It seems so simple to reclaim our old used ballast and such a
waste to just throw it over the hill, but...

In today's video we'll go over some of the logistics that would be
involved if we chose to reclaim and then wash our used ballast that we dig
out of the cribs and the track shoulder.

While the claim could also be made that after washing the ballast
the old coal could be reclaimed and sold as briquettes to help pay
for the expense of building a wash plant. About 10 years ago a
company built a briquette plant near us to reclaim the good coal
from the slate pile at neighboring Robena Mine. It didn't last but
several years because of the cost involved in building the plant,
processing and shipping, so they shut it down. I do not know who
owned that plant.

Coal is not a soil contaminant, but conversely is a soil enhancer,
increasing the organic matter of the soil thus improving overall
soil quality. Thus by spreading the coal fines along the right of way,
we are actually fertilizing the soil and improving organic matter content.

Also watch this video where I talk more about coal being used as a fertilizer:
   • New Information and Some Updates on t...  

In 2016 a company called Pure-Gro Inc. developed an organic coal-based fertilizer
and agricultural growth compound. The advanced blend formula, which is 100% natural
and 70% coal, permanently enriches the soil, improves crop quality and produces a yield
in a way that would be equal to or greater than today’s chemical-based fertilizers.

It is cheaper to produce than the commercial NPK fertilizers that use ammonia to
generate nitrogen (N), which is combined with phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).
It requires only one application per crop, unlike other fertilizers, which normally
require two applications.

According to the company, the product works by increasing the nitrogen
efficiency/uptake by plant roots. The production process is relatively simple
and any coal (especially high-sulfur coal) can be used to make a single blend
that can be used effectively on farmland everywhere and for all farming purposes.

Pure-Gro has been tested extensively and successfully in laboratories
and the field by reputable agronomic departments at three major universities:
Pennsylvania State University, the University of Florida
and the University of Nebraska. Here is a link to the full article:
https://www.coalage.com/features/pure...

Made October 14, 2022

Disclaimer: I am an employee of Iron Synergy at Cumberland
Mine. My job is railroad track maintenance. I am very fortunate to
have this job and everyone at the mine is very fortunate to have
Iron Synergy as it's current owner. Our past owners had every
intention of shutting this mine down, but Iron Synergy took
over and have kept this mine alive.

Please understand: I am NOT in any way an official or unofficial
spokes person for Iron Synergy or Cumberland Mine. Any viewpoints,
opinions or anything that I show in the videos, or write in the video
descriptions or any answer to any comment, should NEVER be
misconstrued or interpreted as being in any way shape or form,
any kind of official or unofficial statement from Iron Synergy,
Cumberland Mine, any of the mine's management, any of the
contractors that may be shown in any video, nor of any of
my fellow co-wokers.

Any viewpoints or opinions I may make in the videos, in the descriptions,
or in any answer to a comment is strictly that of my own and NOT an
official or unofficial statement or viewpoint that Iron Synergy or
any one at Iron Synergy or Cumberland Mine necessarily has or makes.

Again, we are very fortunate to have Iron Synergy as our current owners.
Please, when making a comment be respectful of Iron Synergy, Cumberland
Mine, my fellow coworkers and also any contractors that may be
shown. Thank You, Dave

#Ballast#WashBallast#ReclaimOldBallast