The event, scheduled for July 29–31, is the 27th gathering of the group at the Lakeview Scanticon Resort and Conference Center in Morgantown and this year will highlight coal mine "bumps" as one hot topic of discussion.

Conference co-chair Steve Tadolini, from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, told International Longwall News that the incidents at Crandall Canyon in August 2007 had increased interest in bump and burst research.

Papers will be given in the form of presentations by authors in several different areas including longwall mining, mine seals, pillars, rock mechanics, roof bolting and standing supports, as well as surface mining and surface subsidence.

The following are just some of the speakers and topics on offer:

Developments in pre-driven recovery rooms – Dr Rob Thomas, Australia;

15 Longwalls and 40 million tonnes: What did we learn? – Dan Payne, BMA Queensland Crinum mine;

Coal Pillar Loading Mechanisms and Progress in Pillar Design – Dave Hill, Strata Engineering Australia;

Development of a Numerical Modeling methodology to estimate Floor Bearing Capacity – Murali Gadde; and

Ground reaction data for the Pittsburgh seam – Tom Barczak, NIOSH.

Tadolini said a handful of papers on slope stability from South Africa and Japan will also form part of the itinerary, as well as information from Germany and Greece on surface subsidence. When papers are not being presented, the organisers have planned a barbeque, golf tournament and free mine tour.

Registration for the 46-paper event – which organisers said already has more than 250 registered guests – will be accepted at the door but entry can be secured for a reduced rate before July 11. For more information, contact Tadolini, co-chair Syd Peng or visit the website for the ICGCM.