Our Grant Program

The Application of Flooded Bed Dust Scrubbers to Longwall Mining Systems

University of Kentucky (Grant Number AFC113-10)

Development of a New Rock Dust Sampling Instrument

Colorado School of Mines (Grant Number AFC113-01)

Numerical Modeling Methodologies for Assessing Burst Potential in Coal Mines

Colorado School of Mines (Grant Number AFC113-02)

Control of Spontaneous Combustion Using Pressure Balancing Techniques

University of Utah (Grant Number AFC113-12)

Integrated Surface Mining Safety System

West Virginia University (Grant Number AFC113-15)

Combustion Modeling of Explosive Gas Zones in Longwall Gobs

Colorado School of Mines (Grant Number AFSTI14-02)

Early Warning Safety Hazard Predictor for Preventive Ventilation Management

University of Nevada, Reno (Grant Number ASTI14-03)

The Precise Determination of Rockbolt Performance Underground

Southern Illinois University Carbondale (Grant Number AFSTI14-04)

Development of a Gas and Dust Explosion Model

West Virginia University (Grant Number AFSTI14-05)

Enhanced Ground Control Assessment for Improving Safety in Mine Design

University of Kentucky (Grant Number AFC215-13)

Improved Face Ventilation For Extended-Cut Continuous Mining Using a Wing Regulator and Scrubber Control System

University of Kentucky (Grant Number AFC215-15)

Numerical Tools for Mitigation of Methane Explosions in Coal Mines

University of Maryland (Grant Number AFC215-20)

Low Noise Efficient Rim Driven Auxiliary Ventilation Fans

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Grant Number AFC215-21)

Management with Bag Barriers of Dust Explosion Risks in U.S. Underground Coal Mines

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Grant Number AFC215-41)

Removal of DPM, Silica, and Coal Dust Using High Volume Fog Generation

Clemson University (Grant Number AFC316-42)

A Hybrid Geopolymer-Biopolymer Cementitious Material for Pumpable Roof Support

University of Arizona (Grant Number AFC518-24)

Development of Direct Sensing Sampler for Submicron Mining Particles Including Coal, Silica and Nano-Sized Diesel Particulates

Colorado State University (Grant Number AFC518-16)

Improving Communication in Noise for Miners Wearing Hearing Protection

University of Connecticut Health Center (Grant Number AFC518-10)

Demonstration of a UAV-based Digital Photogrammetry System for Geological Mapping and Geotechnical Characterization of Fractured Rock Masses at Hazardous Underground Sites

Montana Tech (Grant Number AFC518-67)

Development of an Advanced Real-Time Personal Coal Dust Monitoring Instrument Based on Photo-acoustic Spectroscopy

University of Nevada, Reno (Grant Number AFC518-54)

Miniaturized and Real Time Gas Sensors for Mine Safety and Health

Oakland University (Grant Number AFC518-02)

Simple and Accurate Positioning to Enable Vehicle Autonomy in Underground Mines

Oregon State University (Grant Number AFC518-17)

Collecting Mine Dust Particles with Liquid-Coated Vibrating Meshes

Virginia Tech and Michigan Tech (Grant Number AFC518-25)

A Smart Device for Mine Dust Characterization and Coal Workers’ Health Improvement: Combining Non-Destructive, Element-Specific X-ray CT with Big Data Analytics & Machine Learning

Virginia Tech (Grant Number AFC518-40)

Autonomous Underground Mining Systems To Improve Safety – Intelligent Coal Mining

University of Kentucky (Grant number AFC417-21)

A Holistic Approach to Reducing Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis (CWP) using Integrated Monitoring and Response Systems for Respirable Dust in Surface Mines and Facilities

Penn State University (Grant Number AFC417-39)

Numerical Modeling of Overburden and Pillar Mechanics for Determination of Global Ground Stability in Underground Coal Mines

Colorado School of Mines (Grant Number AFC719-67)

Fundamental Investigation into Pillar Design and Global Stability by Integrating Pillar Load and Opening Convergence Response

University of Kentucky (Grant Number AFC719-49)

Analysis of Coal Mine Seal Integrity from Explosively Driven Projectiles

Missouri University of Science & Technology (Grant number AFC719-31)

Control of Hazardous Gas Emissions to Longwall Face and Bleeder System: Laboratory Experiments, Modeling and Field Monitoring

Penn State University (Grant number AFC719-27)

PoroSense: An Intrinsically Safe, Distributed Fiber-optic Gas Sensing Platform for Underground Mines

Virginia Tech (Grant number AFC719-29)

A Practical, Mechanics-Based Approach to Pillar Design

West Virginia University (Grant number AFC719-15)

Investigating the Impact of Rock Rubble on Methane-Air Explosions: High-speed Turbulent Deflagrations and Transition to Detonations

Colorado School of Mines (Follow-Up Grant Number ASTI14-69)

Early-Warning System Prototype Tests for Real-Time Safety Intervention and Optimum Ventilation Control Assistance

University of Nevada, Reno (Follow-Up Grant Number ASTI14-81)

Validation of the Gas and Dust Explosion Model

West Virginia University (Follow-Up Grant Number ASTI14FO-82)

Advanced Low Noise Fan Array System

Virginia Tech (Follow-Up Grant Number AFC215FO-71)

Numerical Analysis of Gas Explosions in Coal Mines

University of Maryland (Follow-Up Grant AFC215FO-73)

Flying Underground

Colorado School of Mines (Grant AFC518-48)

Integrating Real-Time Personal Dust Exposure Monitoring with Location Tracking

Colorado School of Mines (AFC820-50)

Large Scale Testing and Modeling of Supported and Unsupported Pillar Analogs

Colorado School of Mines (Grant AFC820-52)

Roof Bolting Module Automation for Enhancing Miner Safety

University of Kentucky (Grant AFC820-68)

Autonomous Robotic Early Warning System for Underground Stone Mining Safety

West Virginia University (Grant AFC820-69)

Development of a wireless borehole instrument device to measure 3D rock mass stress and strain change from modifications to a friction rock bolt

University of Utah (Grant AFC820-82)

Miniaturized and Low Cost Electrochemical Particulate Matter (PM) Sensor for Mine Dust Exposure Assessment

Oakland University (Grant Number AFC820-22)

Improving Communication for Miners Wearing Hearing Protection: Algorithms for Mine Machinery Noises

University of Connecticut Health Center (Grant Number AFC518SP-92)

Application of Pressure Balancing Techniques at the West Elk Coal Mine

University of Utah (Grant number AFC113FO-87)

Collecting mine dust particles with liquid-coated vibrating meshes, Phase 2

Second Phase Technology Development Grants (AFC518SP)

Virginia Tech (Grant AFC518SP-89)

Research and Refinement of a Methane Watchdog System to Improve Longwall Mine Safety

West Virginia University (Grant Number AFC719FO-100)

Mine-Specific, Geology-Dependent Pillar and Standing-Support Design Tools  

West Virginia University (Grant Number AFC719FO-101)

Comprehensive Atmospheric Monitoring in Underground Coal Mines: Long Term Critical Trend Analysis and Tablet-Based Communication

University of Kentucky (Grant Number AFCTG20-103)

Operational Sensitivity of Through-The-Earth Communication

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Grant Number AFC113-14)

Effective MERD Training-Design, Implementation, Retention and Evaluation

UMWA Career Centers, Inc. (Grant Number AFC215-25)

Full-Wave Electromagnetic Simulator for Statistical Characterization, Optimal Deployment, and On-the-Fly Reconfiguration of Wireless and Through-the-Earth Communication and Tracking Systems

University of Michigan (Grant Number AFC215-54)

Experimental Testing and Design of Protective Measures for Communications and Tracking Systems Subjected to Catastrophic Events in Underground Coal Mines

University of Kentucky (Grant Number AFC316-49)

Intrinsically Safe Underground Aerial Reconnaissance Platform Development

United Mine Workers of America Career Centers, Inc. (Grant Number AFC518-23)

Investigation of Improved Communication from Portable Refuge Alternatives to Facilitate Mine Escape and Rescue

Rebuilding Their Future Foundation (Grant number AFC719-57)

Lifting the Veil: Fusing RaDAR and Sound to Provide Enhanced Perception in Obscured Environments

Colorado School of Mines (Grant AFC820-54)

Demonstration of An Intrinsically Safe Drone Propulsion System for Underground Coal Mining Applications

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (Grant number AFCRFP20-130)

Characteristics of, and Barriers to Effective Hazard Identification and Control Programs in U.S. Metal and Nonmetal Mines

Steelworkers Charitable and Educational Organization (Grant Number AFC113-05)

Effective Mining Safety Training – Design, Implementation, and Evaluation

University of Arizona (Grant Number AFC113-06)

Implementation of Risk Management Programs: Identification of Best Practices to Reduce Injuries and Maximize Economic Benefits

University of Arizona (Grant Number AFC113-07)

Improved Safety through Application of Risk Management in US Underground Coal Mines: A RISKGATE Approach

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Grant Number AFC113-13)

Enhanced Mobile Equipment Experiential Learning and Safety Technology Demonstration

West Virginia University (Grant Number AFC113-16)

The Impact of Contractor Utilization on Health and Safety

Boston University School of Public Health (AFSTI14-01)

Characterization and Effectiveness of Safety and Health Management Systems in the US. Mining Industry

University of Utah (Grant Number AFC215-30)

Free and Open Source Professional Development for the Mine Ventilation Community: An innovative Approach to Improving Competence

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Grant Number AFC215-42)

Opioid Hazard Awareness Training for Sand, Stone and Gravel Workers

University of Massachusetts, Lowell (Grant AFC820-14)

The Mining Healthy Workplace Program (MHWP)

University of Connecticut Health Center (Grant AFC113-09)

Whole Body Vibration Exposure and Injury Prevention of Heavy Equipment Operators in Open Pit Coal Mines

Northeastern University (Grant Number AFC113-03)

Clarifying Distribution, Trends, and Determinants of Adverse Health in United States Miners: Exploration and Integration of Existing Data Systems

University of Illinois (Grant Number AFC113-04)

Ischemic Heart Disease and Lung Cancer Mortality in Relation to Respirable Particulate Matter and Diesel Exhaust in Non-metal Miners

University of California, Berkeley (Grant Number AFC113-08)

Connecting Dust Characteristics and Worker Health in Underground Coal Mining

University of Pittsburgh (Grant Number AFC113-11)

Revisiting Lung Cancer Risk from Silica Exposure in Miners: Proposed Standards, Prevailing Biases, and Modern Methodology

University of California, Berkeley (Grant Number AFC215-31)

Further Characterizing Respirable Coal Mine Particulates: Submicron Particles, Metals and Diesel Exhaust

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Grant Number AFC316-17)

Linkage of Active Miner Surveillance, Former Miner Disability Evaluations, and Mortality Data Sets to Evaluate and Prevent Lifetime Risk of Cardiopulmonary Disease in U.S. Miners

University of Illinois (Grant Number AFC316-53)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Mortality and Diesel Exhaust in Miners

University of California, Berkeley (Grant Number AFC316-54)

The Effect Of Dust Particles On Airway Mucus Viscosity And Mucociliary Transport

University of California, Merced (Grant Number: AFC618-01)

Coal Mining Risk of Arthritis, Including Auto-Immune Rheumatologic Disease

University of California, San Francisco (Grant Number: AFC618-04)

Effects of Whole Body Vibration Exposure on Physiological Stresses in Mining Heavy Equipment Vehicle Operators

Oregon State University (Grant Number: AFC618-38)

Evaluating the Effects of Multi-axial Whole Body Vibration Exposure on Postural Stability in Mining Heavy Equipment Vehicle Operators

Oregon State University (Grant Number: AFC618-68)

Using Wearable IMUs to Evaluate Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk in Underground Mining Activities

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (Grant Number: AFC618-13)

Characteristics of Dust and Risk Factors Associated with the Development of Rapidly Progressive Pneumoconiosis and Progressive Massive Fibrosis

University of Illinois (Grant Number AFC417-1)

Identifying and Assessing Risks Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders within Stone and Sand and Gravel Mining Operations

Indiana University (Grant Number AFC719-34)

Assessing Noise Exposures, Hearing, and Risk of Injuries Among Miners

University of Michigan (Grant Number AFC719-20)

Evaluation of Silicosis, Asthma and COPD among Sand and Gravel and Stone Surface Miners

Michigan State University (Grant Number AFC719-35)

Evaluating a Virtual ‘Community of Practice’ in Pneumoconiosis Mortality Hotspots in the United States

University of New Mexico (Grant number AFC719-14)

Asthma-and COPD-Associated Inflammasome Activation Induced by Rock Dust

University of the Pacific (Grant number AFC719-12)

Coal Mining Employment as a Risk Factor for Rheumatoid Arthritis

University of California, San Francisco (Second Phase Funding Grant AFC618SP-88)

Reducing Mortality Risks in the Extended Diesel Exhaust and Miners Study (DEMS)

University of California at Berkeley (Grant AFC820-15)

The Effect of Coal and Mine Respirable Dust Size on Lung Cells and Exposure Assessment

Colorado State University (Grant AFC820-43)

Elucidating the Individual and Combined Toxicity of Coal Mine Dust Constituents and Their Contribution to disease in Modern US Coal Miners

University of Illinois (Grant AFC820-59)

Rheumatoid Arthritis in Hard Rock Underground Miners

University of California, San Francisco (Grant Number AFCTG20-98)

Continued Epidemiologic Analyses of Large Data Sets of Health Data on US Coal Miners

University of Illinois, Chicago (Grant Number AFCTG20-102)

Exploration of Temporal Changes in Respirable Coal Mine Dust Characteristics

Virginia Tech (Grant Number AFCTG104)

Innovations in Applied Decision Theory for Mine Surveillance and Health And Safety Efforts

University of North Carolina (Grant AFC618-53)

Explore the Integration of Distributed Lag Models for Diesel Exhaust with Methods to Control Healthy Worker Survivor Bias to Assess Benefits of Exposure Interventions in Non-metal Miners

University of California, Berkeley (Grant Number AFC618-63)

A Translation Project: How Best To Communicate Epidemiology To Improve Protection Of Miners Health

University of California, Berkeley (Grant AFCTG20-106)

Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress among Coal Miners compared to others Occupational Groups in a Population Survey in the Appalachia Region

University of California, San Francisco (Grant AFCTG22R2-157)

Mental Illness in U.S. Coal Miners: A Collaborative Approach To Understand Risk Factors And Prevalence, While Ensuring Those Suffering Get The Care They Need

University of Illinois, Chicago (Grant AFCTG22R2-158)

Analysis of the Spectrum of Coal Mine Dust Lung Disease Throughout the Life of Modern U.S. Coal Miners and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

University of Illinois, Chicago (Grant Number AFCINV24-4)

Evaluation of New Respirable Silica Monitoring Tools for the Aggregates Industry

Virginia Tech (Grant AFCINV24-11)