Mine subsidence and the history of coal mining in the Mahoning Valley
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Date
1985
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Abandoned underground coal mines and their entryways are a potential danger to public landowners due to the improper sealing and mining methods incorporated upon the closure of mining operations in the late 1800's. A study of the Mahoning Valley coal field (Trumbull and Mahoning Counties) was made to determine the causes of mine subsidence, an increasing problem that has plagued the area since 1977. Coal mining thrived in this area from the mid to late 1800's and the mines were located in the Sharon #1 coal. The objective was to study mine subsidence in the Mahoning Valley which led to a study of the history and geology of coal mining in the area. Evidence was found that the Sharon coal exists as a basin coal restricted to subsurface valleys and lowlands that were created by the pre-Pennsylvanian erosion. This restriction made the Sharon coal very difficult to mine but the high quality of the coal yielded high profits. The coal was used as a furnace fuel in local blast furnaces for the smelting of iron ores and was therefore a major reason for the development of the steel industry throughout the Mahoning Valley. The state is now providing funding for the reclamation of these abandoned mines and entryways. The state is also making an effort to locate the Sharon coal's outcrop pattern and elevation in order that proper advise can be given to building programs so they are not in jeopardy of subsidence damages. Consulting geologist to the program, Ann G. Harris, is involved in state efforts to secure this area from subsidence problems. She remarks that the program has had very successful results but adds that there is a need for more state funding to go to each stabilization job and to do more test drilling to find the outcrop pattern of the Sharon #1 coal.