Sublevel caving by pillar extraction. Final report
The design and feasibility analysis of the Sublevel Caving by Pillar Extraction mining method are described. It is a conceptual mining method devised toward the objective of improving mining techniques for extraction of deep coal occurring in seams of thicknesses greater than 12 feet. The concept envisions that advance openings of the mine will be driven along the bottom of the thick seam with top coal being extracted incrementally during retreat mining, or in ''falls'', shot down from the roof. Loading of fallen top coal will be accomplished with the loading machine operator remaining in a protected position. The conclusions of the study are that the Sublevel Caving by Pillar Extraction mining method is suitable for test application in a working coal mine in the immediate future: that it offers improvement in resouce recovery, competitive productivity, and improvement in health and safety for mine personnel over previous thick seam underground methods. Analysis of the economic performance indicates a price of $13.22 per ton to sustain 15% return on investment for 20 years.
- Research Organization:
- Bowen (R.J.), Salt Lake City, UT (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- ET-76-C-01-9115
- OSTI ID:
- 6414779
- Report Number(s):
- FE-9115-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
CAVITIES
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
COAL MINING
COAL SEAMS
CONTINUOUS MINERS
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
EXPLOSIVE FRACTURING
MINING EQUIPMENT
PRODUCTIVITY
SAFETY
THICKNESS
COAL DEPOSITS
COMMINUTION
CUTTER LOADERS
DIMENSIONS
EQUIPMENT
FRACTURING
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MINING
RESOURCES
012000* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Mining