Economics of large-scale surface coal mining using simulation models. Final report, volume 1. Executive summary
Large-scale surface coal mining will play a key role in meeting future energy needs of the U.S. Fluor Utah, Inc., with Bonner and Moore Associates, Inc. as subcontractor, was contracted by ERDA to determine and define the problems of large-scale surface coal mining that would be encountered in supplying these energy needs. Simulation models representative of current surface mining techniques were developed, documented, and tested. Two types of models were developed: detailed micromodels, which provide detailed information on mining systems and equipment to assist in mine design and equipment selection; and broad macromodels, which provide a first-order evaluation of new ventures for an entire coal mining complex. Strippable coal resource regions were defined in terms of surface geology, stratigraphy, structural geology, and physiography. Major surface mining methods suitable for large-scale production were selected for detailed study: area stripping with draglines, contour stripping with draglines, area stripping with shovels and trucks, mountain top removal, and multiple dipping seam mining. Combinations of the most applicable mining method and region were selected to test the models, and hypothetical mining situations representative of typical mining problems and conditions encountered in the region were defined. The models were used to estimate mining costs for hypothetical situations in each of the eight major coal resource regions in the U.S. where coal can be surface mined. The results of the test cases indicate potential coal prices for a range of geologic and economic assumptions.
- Research Organization:
- Fluor Utah, Inc., San Mateo, CA (USA); Bonner and Moore Associates, Inc., Houston, TX (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EX-76-C-01-1520
- OSTI ID:
- 7214463
- Report Number(s):
- FE-1520-101
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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