WVU professor studies mining rescue techniques

The director of West Virginia University's mining and industrial extension program has been selected to serve on a National Research Council committee and research technology that could help miners save themselves during a disaster.

James Dean, director of Mining and Industrial Extension in WVU's College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, said he was honored to be selected for the committee, which began research this month.

The National Research Council is hosted by the National Academies, which are advisers to the nation on topics of science, engineering and medicine.

Previous committees have published reports on topics such as obesity prevention, teaching reform and climate change. Dean was appointed to a committee designed to determine what self-escape capabilities are most effective to mine workers during a disaster.

Dean said his experience in the field of mining and industrial services will help him in serving on the committee.

"During my term as acting director of the West Virginia Office of Miner's Health Safety and Training in 2006, I was responsible for improvements in shelters, communication and tracking systems," he said.

Dean also assisted in improving the Doll Run Simulated Mine, where miners train to respond to emergencies, such as underground fires.

Gene Cilento, Glen H. Hiner dean of the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, said he believes Dean is highly qualified for the appointment.

"Jim has done an outstanding job of leading a very high-profile outreach unit for the University," Cilento said.

"His vision and insight have led to the development of innovative facilities that directly contribute to important safety training and will lead to new cutting-edge applied research to support mining operations."

The findings of the committee investigation may be used to prevent large-scale mining disasters like the 2010 Upper Big Branch Mine disaster, which killed 29 miners and became the country's worst mine disaster in four decades.

The committee is staffed by professors and industry professionals from several other institutions, including The Ohio State University, The University of Queensland, the University of Georgia and the University of Massachusetts.

Dean attended the first meeting of the committee Jan. 12 in Washington, Pa.