AU2015204338A1 - A high wall mining method - Google Patents
A high wall mining method Download PDFInfo
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- AU2015204338A1 AU2015204338A1 AU2015204338A AU2015204338A AU2015204338A1 AU 2015204338 A1 AU2015204338 A1 AU 2015204338A1 AU 2015204338 A AU2015204338 A AU 2015204338A AU 2015204338 A AU2015204338 A AU 2015204338A AU 2015204338 A1 AU2015204338 A1 AU 2015204338A1
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- roadway
- highwall
- coal
- extracted
- pillar
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Abstract
A method of mining a high wall comprising the steps of forming at least one roadway into a coal seam from the highwall, and extracting coal from a pillar portion adjacent each side of a portion of the at least one roadway, wherein each pillar portion is elongate in a direction parallel to the portion of the at least one roadway. Sheet 214 CC-4 C-Ni (NN co coo 2IIEHE l - (N CN(N oo m
Description
1 TITLE "A HIGH WALL MINING METHOD" FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The invention relates to a method of mining a highwall. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a method of pillar extraction in highwall mining. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 10 Highwall mining is a process of mining into coal seams exposed through previous open cut mining. This type of mining provides access to additional low cost reserves. Existing highwall mining methods include auger mining, addcar mining and long wall punch mining. 15 Auger mining and addcar mining penetrate directly into the coal seam from the highwall up to 150m and 300m respectively. The process is then repeated parallel to the previous entry, leaving a web pillar, typically 1-2m thick between entries to ensure stability of the entries. Additionally, larger pillars of about 10m thickness are provided every 20m to ensure stability of the highwall. 20 Long wall punch mining is similar to long wall mining underground except that the maingate and tailgate are driven in from the highwall. Whilst long wall punch mining has a superior resource recovery rate, it also requires a much larger capital expenditure for equipment such as hydraulic chocks, conveyors and the long wall shearer.
2 It will be clearly understood that any reference herein to background material or information, or to a prior publication, does not constitute an admission that any material, information or publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, or is otherwise admissible prior art, whether in Australia or 5 in any other country. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above problems and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. 10 Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, 15 the invention resides in a method of mining a high wall comprising the steps of: forming at least one roadway into a coal seam from the highwall; extracting coal from a pillar portion adjacent a portion of the at least one roadway. A skilled addressee will understand that a roadway typically refers to the 20 tunnel that is formed by machinery such as a continuous miner. A skilled addressee will understand that a pillar portion is part of the coal seam that is adjacent a portion of the at least one roadway and is typically elongate in a direction parallel to the portion of the at least one roadway. Preferably the at least one roadway extends more than 300m into the coal 25 seam from the highwall. More preferably, the at least one roadway extends more 3 than 500m into the coal seam from the highwall. In a preferred embodiment the at least one roadway extends up to 750m into the coal seam from the highwall. It will be understood that the at least one roadway may extend into the coal seam for more than 750m. If the at least one roadway extends into the coal seam for 5 more than 750m, additional ventilation may be required. Preferably the coal is extracted from a point of the at least one roadway that is further away from the highwall to a point of the roadway that is closer to the highwall. For example, after a roadway is formed into a coal seam from the highwall, coal is initially extracted from a pillar portion towards to the end of the 10 roadway that is furthest away from the highwall, the coal is then progressively extracted from the pillar portion towards the highwall. Preferably the step of extracting coal from a pillar portion adjacent a portion of the at least one roadway includes extracting coal from a pillar portion adjacent each side of a portion of the at least one roadway. For example, coal is 15 extracted from a pillar portion on the left side of a portion of the at least one roadway and coal is extracted from a right side of a portion of the at least one roadway. Preferably, coal is extracted alternatively from a pillar portion on the left side of a portion of the at least one roadway and from a pillar portion on the right side of a portion of the at least one roadway. For example, the coal may be 20 extracted in a herring bone pattern. Preferably the method further comprises the step of conveying the extracted coal to a pit adjacent the highwall. Typically the extracted coal is conveyed to the pit by shuttle or ram cars, or using continuous haulage such as conveyor lines. 25 Preferably the pillar portion that is to be extracted adjacent a portion of the 4 at least one roadway is wider than the roadway. Typically the pillar portion is the same height as a portion of the at least one roadway adjacent the pillar portion. The pillar portions adjacent a portion of the at least one roadway typically support the roof of the portion of the at least one roadway. 5 Preferably, the method further comprises the step of providing at least one hydraulic support to control the strata of the extracted portions. For example, tracked hydraulic supports gradually advance towards the highwall as the extraction of the coal advances towards the highwall, allowing the strata behind the hydraulic supports to collapse into the extracted portions. It will be 10 appreciated that the number of hydraulic supports required will depend on the width of the roadway and of the pillar portions. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of providing barrier pillars between the highwall and the extracted pillar portions. Preferably the barrier pillars are at least 20m wide between the highwall and the extracted pillar 15 portions. Typically such barrier pillars aid in stabilizing the highwall. Preferably the method further comprises the step of attaching a protective grid mesh to a roof of the at least one roadway. Preferably the grid mesh is knitted from high tensile polyester impregnated with PVC resin. A benefit of providing a protective grid mesh is that contamination of the extracted coal with 20 rock material from the roof of the at least one roadway is inhibited. In one embodiment, the step of forming at least one roadway into a coal seam from the highwall comprises forming a plurality of roadways into the coal seam from the highwall. Preferably a web pillar is provided between pillar portions of adjacent portions of the plurality of roadways. Typically the width of 25 the web pillars between pillar portions of adjacent portions of the plurality of 5 roadways is between 5m and 10m. It will be appreciated that the width of the web pillars may be more or less than 5m-10m depending on geotechnical conditions. In a further embodiment, the step of forming at least one roadway into a 5 coal seam from the highwall involves forming at least one main roadway into the coal seam from the highwall and forming at least one split roadway extending from at least one of the at least one main roadway. Preferably coal is extracted from a pillar portion adjacent a portion of the at least one split roadway. More preferably, coal is extracted from a pillar portion 10 adjacent each side of a portion of the at least one split roadway. For example, coal is extracted from a pillar portion on the left side of a portion of the at least one split roadway and coal is extracted from a right side of a portion of the at least one split roadway. Preferably, coal is extracted alternatively from a pillar portion on the left side of a portion of the at least one split roadway and from a 15 pillar portion on the right side of a portion of the at least one split roadway. For example, the coal may be extracted in a herring bone pattern. Preferably the at least one main roadway is a plurality of main roadways and the at least one split roadway is a plurality of split roadways. Preferably each of the plurality of split roadways is fluidly connected to each of the plurality of 20 main roadways. A benefit of having a plurality of split roadways fluidly connected to each of the plurality of main roads is that the ventilation is less constrained, allowing for greater penetration distances. In another form the invention resides in a highwall coal mine comprising: at least one roadway extending into a coal seam from the highwall; and 25 an extracted pillar portion adjacent each side of a portion of each of the at 6 least one roadway. Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description. 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 10 FIG 1 shows a schematic view of a highwall mining layout according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG 2 shows a schematic view of a highwall mining layout according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG 3 shows a schematic view of a pillar extraction layout according to an 15 embodiment of the present invention; and FIG 4 shows a schematic view of protective grid mesh. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a schematic view of a highwall 20 mining layout 100. Roadways 110,112,114 are formed into the coal seam 12 from the highwall 10. In this embodiment, the roadways 110,112,114 extend into the coal seam 12 for 750m. Roadway 110 is formed first. Figure 1 shows an extracted pillar portion 120 adjacent the right and left sides of roadway 110. The extracted pillar portions 120 of roadway 110 extend to approximately 25 20m of the highwall 10, creating barrier pillars 132. The barrier pillars 132 ensure 7 that the highwall remains stable. The roadway 110 and the extracted pillar portions 120 are formed by a continuous miner (not shown). The coal that is extracted from the pillar portions (extracted pillar portions 120 shown) is transported to the pit 14. 5 Once the coal is extracted from the pillar portions (extracted pillar portions 120 shown) of roadway 110, roadway 112 is formed. Roadway 112 is driven into the coal seam 12 substantially parallel to roadway 110. Coal is then extracted from the pillar portions (extracted pillar portions 120 shown) adjacent roadway 112. Once the coal is extracted from the pillar portions (extracted pillar portions 10 120 shown) of roadway 112, roadway 114 is formed. As can be seen with reference to roadway 114, the coal is extracted from the pillar portions (extracted pillar portions 120 shown) beginning near the end of the roadway 114 furthest away from the highwall 10, the coal is then extracted from the pillar portions (extracted pillar portions 120 shown) towards the 15 highwall. The roadways 110,112,114 are spaced from each other such that a web pillar 130 is formed between the extracted pillar portions 120 of the respective roadways 110,112,114. The web pillar 130 provides stability to the strata above the coal seam 12. The web pillar 130 also acts as an isolation barrier in the 20 event of the occurrence of spontaneous combustion. With reference to Figure 2 there is shown a schematic view of a highwall mining layout 102. In this embodiment, the at least one roadway is formed from main roadways 140 and split roadways 142. As can be seen from figure 2, the main roadways 140 are interconnected at intervals. The main roadways 140 25 extend into the coal seam from the highwall 10.
8 The split roadways 142 extend outwardly from the main roadways 140. The split roadways 142 are first formed towards an end of the main roadways 140 that is furthest away from the highwall 10. The split roadways 142 are progressively formed towards the highwall 10. The dotted lines in figure 2 show 5 the future location of the last two split roadways 144,146 that are to be formed and the location of the pillar portions 122 adjacent future split roadways 144,146. Coal is extracted from pillar portions (extracted pillar portions 120 shown) adjacent the split roadways 142. The coal is extracted from the pillar portions (extracted pillar portions 120 shown) beginning near the end of the split 10 roadways 142 furthest away from the main roadways 140, the coal is then extracted from the pillar portions (extracted pillar portions 120 shown) towards the main roadways 140. The coal that is extracted from the pillar portions (extracted pillar portions 120 shown) is transported to the pit 14. The roadways 142 are spaced from each other such that a web pillar 130 15 is formed between the extracted pillar portions 120 of the respective roadways 142. As can be seen in figure 2, the extracted pillar portions 120 on the left side of the main roadways 140 stop short of the left main roadway 140 such that barrier portions 148 are formed between the extracted pillar portions 120 and the left main roadway 140. These barrier portions 148 protect the left main roadway 20 140, which in this embodiment is the return ventilation roadway. Future roadways 144,146 are spaced from the highwall 10 such that when the roadways 144,146 are formed and coal from the pillar portions 122 is extracted, barrier pillars 132 are formed. The barrier pillars 132 ensure that the highwall remains stable. 25 With reference to Figure 3 there is shown a schematic view of a pillar 9 extraction layout 104. The pillar portions 180 (indicated in dotted line format) adjacent each side of the roadway 114 are extracted by a continuous miner 170. The continuous miner 170 extracts coal alternatively from the pillar portions 180 adjacent each side of the roadway 114. In figure 3, the continuous miner 170 5 extracts coal from the pillar portion 180 on the right side of the roadway 114, then extracts coal from the pillar portion 180 on the left side of the roadway 114 then from the pillar portion 180 on the right side of the roadway 114 and so on. The continuous miner 170 is driven into the pillar portions 180 at an angle, alternately on the right and left sides of the roadway 114, creating a herring bone 10 pattern. As the extraction of coal from the pillar portions 180 progresses away from the goaf 150 (strata that has fallen into the space left by the roadway 114 and extracted portions of the pillar portions 180), tracked hydraulic supports 160 move in the direction that the extraction of coal is progressing (i.e. away from the 15 goaf 150). The tracked hydraulic supports 160 support the roof of the roadway 114 and the extracted portions of the pillar portions 180 in the vicinity of where the coal is being extracted and allow the roof behind (i.e. towards the topside of figure 3) the tracked supports 160 to fall into the goaf 150. With reference to Figure 4 there is shown a schematic view of protective 20 grid mesh layout 106. The protective grid mesh 190 is attached to the roof of the roadways (not shown, see 110, 112, 114, 140, 142, 144 and 146 in figures 1 and 2) using roof bolts 192. The protective grid mesh 190 is formed by joining together high tensile polyester line impregnated with PVC resin. Benefits of using protective grid mesh 190 include an increase in productivity due to not having to 25 restock metallic mesh modules at intervals throughout the production shift, a 10 reduction in manual handling injuries associated with metallic mesh modules and improved visibility in the work area due to the colouring of the grid mesh. The method of mining a high wall of the present invention typically provides a higher recovery than the prior art auger and addcar mining methods 5 and requires a much smaller capital expenditure compared to long wall punch mining. The foregoing embodiments are illustrative only of the principles of the invention, and various modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention is capable of being practiced and carried out in 10 various ways and in other embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated 15 integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers unless the context of use indicates otherwise.
Claims (25)
1. A method of mining a high wall comprising the steps of: forming at least one roadway into a coal seam from the highwall; and extracting coal from a pillar portion adjacent each side of a portion of the 5 at least one roadway, wherein each pillar portion is elongate in a direction parallel to the portion of the at least one roadway.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coal is extracted alternatively 10 from a pillar portion on the left side of the portion of the at least one roadway and from a pillar portion on a right side of the portion of the at least one roadway.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the coal is extracted in a herring bone pattern from the pillar portions on the left and right sides of the portion of 15 the at least one roadway.
4. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each pillar portion is wider than the portion of the at least one roadway. 20
5. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of providing at least one hydraulic support to control a strata of an extracted pillar portion.
6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further 25 comprising the step of providing barrier pillars between the highwall and 12 extracted pillar portions.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the barrier pillars are at least 20m wide between the highwall and extracted pillar portions. 5
8. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one roadway is formed such that the at least one roadway extends more than 300m into the coal seam from the highwall. 10
9. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one roadway is formed such that the at least one roadway extends more than 500m into the coal seam from the highwall.
10. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at 15 least one roadway is formed such that the at least one roadway extends more than 750m into the coal seam from the highwall.
11. A method as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one roadway is formed such that the at least one roadway extends up to 750m 20 into the coal seam from the highwall.
12. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of attaching a protective grid mesh to a roof of the at least one roadway. 25 13
13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the grid mesh is knitted from a high tensile polyester impregnated with PVC resin.
14. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step 5 of forming at least one roadway into the coal seam from the highwall comprises forming a plurality of roadways into the coal seam from the highwall.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14, further comprising the step of providing a web pillar between pillar portions of adjacent portions of the plurality of 10 roadways.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the width of the web pillars is between 5m and 10m. 15
17. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coal is extracted from a point of the at least one roadway that is furthest away from the highwall to a point of the roadway that is closer to the highwall.
18. A method as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 13, wherein the step of 20 forming at least one roadway into the coal seam from the highwall involves forming at least one main roadway into the coal seam from the highwall and forming at least one split roadway extending from at least one of the at least one main roadway. 25
19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the coal is extracted from a 14 pillar portion adjacent each side of a portion of the at least one split roadway.
20. A method as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the step of forming at least one main roadway into the coal seam from the highwall involves forming a 5 plurality of main roadways into the coal seam from the highwall, and the step of forming at least one split roadway extending from at least one of the at least one main roadway involves forming a plurality of split roadways extending from at least one of the plurality of main roadways. 10
21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of split roadways is fluidly connected to each of the plurality of main roadways.
22. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coal is extracted by a continuous miner. 15
23. A highwall coal mine comprising: at least one roadway extending into a coal seam from the highwall; and an extracted pillar portion adjacent each side of a portion of each of the at least one roadway, 20 wherein each extracted pillar portion is elongate in a direction parallel to the respective portion of the at least one roadway.
24. A highwall coal mine as claimed in claim 23, wherein the at least one roadway extending into the coal seam from the highwall comprises a plurality of 25 roadways extending into the coal seam from the highwall. 15
25. A highwall coal mine as claimed in claim 23, wherein the at least one roadway extending into the coal seam from the highwall comprises at least one main roadway extending into the coal seam from the highwall and at least one 5 split roadway extending from at least one of the at least one main roadway, and wherein the extracted pillar portions are adjacent each side of a portion of each of the at least one split roadway.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2015204338A AU2015204338A1 (en) | 2014-08-29 | 2015-07-16 | A high wall mining method |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2014903437 | 2014-08-29 | ||
| AU2014903437A AU2014903437A0 (en) | 2014-08-29 | A high wall mining method | |
| AU2015204338A AU2015204338A1 (en) | 2014-08-29 | 2015-07-16 | A high wall mining method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2015204338A1 true AU2015204338A1 (en) | 2016-03-17 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2015204338A Abandoned AU2015204338A1 (en) | 2014-08-29 | 2015-07-16 | A high wall mining method |
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| AU (1) | AU2015204338A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106150535A (en) * | 2016-07-02 | 2016-11-23 | 河南理工大学 | A kind of strip-type wangeviry mining method technology offset method for protecting support |
| CN108625856A (en) * | 2018-06-11 | 2018-10-09 | 安徽大昌矿业集团有限公司 | A kind of mining methods in the two neighboring one ore removal lane of stope of underground mine |
-
2015
- 2015-07-16 AU AU2015204338A patent/AU2015204338A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106150535A (en) * | 2016-07-02 | 2016-11-23 | 河南理工大学 | A kind of strip-type wangeviry mining method technology offset method for protecting support |
| CN108625856A (en) * | 2018-06-11 | 2018-10-09 | 安徽大昌矿业集团有限公司 | A kind of mining methods in the two neighboring one ore removal lane of stope of underground mine |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK1 | Application lapsed section 142(2)(a) - no request for examination in relevant period |