF TABLES
199@ Western Arctic and Atgasuk Coal
Demonstration Programs
Production Schedule.
Project Cost Breakdown
Mining Cost Data
Project Personnel Employment List.
Project Labor Cost
LIST OF FIGURES
Mine Plan.
Drill Pattern and Delay Sequence
Stratigraphy Section
ii
1.@ INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
The high cost of fuel oil on the North Slope has created hardships
amongst its residents and has suppressed economic development
throughout the region. This problem has further been compounded by
substantial decreases in state and local expenditures in capital
projects which have provided cash income opportunities to many
residents. Both the high cost of fuel oil and lack of cash income
are the key factors that make up the energy problems prevalent
throughout rural Alaska.
Aware of this problem and in response to the villages’ request, the
North Slope Borough (NSB) Assembly approved funds in June of 1987
for the NSB RELI Project 13-127, Atgasuk Coal Mine project. Upon u Cc a uccessful completion of the project the NSB Assembly on June 21,
1988 approved funding and subsequent Change Order for continuation
of the Demonstration Project.
e 1989, the Assembly again approved funding in the amount of
$198,800 to continue with the project under the mayors REL
Program In September the Mayor approved the Change Order to
Contract 27-182
work conducted under Phase I and
same area at the old Meade River
1 4
1.2 Project Objectives
The overall objectives for the 1989/9@ Program were similar to
those of the 1938/89 Program. The purpose of the Phase II Project
is to maximize on the use of the Atqasuk labor force and to mine
and deliver to the village a minimum of 250 tons of coal for use in
a pilot program to test the use of coal for residential heating.
The project yielded information on costs and operating requirements
which will assist in the analysis of mining methods best suited to
recovery of the Meade River coal and the benefits which can be
derived from its use. Other tasks of the project included
installation of ten additional coal stoves and monitoring of coal
use.
1.3 Scope of Work
The major project tasks undertaken by ASCG are presented below:
Mobilization
Planning of the mining operation and procurement of the
supplies and equipment required for performance of the
mining. Obtain all appropriate permits.
Mining
Using local labor and N heavy equipment excavate 250
ns o£ coal and stockpile at the gravel stockpile area °
adjacent to the village.
Coal Utilization
Devise a method for delivery of the coal to the residents
which provides for a continuous supply and a method for
measurement of coal used at each installation.
1.4 Project Organization
Funding for this project was provided by the NSB. ASCG were the
recipients of the NSB grant and were therefore responsible for the
Management of the overall project, installation equipment
rrocurement, installation supervision, mine planning and
supervision and final report preparation.
Local hiring, project coordination within the village, and
selection of demonstration participants were performed in the
& Project Coordinator residing in the community.
ra
2.@ MINING PROGRAM
2.1 General
The 199@ Atqasuk Mining Program called for an estimated 25@ tons of
coal to be mined from the area in the same vicinity, of the old
Meade River coal mine, as the 1987 and 1989 mining programs. The
coal would be transported and stockpiled relatively close to the
townsite in the village’s gravel stockpile area.
The field activities began on March 13 with the arrival of
equipment and supplies into Atgqasuk and ended on March 26 with the
last load of coal hauled to the stockpile area. It was estimated
275 tons of coal were mined and stockpiled for the 1990 mining
program. Both the Atqasuk and Western Arctic coal projects were
performed together. The operating tasks and work sequence of the
two projects are presented in Table 2-1.
2.2 Mobilization
The 1990 Atqasuk coal mining program began with preparation and
submittal of a mining license application, on behalf of the N.S.B.,
to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and obtaining a letter of
non-objection from the Atqasuk Corporation. On February 5, ASCG
received a letter of non-objection to conduct the 1990 program from
the Atqasuk Corporation. On March 11, ASCG received a copy of the
approved license to mine coal in Atqasuk. The license, number BLM
FF-884753, is good for four years.
On February 15, 1990 ASCG hired Mr. Steve Ranger as the mine
supervisor for both the Atqasuk and Western Arctic Coal Projects.
Mine planning and preparation continued to March 5. drilling
equipment, explosives, and supplies were located in Anchorage and
Fairbanks and transport plans to Atqasuk were arranged. Two
Ingersoll-Rand 375 CFM compressors and on Ingersoll-Rand LM-100
air-track drill and associated materials were rented from
Construction Machinery Inc. in Anchorage. The drilling equipment
was transported via truck-road to Fairbanks to Everts Air Fuel lot
at the Fairbanks International Airport. Explosives were purchased
from Alaska Explosives Limited out of Fairbanks.
Everts Air Fuel’s DC-6 flew into Atqasuk the drilling equipment,
explosives and miscellaneous material on March 13. There it was
unloaded and stored under the supervision on Mr. Leroy Gunderson,
Village Project Coordinator.
Steve Ranger, Mining Supervisor, arrived in Atqasuk on March 14.
From March 15 to 17 efforts were made to start up the field
activities in Atqasuk. Mr. Gunderson hired Mr. Jack Ahkivgak as
general laborer and Mr. Walton Kittick as equipment operator.
ho TABLE 2-1
199@ Western Arctic and Atqasuk Coal Demonstration Programs
Operating Tasks and Work Sequence
Investigation of DFS and Atqasuk mine sites for determination
of supplies needed.
Supply procurement and delivery to mine sites.
Set-up at Atgqasuk and prepare mining equipment.
Safety meeting at Atqasuk
Fly in drill, compressor and explosives to Atqasuk.
Drill and blast at Atqasuk.
Move drill, compressor and explosives to DFS.
Muck overburden at Atgqasuk.
Load and haul coal from mine to Atqasuk.
Demob from Atqasuk.
Set-up at DFS and prepare mining equipment.
Safety meeting/orientation at DFS.
Drill and blast at DFS.
Fly drill and compressor back to Fairbanks.
Muck overburden at DFS.
Deliver coal from DFS to port area.
Demob from DFS.
Heavy equipment for the project was obtained from the N.S.B.
Municipal Services Department. The N.S.B. maintenance shop had
previously prepared their equipment for our use on the project.
The equipment used included a D-6 dozer, D-7 dozer with ripper,
966D front-end loader, and DE 25 ton off highway dump truck. A
Chevrolet Suburban, rented from SKW was used for commuting between
the mine-site and town.
A snow bridge was prepared across the creek to transport the
equipment to the mine site. A 30@ gallon fuel tank was obtained
and repaired for use at the same mine-site. Since fuel could not
be purchased during weekend periods, the tank was filled for use
during this time.
2.3 Mining
The mining plan is presented in Figure 2-1. A total sum of 1015
yd’ of overburden was removed by drilling blasting. In the past
ripping with a D-7 dozer removed the overburden. The blasting
method worked well and removed the overburden. The blasting
measured approximately 49’ X 56’. The drill pattern is presented
in Figure 2-2.
Inclement weather on March 16-17 delayed drilling of the overburden
until March 18. Drilling was completed on March 21. The
blastholes were loaded with the shot fired at 7:30 p.m. on the same
day. Approximately 64 holes were drilled that equaled about 630’.
The D-7 dozer and 966D loader spent the following two days removing
the fragmented overburden from the pit. A ramp was ripped with the
D-7 dozer to facilitate easy access to the coal with the 966D
loader. Upon completion of the overburden removal, two DE-25 ton
haul-trucks were used to haul and stockpile the coal near town.
OVERBURDEN! \\ !
eooeie
\\
56 FT.
\ \ 1 \ | |
\ 44 TA \ \
\ FUdNDOLS NAGYNEYIAO MO1d YSAIN JCVAN | ' | i
i
ARCTIC SLOPE CONSULTING GROUP
PREPARED BY
Engineers « Architects « Scientists + Surveyors
6700 Arctic Spur Rooe Tevepnone (907) 345-148 Fox. (907) 345-4213 Ancnoroge, Alosxe 99516-1550 i
NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH
Planning Department
ATQASUK COAL MINE PROJECT
1990 Season
MINE PLAN
DATE: MAY. 1990 | JOB NO.: 3663 /FIGURE 2-1
i) 2
7’ x 10°
PATTERN
DEPTH 12°
BACK ROW
7 x 8 PATTERN
DEPTH 8°
EMPTY HoLe J |
| NOTES
| DRILL GRID MEASUREMENT = 49° x 5€ 2 1/2" ® BLASTHOLES
| FILLED TO 1° FROM COLLAR |
AVERAGE DEPTH = 10
|
= 1015 CUBIC YARDS BOREHOLE (ANFO ONLY)
PREPARED BY
ARCTIC SLOPE CONSULTING GROUP
EACH HOLE CONTAINS 1 2” x 8”
POWER PRIMER AND WR—-ANFO
APPROXIMATELY 450’ OF LOADED 1.55 LBS. ANFO PER FOOT
NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH
Planning Department
ATQASUK COAL MINE PROJECT
1990 Season
6700 arctic Spur Rood Anchoroge, Aiosko 99516-1550
Telepnone: (907) 349-5148 — Fox: (907) 349-4213
Engineers « Architects « Scientists « Surveyors DRILL PATTERN AND DELAY SEQUENCE
| DATE: MAY, 1990 JOB NO.: 3663 | FIGURE 2-2)
zZ- 6
The 66D loader loaded the coal into the trucks after the D-7 dozer
ripped the coal. Each truck was loaded with approximately 7 tons of
coal. Thirty-six loads were transported to the stockpile area.
Measurement of the volume of coal removed from the pit and the
volume of coal in the stockpile revealed that approximately 275
tons of coal were removed from the pit.
A stratigraphy profile of the pit is shown in Figure 2-3. The
upper 3 foot section of coal is lower quality with visible higher
content of ash and sediments. A six inch parting separates the
upper coal section from the much better quality lower coal section.
The lower section revealed a more homogeneous and non-stratified
coal mass structure. However after the coal was placed in a heated
room and thawed, all the coal in solid blocks crumbled into smaller
pieces. This is apparently a result of a high moisture content in
the coal.
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NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH
Planning Department
ATQASUK COAL MINE PROJECT
1990 Season
6700 ar tie Spur Rood Anchorage, Aske 99518-1550
STRATIGRAPHY SECTION
|
| DATE: MAY, 1990 JOB NO.: 3663
2 - 8
FIGURE 2-3) 1
Upon the removal of coal from the pit, a vertical sandstone rock
dike was revealed on the west side of the pit-wall. The 2 foot
thick dike was embedded with a poor quality coalshale section in
the middle, with rock surrounding the coal on both sides. This
sandstone dike was found only in the upper section of the lower
quality coal.
After completion of the coal removal, the excavated overburden was
placed back into the pit and the ground was restored to the
original contour. This marked the completion of the 199@ mining
program at Atqgasuk.
2.4 Production & Equipment Schedule
Production Schedule
March 13-17 Mobilization
March 18-21 Drilling and Blasting
March 22-24 Overburden removal
March 23 Freighted out drilling equipment
to Pt. Lay
March 24-26 Coal haul to stockpile
March 27 Backfill pit and reclaim
mining area
N.S.B. Equipment Usage
D-6 Dozer . 12.@ hours
D-7 Dozer 45.2 hours
966D Loader 63.6 hours
DJB #1 22.6 hours
DJB #2 5.@ hours
3.@ COAL STOVE INSTALLATIONS
3.1 General
All installations were done in accordance with NFPA 211.
Selection of stoves for phase III of the project were based on
results from phases I & II. Most new participants have had the
benefit of seeing the previous project stoves in use, and already
had a good idea which stove would fit their needs the best. The
test results of Phase I & II of the project, showed that
participants were generally the happiest with the Harman Mark
Series stoves, manufactured by Harman Stove and welding in Halifax,
PA.
In July 1989 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) put strict
emission standards on woodstoves and coal/wood combination heaters.
These standards caused many manufactures to discontinue models of
stoves that had specifications that were attractive for
installations in rural Alaska. This lack of availability, along
with the good results of past test burns of the Harman Mark series
stoves lead to the decision to use only stoves manufactured by
Harman Stove and Welding.
The Harman stoves have an effective efficiency rating of 55% to
65%. This figure is relative and comparable to other units on the
market. And the Harman is available ion a wide range of sizes and
styles necessary to meet the variety of installations to be
performed.
In cases where households had small children, portable fences were
installed to lessen the possibility of burns.
A schedule of activities relating to the coal stove installations
is presented in Table 3-1.
TABLE 3 - 1
Production Schedule
12/04/89 Travel to Atqasuk (meet with Mayor Kignak).
12/4-5/89 Survey housing and select participants.
12/26-29/89 Prepare material list.
@1/25/90 Bids due
@1/08/90 Award bids
2/15-3/15/9@ Receive installation materials and prepare them for
shipment to Atqasuk.
@5/24/90 Travel to Atqasuk, hold employee safety meeting and
organize installation materials.
@5/26-06/02/90 Stove installations and build storage bins.
@6/02/90 Travel to Pt. Lay.
@6/14/90 Travel to Atqasuk and put finishing touches on
installations that were missing materials on first
visit.
3.2 Selection of Participants
Residents of Atqasuk were notified of the project by the village
coordinator by means of written notices posted in prominent
locations throughout the village. Persons interested in
participating in the coal project by having a coal stove installed
in their home were requested to contact the village coordinator.
The coordinator compiled a list of 17 interested persons.
Unfortunately the budget only allowed for 1@ installations. The
applicants were screened and 10 final participants were selected.
The screening was done with the input of the village coordinator,
the mayor and the Installation Supervisor. When screening
applicants the selection was based on 1) anticipated participation;
2) economic need; and 3) desire.
The final participants and the stove of their choice are listed
below:
1. Jake Kignik, Sr. MK III
2. Johnny Nayukok SF 150@A
3. James Aiken, Sr. MK III
4. Amos Kippi MK III
5. Jenne Felder MK II
6. Matte Tunik MK II
7. Jimmie Ivanoff MK III
8. Whyborn Nungasak MK III
9. Lucy Aiken MK II
10. Caleb Nayakuk MK III
A Harman Magna Stoker was installed in Leroy Gunderson’s, so it
could be used by a participant that had prior coal burning
experience. When installing this unit a Harman MK III that had
been installed during Phase II was removed. this MK III was the
overhauled and installed in one of the Phase III homes.
3.3 Equipment Purchase and Transport
On the preliminary visit to Atqasuk the Installation Supervisor
conferred with the participants and with them determined the best
installation location, keeping in mind optimum heat distribution
and space usage. The layout of most homes limited the choice of
installation locations to one, and in some cases two areas. Once
the stove and it’s location were decided on, a materials list was
compiled. From the materials list a bid document was prepared.
Because of the wide variety of materials needed the bid list was
divided into seven sections. With prospective bidders encouraged
to bid on all or any of the individual sections. Each of the seven
sections received a minimum of two competitive bids and were
awarded to the low bidder with the exception of Section 7 (Misc.
Installation Materials), in which case there were four bids, none
of which were complete. Thus, materials for this section were
selected at the discretion of the Installation Supervisor using
portions of the respective bids where applicable.
Due to the similarities of the NSB Western Arctic Coal
Demonstration Project and the NSB Atqasuk Coal Project, the
Materials Bid Lists were combined and materials consolidated in
Fairbanks for volume shipment to the respective villages.
To standardize bids and simplify logistics all bids were F.0O.B.
Fairbanks.
It was determined the most economical way to deliver the
installation materials to Atqasuk would be VIA Everts Air Cargo
direct from Fairbanks. By consolidating installation materials and
mining equipment shipments we received optimum freight rates.
3.4 Installation
In some cases stoves were installed in locations that wood heaters
were previously installed, thus having chimneys and in some cases
full installations to contend with. This proved to be a detriment
rather than advantage. Prior to April of 1987 NFPA Regulations
allowed coal heating appliances to be installed on Class A
chimneys. Coal heating appliances installed after this date are
required to have a higher rating of U.L. STANDARDS - 103 HT, thus
making it necessary to remove existing chimneys to install chimney
with the U.L. 103-HT rating.
All chimneys installed were Security brand model ASHT having U.L.
103-HT approved and were installed with the required minimum 2 air
space. This 2’ air space is an area of definite heat loss, but
necessary! To minimize heat loss all ceiling trim collars were
therefore eliminating filtration heat loss. Chimneys were
installed so that they terminated a minimum of two feet above the
peak of the roof to minimize the possibility of down drafts.
Chimneys that penetrated the roof line more than six feet were
secured with a chimney brace.
To connect the stoves to the chimney - Security double wall
connector pipe was used. Securities double wall pipe far surpasses
NFPA’s required standard 24 gage single wall stove pipe minimums
and has many features that make it outstanding for the application:
1) Inner liner is stainless steel, all but eliminating the
need for replacement;
2) Outer wall is aesthetically pleasing black finish and
vented to allow cooling and heat distribution through
convection;
3) Available in a selection of lengths and slip sections
eliminating the need for cutting;
4) Reduced clearances to combustibles 6" rather than 18" for
single wall;.
5) Unique twist lock for tight joints. (Although not
required for twist lock pipe - three screws were placed
on each joint.); and
6) Cool exteriors minimize the possibilities of burns to
small children.
Wall protection NFPA Standards state that the stoves clearances to
combustibles may be reduced by 2/3 (from 36’ without protection, to
12" with protection) by installing a noncombustible material with
one inch of air space behind it, provided that noncombustible
spacers are used. All installation utilized this practice in order
to minimize the loss of living space. In many cases installation
would not have been possible without this practice. 24 gage
galvanized sheet metal with edges hemmed was used as the
noncombustible materials with hatchchannel spacers secured with
screws.
Floor protection was fabricated from 5/8" Homasoto (a commercial
grade noncombustible material that meets FNPA requirement for floor
protection) covered with 24 gage galvanized sheet metal. This
protection extended a minimum of 16 inches in front of the stove
door opening.
Each participant was supplied with appropriate safety equipment for
operation of his stove and instructed on the proper and safe use
and maintenance of their stove.
4.0 COAL UTILIZATION
4.1 General
This portion of the project involved the usage of coal by the
selected demonstration participants. As part of the monitoring
effort during this phase of the project, a fuel use monitoring
report prepared by ASCG for the Western Arctic Coal Demonstration
Project was utilized. These reports were used by the Village
Project Coordinator to track performance of the stoves, amount of
coal/oil consumed and comments of the participants. As in the
past the consistency of monitoring was lacking, however, there were
periods of consistency that makes the data valid.
4.2 Observations
The following observations have been recorded:
1) All coal burning units selected for the demonstration
performed well.
2) As in Phases I & II, the primary use of coal has been as
a supplemental heating source to fuel oil.
4) Coal quality was improved over Phase II. This increased
usage over last year.
As in the past coal was used as a supplemental fuel to oil. This
was due to the area heating limitations of the stand alone
conventional coal stoves used on this project and the style of
housing which utilizes forced air or hydropic heating systems in
order to reach all the rooms in the house.
installations in Atqasuk. Ten of which were e
June of 199@ and therefore usage records are not
the remaining twenty, four did not burn any coal
during the demonstration period.
From the fuel use monitoring reports the following examples give a
representative picture of coal and oil use during the
demonstration period from 8/05/89 to 05/26/9®. During that period
approximately 54 tons of coal was delivered to sixteen
participants. Approximately 4@ tons were burned in the homes. The
coal burned displaced approximately 60@@ gallons of fuel oil.
The participants average coal use was about 56% of the total energy
consumed (coal & oil). One home consumed 23,100 pounds of coal and
865 gallons of fuel oil in a 294 day period. Coal use for that
home represented 68% of the energy used for space heating. This
example demonstrates the potential savings available to coal users
even with the stand alone coal burning stoves used for this
project.
5.@ PROJECT COST
5.1 Cost Breakdown
The NSB demonstration project represents the third mining effort at
the old Meade Rive Coal Mine. The project costs presented include
the cost of stove installation, mining, coal distribution and
project management.
Total project costs were $163,584.29, or 86% of the original
project budget of $190,000. The test mining cost category
represented 31% of the total project budget. Table 5-1 presents
the project cost breakdown.
It should be noted the cost associated with all phases of the
project except for the installation of stoves are not
representative of cost conditions that would prevail under normal
operating conditions. The project scale is to small to provide
valid economic data to determine mining feasibility. Further, the
field effort was a test mining one that contained non-productive
costs that were necessary to get the field program up and running.
Overall mining costs are lower compared to last year due to
changing the stripping method from ripping with a D-7 Cat Dozer to
drilling and blasting.
5.2 Mining Productivity
The cost of mining on a per ton basis have dropped substantial
since the initial project. In comparison the production cost of
coal for the mining operation in Phase I was $616.42 per ton, Phase
II was $262.60 per ton, and Phase III, $182.14 per ton. Mine cost
data are presented in Table 5-2.
Project Management.
Administration
Project Coordinator
Expenses
Mining Operation. .
Field Supervisor
Labor
Travel
Material
Rental
Coal Distribution .
Labor
Expenses
Installation. ...
Installation Supervisor
Labor
Expenses
Materials
Freight
TABLE 5-1
Project Cost Breakdown
$ 39,972
22,967.
1,483.
-$ 64,423.59
25
63
71
-$ 50,089.76
00
50
+38
-0@
-$ 2,637.67
-5@
17
-$ 43,700.57
-@@
-50
67
95
-@8
$ 163,584.29
TABLE 5-2
Mining Cost Data
Mining Unit
Phase Tonnage Cost (S$ Cost ($/ton)
I 159 92.5K S$ 616.42
a 200 52.5K 262.68
III 275 50.1K 182.14
$122.14 per ton is equivalent to $1.26 gallon of fuel oil.
lthough this price is equal to the current subsidized cost of fuel
oil the following items should be taken into account: 1) the mining
cost presented are field cost and do not include overhead operating
costs; 2} the NSB has not charged for leasing their equipment over
the years. If they did the cost per ton would increase to $279.69
per ton which is equivalent to a $1.93 gallon of oil; and 3) to
date mining has occurred in a depression near the river. An
ongcing operation would occur in an underground area. This means
more overburden removal will have to take place increasing the unit
2 cost of mining.
Despite these in Atgasuk can be a viable
ill be Cependent on local demand. There is
in the community t2 make such a venture &
an minisg that aave occurred can be traced to the
3] -| |3
Drilling and blasting proved to be the best method for overburcen
removal. Even so, further cost savings could be realized in this
area if the future mine operator purchased a drill rig and
compressor. On this project, the drill rig and compressor was
leased for $3,575 for just four days work. Cost to mobe and demobe
the rig came to $6,700. Total equipment cost for the drilling
operation came to $19,275 which is 21% of the total mining costs.
A similar used drill rig can be purchased for $15,00@ - $25,909.
Such a rig capitalized over ten years and with a one time
mobilization cost would substantially lower the annual cost for the
drilling and blasting operation.
6.@ PROJECT WORK FORCE
6.1 General
All labor requirements, except for field and installation
supervision were obtained through hiring North Slope residents from
the village of Atqasuk. The Project Village Coordinator (PVC)
Maintained an employment list for the community. The PVC was
responsible for selection of the workers when notified by the field
supervisors that an employee was needed or a job became vacant.
6.2 Work Force Profile
The NSB Atgqasuk Coal Mine RELI Project Phase III employed nine
Atgqasuk residents and two Barrow residents from July 1, 1989 to
June 3@, 1990. This project provided 1045.5 hours of work for the
Atgasuk work force. The total hours are below the original
proposed crew hour estimate of 135@ hours. This is due to the
increased productivity of the mining effort due to the use of
drilling and blasting techniques for sverpurden removal instead of
ripping with a 3-7 Cat.
he mining sector employed two
there were employed four stove installers,
{45 % of total), one project coordinator (11% of total), and two
Personnel and
rc oO - a
TABLE 6-1
Project Personnel Employment List
Village Project Coordinator
Leroy Gunderson
Coal Mining Employees
Walton Kittick
Jack Ahkivagak
Village Installers
Walton Kittick
Turbic Shugluk
Johnny Nayukuk
Clayborn Tunic, Jr.
Expeditors
Carl Kippi
Crawford Patkotak
6.3 Labor Cost
lling and biasting in
Jan Weamount of overburden
depression area worked on.
TABLE 6-2
Project Labor Cost
Percent
Major Cost Categories Task Cost Labor Cost Project Cost
Management Fees an S$ 64,423.59 $ 22,567.63 14.0
Administration Cost and
Mine Planning
Hining and Stockpiling 5@,089.76 6,307.59 4.2
200 tons of coal
Coal Distribution 2,637.67 1,237.5@ @.3
Housing Surveys 5,596.07 -@- @.9
Installation $40,837.20 $8,948.50 5.5
TOTAL S$ 163,584.29 S$ 40,061.13 24.5 w 56 -
7.1
7.2
7.@ RECOMMENDATIONS
Mining
1)
2)
3)
4)
Drilling and blasting proved the best method of
overburden removal. A new pit away from the ground
depression should be pursued. This will more accurately
establish the mining operation and costs for an on-going
operation.
Coal removal for stockpiling should take place below the
initial three to four feet of coal and six inches of
sandstone rock. Below the sandstone layer the coal
quality appears significantly better.
If the program is to continue, purchase of a rock drill
and compressor should be considered. The cost for
rental, mobilization and demobilization of a drill made
up 21% of the total mining costs.
Congressional action is required to allow coal use within
NPR-A for power generation and district heating purposes.
This activity should be pursued in next year’s program.
Coal Distribution
A powered coal screening deck should be acquired to screen the
coal at the stockpile prior to delivery to the households.
This will better remove the fines which are now being removed
by a stationary hand-built screen.