- By Aniket Gupta

Diagram of a mine with longwall and

continuous mining system
Room and Pillar working – utilising continuous mining systems
FIRST WORKINGS

•First workings are conducted for two main reasons:

•To develop the pillars, bords and/or panels to

enable their subsequent extraction, and

•To develop multiple main entries for access to the

coal reserves. These entries are supported in the
long term by the pillars consequently formed.
 FIRST WORKINGS
The number of development headings driven in any area of
workings can vary between two and eight.

This is dependent primarily on the purpose of development,

and the second method of working together with the following
factors:

• Mine capacity,
• Pillar and /or pillar and panel system relating to depth of
working, productivity and panel extraction system,
• Number of continuous miner units operating,
• Coal clearance system,
• Men and material transport, and
• Ventilation.
FIRST WORKINGS
 Typical Development Layout

The standard layout consists of a five road development, with the main
conveyor and feeder breaker positioned in the central roadway. This
provides working areas to carry out all the main development functions:

One heading for the

CM to be cutting
One heading ready
for cutting
One heading for
ventilation
rearrangement and
survey work
One heading for
cleaning by LHD
One heading for
supporting by
Quadbolter
OPEN ENDED LIFTING – METHOD A
OPEN ENDED LIFTING – METHOD B
SPLIT AND FENDER
This is the most common method of pillar mining.

The pillars are usually square or rectangular with dimensions

dependent on the depth of working. Typically a pillar dimension of 45
x 45 meter is used at depth of around 450 m.

Basically the pillars developed by the first working are split into sub-
pillars and the fenders are then lifted (mined).

The width of the lift is governed by the length of the continuous miner,
roof conditions and support rules of the individual mine.

Generally the split is supported by roof bolts or other means of

supporting, depending on the timing of the mining.

Roof bolting and W-straps were supplemented with timber props and
bars.
SPLIT AND FENDER
The lifting operation took place usually towards the goaf side with
the pillar, with the basic philosophy of working adjacent to a
competent rib.

However, in mines with competent roof conditions, lifting from both

sides of the split was possible, and with the approval of mine
inspectorate.

When extracting on both left and right, pillars up to four meters in

width were left in the fenders to provide temporary support.

However, the current system of splitting with mobile breaker line

supports, lifting from both sides of the split is standard practice.

A small stook (support Buttress) of coal seam ( min width 2.0m) is

normally left to control caving, particularly on the goaf side.
Typical De-pillaring layout
 PRICE LIST OF DIFFERENT MACHINERIES IN THE CM PANEL

Sl. Equipment Quanti Country of Unit Price Total Price

No. ty Origin US $ US $
1 Continuous 1 no. USA 2,791,265.00 2,791,265.00
Miner 12CM15-
10D

2 Shuttle Car 2 no. RSA 934,617.00 1,869,234.00

10SC32B
3 Feeder Breaker 1 no. USA 743,312.00 743,312.00
BF14B-3-7C

4 Quad Bolter 1 no. Australia 1,183,225.00 1,183,225.00

5 Electrical 1 no. UK 971,115.00 971,115.00

Equipment
TOTAL PACKAGE VALUE – US DOLLARS 7,558,151.00
(US Dollars Seven million Five hundred Fifty Eight thousand one hundred Fifty One only)
SHUTTLE CAR 10SC32
ROLE OF SHUTTLE CAR IN THE
OVERALL PROCESS.
 The function of shuttle car is to transport the coal that is sheared by
continuous miner from the face to the place where feeder breaker is
installed.
 Capacity of a 10SC32 shuttle is 10.19 tons and the fill factor is about
0.85.
 Joy Shuttle Car Model 10SC32B Specifications

General
•Type : JOY 10SC32
•Operating voltage: 1050 V
•Voltage Rating: ±10%
•Total Rated Power: 202.6kW
2 × 85 kW Traction Motors
1 × 18.6 kW Conveyor Motor
1 × 14 kW Pump Motor
•Weight 20,500kg (approximately) empty
•Cubic Capacity : 10.19cu meters
•Dimensions (l × w × h): 8.99m × 3.05m × 1.31m
•Ground clearance: 290mm (Nominal)
•Ground Bearing Pressure: 520 kPa empty; 830 kPa loaded
•Gradient (in line of advance): Below 6 degrees. If greater than 6 degrees, a
new gear with reduction of 66.56: 1 could be used.
•Cross gradient: not greater than 5 degrees
•Total Service Life: 1.5 million tones
SPLIT AND FENDER
SPLIT AND FENDER
SPLIT AND FENDER
SPLIT AND LIFT USING BREAKER LINE SUPPORTS
SPLIT AND LIFT USING BREAKER LINE SUPPORTS
BREAKER LINE SUPPORT (BLS)
Advantages.
 Greater positive setting loads and roof support on goaf
edge .
 Cost saving in timber usage to defray their capital cost.
 Able to be reset to the new breaker line position as
extraction takes place faster than timber breaker lines can
be set.
 Increases potential continuous miner cutting time and
productivity.
 Through remote control they remove the active goaf edge
area personnel who would be required otherwise to set the
breaker-line props thus further improving safety.
MOBILE BREAKER LINE SUPPORT
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

BARRIER PILLAR
1

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

Remote Reading Telltale (3
6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10m) Remote Reading Telltale (3m + 10m)

BARRIER PILLAR
1 2

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker line)
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m)
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

BARRIER PILLAR
1 2

6
Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences
Remote Reading Telltale (3
2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

3 4

BARRIER PILLAR
1 2

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

Remote Reading Telltale (3
6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel
2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker line)

5 4
3

BARRIER PILLAR
6
1 2

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

6
Extraction sequence Remote Reading Telltale (3
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

5 7 4
3

BARRIER PILLAR
6 8
1 2

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

Remote Reading Telltale (3
6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

5 7 9 4
3

BARRIER PILLAR
6 8 10
1 2

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

Remote Reading Telltale (3
6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

5 7 9 4 11
3

BARRIER PILLAR
6 8 10 12
1 2 13

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

Remote Reading Telltale (3
6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

5 7 9 4 11
3

BARRIER PILLAR
6 8 10 12
1 2 13 14

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

Remote Reading Telltale (3
6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

5 7 9 4 11
3 15

BARRIER PILLAR
6 8 10 12
1 2 13 14

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

Remote Reading Telltale (3
6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

5 7 9 4 11 16
3 15

BARRIER PILLAR
6 8 10 12
1 2 13 14

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

Remote Reading Telltale (3
6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

5 7 9 4 11 17 16
3 15

BARRIER PILLAR
6 8 10 12 18
1 2 13 14

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

Remote Reading Telltale (3
6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

5 7 9 4 11 17 19 16
3 15

BARRIER PILLAR
6 8 10 12 18 20
1 2 13 14

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

Remote Reading Telltale (3
6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

5 7 9 4 11 17 19 21
3 15 16

BARRIER PILLAR
6 8 10 12 18 20 22
1 2 13 14

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

Remote Reading Telltale (3
6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

5 7 9 4 11 17 19 21 23
3 15 16

BARRIER PILLAR
6 8 10 12 18 20 22 24
1 2 13 14

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

Remote Reading Telltale (3
6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

5 7 9 4 11 17 19 21 23
3 15 16 27

BARRIER PILLAR
6 8 10 12 18 20 22 24
1 2 13 14 25

28

26

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

Remote Reading Telltale (3
6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

5 7 9 4 11 17 19 21 23 29 31
3 15 16 27

BARRIER PILLAR
6 8 10 12 18 20 22 24 30 32
1 2 13 14 25

28

26

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

Remote Reading Telltale (3
6
Extraction sequence 2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker
Breaker lines installed during pillar split Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
 Proposed Monitoring Scheme CM1 Panel

Remote Rib Exto. (3m + 10m) Remote Reading Telltale (3m + 10m)

5 7 9 4 11 17 19 21 23 30 32
3 15 16 27

BARRIER PILLAR
6 8 10 12 18 20 22 24 29 31
1 2 13 14 25

33 35
28

34 36
26

Pillar stress cells (5m + 10m)

Breaker lines installed for 3 rows before extraction commences

6 Extraction sequence
2 x 2.4m SG bolts (breaker line)
Breaker lines installed during pillar split
Auto warning telltale (single height 10m – trigger 5mm)
Auto warning telltale installed during pillar split
OLD BEN METHOD – PANEL AND PILLAR EXTRACTION

•Developing multiple headings, usually three, to the

limits of the area to be extracted.
•These panels, along with newly formed pillars (in the
virgin coal) were extracted in retreat.
•Here, the secondary development consisted of three
roads, leaving reserves for pillar extraction on either
side.
•The total panel width was greater than 200 m.
•Tertiary development, consisting of three roads, was
done towards the end of the panel to increase overall
extraction.
•From this development, short fenders were then
developed and extracted.
OLD BEN METHOD – PANEL AND PILLAR EXTRACTION
OLD BEN METHOD – PANEL AND PILLAR EXTRACTION
WONGAWILLI METHOD
 The Wongawilli system was developed at Wongawilli
Colliery in the southern coalfield of New South Wales in
the early 1960s.
 Generally with the Wongawilli system, a panel is created by
a secondary development consisting of three to five roads
and leaving a continuous pillar of coal between the
development and the previously caved area.
 The pillar is normally between 50 m and 150 m wide and is
extracted by developing and extracting 7 m wide ribs in a
modified split and lift system.
 The pillars formed by the development are extracted as the
rib extraction retreats. As a result of the length of the rib
pillars, this method resembles a shortwall face.
WONGAWILLI METHOD

 This method was developed to provide a single

working place to extract coal in a stress-relieved area
and to utilize the coal seam as support during
extraction.
 An overall extraction of 90 per cent was achieved by
this system.
WONGAWILLI METHOD

 The main disadvantages of the Wongawilli system

area:
 ➤ Excessive floor lift when splitting successive
headings in a large panel
 ➤ Difficulties when removing stooks on the return
run out of each heading
 ➤ Difficulties with ventilating rib pillar panels when
the roof caves completely, thus filling voids in the goaf
area and choking the ventilation flow.
WONGAWILLI METHOD

 1. Provision of a single working place

2. Extraction of coal in stress relieved areas
3. Maximise extraction of the seam,
4. Simple system readily understood by all employees.
 The method provides;
a) A straight goaf line
b) Simple ventilation system, with air being coursed
via the goaf, and
c) Working within de-stressed areas.
WONGAWILLI METHOD
RIB PILLAR EXTRACTION METHOD
RIB PILLAR EXTRACTION METHOD
RIB PILLAR EXTRACTION METHOD – SYSTEMATIC CUTTING AND
SUPPORT SEQUENCE
RIB PILLAR EXTRACTION METHOD – SYSTEMATIC CUTTING AND
SUPPORT SEQUENCE
RIB PILLAR EXTRACTION METHOD
 Panel Layout and Cutting Sequence
 The area allocated to rib-pillar mining is divided into
workable sections, and the primary development
normally consists of four roadways from the main
development to the limit of the remnant. The two
outer roads are utilized as return airways, and the two
inner road travelling and conveyor-belt roads. The
inner roads also serve as intake airways
 The secondary development consists of three roads,
two being intake airways and one a return airway.
 Cross conveyor installations are used to ensure that
the tramming distance for shuttle cars is minimized.