The next chart lists the practical results that can be achieved with the findings that come from our mining research laboratories. Basically, they permit us to design economical mining systems so there will be a minimum waste of mineral resources, minimal land surface damage, and minimal pollution of water. Also

they will permit us to mine low-grade deposits economically, to mine deeper deposits, and to control excessive water, heavy ground, and rock bursts encountered in mining.

The next two charts illustrate the difference in surface subsidence between mining systems that do or do not provide adequate ground support. Development of ground-support techniques that can be incorporated in economic mining systems is an important phase of our mining research programs.

I referred earlier to the revolution in blast furnace practices stemming from improved technology such as better preparation of feed, injection of fuel, and use of hotter blast. These next two charts illustrate the changing trends in blast furnace statistics. First, the elimination of fine ore and the reconstituting of fine concentrate in lumps is shown by the growth of sinter. The increase in pellets, which will be around 25 million tons for 1964, testifies to the success in converting what was once offgrade domestic iron ores to a superior type of blast furnace feed.

BLAST FURNACE STATISTICS

This second chart further illustrates the decrease of inert material being fed to the blast furnace and the consequent higher productivity of pig iron from each furnace.

As I noted earlier, the Bureau's research has played a major role in this remarkable improvement that has been achieved in blast furnace technology. Right now, we are in the process of extending our cooperative efforts with the iron and steel industry, and we are confident of even greater future accomplishment in this important field.

Mr. KELLY. As I pointed out in my recent testimony before this subcommittee, none of the bureaus and offices under my line authority operates as an isolated fragment. Wherever there is similarity of function or purpose, the programs of individual agencies are closely coordinated.

This same principle is adhered to within the Bureau of Mines. Not only does it closely coordinate the programs and activities conducted under its four operating Assistant Directors, but it strives constantly to achieve maximum coordination of the Bureau's efforts with those of private industry and State and local governments, as well as those of other Federal agencies.

You already have been given several examples of the Bureau's cooperative efforts, in which the human, financial, and material resources of the Federal and private sectors are combined to achieve maximum progress toward common objectives. I would like to cite briefly two additional examples that we consider to be representative of cooperation by the Bureau with other governmental organizations, both Federal and State.

The first of these, a pioneering experiment in the reclamation of land that had been strip mined for coal, was completed last year and was conducted under the accelerated public works program. By conducting four separate projects simultaneously in different parts of central Pennsylvania's bituminous coal region, it was possible to test the effectiveness of a variety of land reclamation techniques, each specifically adapted to the different problems presented. Although the Bureau of Mines supervised the work on all four projects, the entire experiment was carried out in close cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service and the Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and with the Department of Mines and Mineral Industries and the Department of Forests and Waters of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. All four projects were conducted on lands owned or controlled by the Commonwealth. The results of this "team effort" are now being evaluated, and we are confident that the agencies who worked together so well and the public at large will benefit substantially from the knowledge that has been gained.

The other cooperative program I want to mention is being conducted in Randolph County, W. Va., where the Federal and State governments last year launched an intensive pilot study to develop and evaluate methods for controlling acid mine drainage. As I am sure you know, this acid drainage is a menace to public welfare and to economic health in at least seven of our Eastern States. To find a solution, the Bureau of Mines has joined with other Department of the Interior agencies, with the Public Health Service, and with several agencies of the State of West Virginia in this important pilot program. The work is well underway now, and we expect that this project will lay the essential groundwork for larger scale corrective action. Here again, the knowledge and talents of several State and Federal organizations have been effectively welded together to achieve a common objective-the national good.

Mr. Chairman, this concludes our remarks. I would like, once again, to express our appreciation for your interest in the programs and activities of the Bureau of Mines, and trust that this meeting will signify the beginning of a close and continuing relationship, one that will materially enhance the ability of the Bureau of Mines to serve our Nation and its people. As I said at the start of this presentation, we believe the Bureau is a fine organization, staffed with dedicated public servants. We believe also that they are doing a good job and they are eager to do more.

Mr. EDMONDSON. I might inform the subcommittee that two bills dealing with releases from the stockpile of lead and of zinc are scheduled to be on the floor and are the principal business on the floor this afternoon-the House Committee on Armed Services. We had hoped to reconvene this afternoon to complete this testimony but

I think that in view of the interest of the subcommittee in these bills, that we will probably set a future time for the presentation.

Mr. Secretary, you may return yourself at that future time if you wish or you may be represented by the various bureau chiefs. I think this has been a very helpful and healthful hearing this morning. I think it has been informative and I think that we are getting an appreciation of some of your problems and some of your new programs that we wouldn't have without this report, and I think that there will be some questions definitely with regard to your field operations at the next meeting that we have.

Does the Chairman have anything further to add?

I just completed the record by including this in the record. With the understanding that we will schedule time in the future to bring them back.

Thank you, then, Mr. Secretary, and thank you, Mr. Zinner and Mr. Rosenbaum and Mr. Westfield, and Mr. Mote. We will hear from you at the next meeting that we have and also from you, Mr. Rosenbaum.

Does the Secretary have anything further?

Mr. KELLY. I will be at your pleasure, Mr. Chairman.

As I get the tenor of your remarks, you would like to have our administrative assistant director present the next time because of questions that might be directed as to the closing of various offices, et cetera ?

Mr. EDMONDSON. I think it might be helpful. In view of the concern that the members do have in this field and I think it might help to clear up these questions.

Mr. KELLY. We will have him present.

Mr. EDMONDSON. The subcommittee will stand adjourned, subject

to the call of the Chair.

(Whereupon, at 11:50 a.m., the subcommittee adjourned.)