Executive Summary

This is the second annual report for the Mackay School of Mines Burrus Mining Laboratory project. The project is establishing a mining laboratory in the form of a working underground mine to be used for teaching, training and research. It will consist of facilities for both track and rubber tired drifting, including all support facilities. Because it is a learning facility, as much as possible of the planning, scheduling, procuring, supervision and work will be by students who are in turn supervised by faculty and/or volunteer professionals.

The major accomplishments of 1996 included making the second property payment of $17,700, applying for an additional 45 acres of peripheral land, applying for a permanent egress right-of-way, obtaining a County Special Use Permit, and commencing a cultural resources study. Work continued with Sierra Pacific Power Company to bring power to the property. Seven additional shafts and stopes were fenced, some road work was completed, and a new roof and siding were placed on the shed. Students are being trained to operate the 1 cu yd LHD.

The Laboratory was used for 660 hours of field instruction during the year an increase of 31% over 1995. There was no research usage. Volunteer time during the year totaled 984 hours (204 hr MSM students, 780 hr industry professionals) an increase of 47% over 1995.

A few problems were encountered, mainly the need for cultural resources studies prior to any ground disturbing activity. The studies are being produced as a cooperative venture between the UNR Anthropology Department and the Mining Engineering Department. Because they are relying on a significant amount of student work they are proceeding slowly.

Financially, 1996 was a good year. A total of $25,450 in funds were raised from private sources more than twice the amount raised the previous year. However, an additional $4,000 of state funds were required to meet the second property payment of $17,700 in June. Much of the private funds did not come in until later in the year. We also received about $4,700 in in-kind donations of equipment, supplies and services. Operating costs amounted to about $1,600 during the year and about $12,600 remained in the bank at year end.

Plans for 1997 include fund raising to make the final property payment of $16,350 and to continue development work. By the end of 1997 we hope to complete the rehabilitation of the shed, and begin slashing the lower portal to 10' by 10' for rubber tired work.