Electricity in mines: a short survey

The paper provides a general review of the present position of electricity in mines, with particular reference to coal mines. Dealing with the safety aspect, it is claimed that the special requirements of colliery work have been amply met by manufacturers of electrical apparatus. It is further claimed that Great Britain has established a lead over other countries in respect of the design of mining electric plant. The question of public versus private supply is discussed, and the author states that, in his opinion, supply from an outside source is overwhelmingly the correct policy wherever two rival estimates show an equal, or nearly equal, financial result. Some general statistics are given and the conclusion is ultimately drawn that one-half the motive power of the mines of Great Britain still remains non-electric. Finally, some important directions in which the use of electricity in mines is likely to increase are mentioned.