Determining the Optimum Utilisation of Continuous Miner for Improving Production in Underground Coal Mines

Abstract

Conventional underground coal mining relies upon the use of continuous miners in order to extract coal reserves from underground coal seams. In combination with the continuous miners- shuttle cars are used to transport the extracted coal from the face to a transfer point (feeder breaker). From there the coal is typically tipped onto the underground conveyor system, which transports the coal to the surface in order to be distributed to customers. Effective management of the cutting, loading and tipping cycles utilised will serve as a possible area for productivity improvement. Continuous miner technology will drastically increase the production, productivity and safety in the underground mining.