Application of underground mining in existing “Cirikovac” opencast lignite mine

摘要

Open cast production of lignite at Cirikovac deposit started on 1973. Cirikovac opencast is a part of Kostolac mine, located 60 km South of Belgrade. Lignite from this opencast is primarily consumed by thermal power plant, with installed power of 309 MW. Existing problems present at Cirikovac opencast led to development of Programme for mine closure until the end of 2009. Detailed analysis of possibility for application of underground mining was performed, since considerable reserves still exists in this deposit (136 Mt), with favourable geological conditions. Analysis included all relevant factors which should provide information for technical, technological and operational parameters, as well as for economics, enabling feasibility evaluation of underground coal mining at Cirikovac deposit. This paper presents results achieved with mentioned analysis, which proved that highly productive longwall mining with 2 Mtpa can be successfully implemented, regarding technical and technological conditions, economics and environment protection.