Mining Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

F

Face - A working place from which coal or mineral is extracted. The exposed surface of coal or other mineral deposit in the working place where mining, winning, or getting is proceeding.

Fault - A break in the continuity of a body of rock. It is accompanied by a movement on one side of the break or the other so that what were once parts of one continuous rock stratum or vein are now separated.

Fines - In general, the smallest particles of coal or mineral in any classification, process, or sample of the run-of-mine material.

Fire - To blast with gunpowder or other explosives. A word shouted by miners to warn one another when a shot is fired.

Fire Boss - A person designated to examine the mine for gas and other dangers. In certain states, the fire boss is designated as the mine examiner.

Floor - The rock underlying a stratified or nearly horizontal deposit, corresponding to the foot wall of more steeply dipping deposits. A horizontal, flat ore body.

Flotation - The method of mineral separation in which a froth created in water by a variety of reagents floats some finely crushed minerals to the surface and other minerals sink.

Fluidity (Plasticity) - In mineral transport, term not confined to liquids and slurries, but also used for finely divided solids which flow readily in air currents, fluosolids reactors, or through dry ball mills.

Freeze Dried Additives - Chemicals added to the coal to prevent freezing during shipping.

Front End Loader - A tractor loader with a digging bucket mounted and operated at the front end of the tractor. A tractor loader that both digs and dumps in front.