The paper begins by outlining the role and importance of coal as a source of energy and in the steel industry. It briefly describes the longwall method of working together with the conventional machinery used in the method. A mathematical model is then proposed that shows the relationship between the gradient of the coal seam, that of the face and the entries to the panel. Determination of a mo...

Cave backfill grouting implies grouting of the caving rock mass prior to it being compacted. The filling materials strengthen the caving rock and support the overlying strata to achieve the purpose of slowing down the surface subsidence. The broken roof will fail and collapse during mining operations performed without appropriate supporting measures being taken. It is difficult to perform conti...

Rapid development of coal deep mining equipment and technology, that is connected with widespread introduction of high-performance longwall sets of equipment is accompanied with an increase of economic losses in case of its possible downtime. The analysis of dismantling experience in modern Russian mines has shown that in absolute majority of cases the actual duration of re-assembling with rega...

Comprehensive assessments of the need for additional methane control capacity beyond ventilation often require both an empirical and theoretical approach for an adequate or timely control of increased methane emission levels. Thus, the prediction of methane emissions and optimization of methane control systems prior to starting a new mining operation will be a major improvement towards eliminat...

Some of the most difficult coal mine roof in the United States can be found in the Illinois Basin. Factors contributing to the high roof fall rate include weak, moisture-sensitive roof rock; high horizontal stress; and limited longwall mining. The depth of cover ranges from 27 to 300 m (90 to 1,000 ft), and roof damage from horizontal stress can be severe. Moisture-sensitive roof rock, which co...

Land surface deformation can be caused by underground mining activities. The maximum subsidence normally occurs directly above the location of the excavation of the coal seam. In the case where the longwall mining technique is applied, the magnitude and shape of the subsidence bowl are constrained by the longwall structure (pillar). This paper describes the use of satellite radar interferometry...

The availability of renewable energy does not meet the demands of consumption. Hence, fossil fuels will continue to be an important energy source, and coal promises to cover the requirements for the coming decades. Because of its high energy content, deep lying bituminous coal and anthracite are important for energy generation. One trend in the future of coal mining is thin seam mining, because...