Room-and-pillar mining using continuous miners (CMs) and batch haulage systems are one of the most common underground coal production systems. However, these systems are currently under utilized in most cases. Furthermore, the traditional room-and-pillar method of production typically results in less than 50 percent recovery of coal reserves. Alternate mining geometry concepts, with variable pillar sizes across a panel, may be used not only to improve mine stability in terms of pillar and floor safety factors, but also to increase coal reserve recovery. Additional benefits include increased productivity and less occupational exposure to coal mine dust. The alternate mining geometry concept consists of larger pillars in the panel center and smaller pillars at the panel edges. The larger pillars protect mine infrastructure such as conveyor systems and power centers. Smaller pillars at panel edges and narrower panel widths aid productivity where haulage distances are greatest.
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