Analyses of coal extraction and spoil handling techniques in mountainous areas.

摘要

Surface mining of multiple seams by mountaintop mining methodology is complex in the Appalachian region of West Virginia. Mining operations in these mountainous areas can be considered as customized forms of surface mining techniques. The customization of the mining methods is greatly dominated by the location, geology, and stratigraphic succession of coal seams in the area.; Owing to its unique mining operations, and the environmental effects associated with it, mountaintop removal method of mining has become an issue of public concern. The pertinence of the present mountaintop mining operations and reclamation techniques, with respect to being in compliance with Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA), as well as both Federal and State regulations is at question.; The ability of mining engineers to accurately analyze mountaintop-mining operations is compromised by a variety of factors. These may be broadly classified as theoretical and practical considerations. The net result of these considerations is that the exact analysis of the entire mining operation cannot be made. Hence, two major activities of mountaintop operations (1) Coal Extraction, and (2) Valley fill slope stability are analyzed.; The objective of this research is to analyze the pertinent coal extraction methods, and to study the slope stability of valley fill slopes using deterministic as well as probabilistic approach.