Education
- Bachelor of Science, BOLIVIAN SCHOOL OF MINES
- Master of Science, COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES
- Doctor of Philosophy, COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES
Research Summary
Application of Pressure Balancing Techniques at the West Elk Coal Mine. The objective of this study is to test the principles of pressure balancing to reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion fires in coal mines. This objective will be accomplished by selecting a site for pressure chambers at the West Elk mine, CO, constructing and equipping these chambers with safety devices and gas monitors, conducting pressure balancing experiments, evaluating the results, and disseminating the outcomes.
Biography
Dr. Calizaya is a full professor at the University of Utah. He joined the University in 2002. He is teaching Mine Ventilation, Mine Hydraulic Systems, Mine Administration and Finance, Simulation of Discrete Event Systems, Operations Research, and Mine Fire Safety. In addition, he is the P.I. of an Alpha Foundation project: Application of Pressure Balancing Techniques at the West Elk Coal Mine. Previously, he was the P.I. of three other projects: Reduction of Noise Exposure in Underground Mines by Improving Auxiliary Ventilation Technologies (NIOSH), Control of Spontaneous Combustion Using Pressure Balancing Techniques (Alpha), and Utilization of Booster Fans in Underground Coal Mines (NIOSH).
His field experience in Mining Engineering extends to 1972 and includes six years as Chief Ventilation Engineer at PT Freeport Indonesia, five years as Research Associate at the University of Nevada, Reno, and four years as Research Fellow and lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley.
Between 2006 – 2007, Dr. Calizaya was a member of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Technical Study Panel which evaluated the Utilization of Belt Air and Fire-Retardant Properties of Belt Materials in Underground Coal Mining (2006 MINER Act).
Other Profile Data
Organized the 14th U.S./North American Mine Ventilation Symposium, June 17-20, 2012. Chair and Editor.