PREFACE TNI по, 58-61 When the Bureau of Mines was created in 1910 the organic act had. as one of its main provisions the following: That it shall be the province of said bureau and its director, under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, to make diligent investigation of the methods of mining, especially in relation to the safety of miners, and the appliances best adapted to prevent accidents, the possible improvement of conditions under which mining operations are carried on, the treatment of ores and other mineral substances, the use of explosives and electricity, the prevention of accidents, and other inquiries and technologic investigations pertinent to said industries, and from time to time make such public reports of the work, investigations, and information obtained as the Secretary of said department may direct, with the recommendations of such bureau. The first annual report of the Director of the Bureau of Mines issued in 1911 states: The Bureau of Mines was established by an act of Congress (36 Stat. 369) approved May 16, 1910, and effective July 1, 1910. The demand for special recognition and aid from the Federal Government for the mining industry had been increasing for a number of years, especially among the metal-mining interests in the Western States, and from time to time bills looking to the creation of a national bureau or department of mines had been introduced in Congress by representatives of those States. At the time of the passage of the act establishing the bureau, however, the factors that were most effective in calling attention to the advisability of action by the Government were disasters in coal mines and a growing realization of the waste of both life and resources in the varied mining and metallurgical industries of this country. Hence, from the earliest period of the existence of the Bureau of Mines one of the main objectives of the Bureau's work was the prevention of loss of life and limb and the protection of the health of those who make available the mineral products which give this country one of its most important sources of its greatness as a Nation. During the years that have intervened since the Bureau of Mines came into existence in 1910, the Bureau has consistently and continuously conducted an educational campaign aimed toward fulfillment of the objectives mentioned; educational procedures are used partly because the Bureau of Mines has no legal authority to enforce any suggestions or recommendations as to health, safety, or efficiency but more definitely because it is believed that if those engaged in the work are kept informed as to what can or should be done they will eventually place those measures in effect. The Nation-wide nature of the health and safety work of the Bureau gives its representatives a far better opportunity to become acquainted with matters pertaining to health and safety in the mines of the United States than is afforded representatives of any other agency. Hence, it is appropriate that the Bureau of Mines should assemble and issue to the mining public its findings as to health and safety in the industry after an experience of about 35 years. 017 III |