Feasibility of an integrated coal mining and waste disposal system

摘要

The depletion of thicker and more attractive coal seams in central Appalachia will direct attention towards the extraction of thin coal seams (less than 71 cm). This paper reports an ongoing research work on different conceptual mining and waste disposal systems that can be used to mine thinner seams. The research project aims to address five sub tasks: conceptualization of mine and face operation; characterization of waste material; handling and transportation of coal and waste material; technique to be used for back filling; and feasibility of the overall system. This paper assesses production potential, relative merits and economics of various applicable systems. It includes an attribute rating table that may be used to quantify technical, economic, and environmental issues related to different backfilling methods.