Futuristic longwalls

摘要

Longwall mining is currently going through some very interesting times. Longwall automationis being employed on a commercial scale, communication technology is taking major leaps, and there has been progress in making the longwall a safer place to work. But what will we see in 20 years? While we may still not be riding those ever-elusive hoverboards - although it would be a great way to get down that tedious longwall face - the longwall environment will be a very different place. Australian Longwall Magazine talks with some industry legends and pre-eminent researchers to get their thoughts on the future of longwall mining. For Emeritus Professor Jim Galvin, to gaze into the future of longwall mining, one must first look back.