Landwall Mining Design Options

This report delves into the diverse design options of landwall mining, highlighting both merits and limitations. It emphasizes the importance of analyzing risks associated with each method, such as roof collapse and seismic activity triggered by machinery. The report stresses the need for meticulous planning, considering worker training, equipment routing, and the vulnerability of weaker rock formations. Ultimately, it recommends the belt transect method for its efficiency, reliability, and effectiveness in managing inherent risks.

REPORT ON THE DESIGN OPTIONS OF LANDWALL MINING METHOD
PART 1: DESIGN 1
The mining options presented have got a myriad of challenges such as risk factors that must be
analyzed during establishment of standard operating procedures. Admittedly, risks associated
with each mining option have unique characteristics such as accidental collapse of the roof in
areas where reinforcements are not done properly. The cross deep shaft method is often
associated with this kind of risk as the shafts are sunk relatively deeper. Due to the overbearing
weight of the earth movers and the vibration of the machines, areas prone to earth quakes may be
triggered off (Singh, Pathan & Unver, no year).). The geologists must therefore competently
analyze the data from the area using modern sophisticated tools and software. The identified
hotspots must therefore be avoided at all costs.
Improper and insufficient training of all workers can also be a potential source of problems. The
inexperienced crane operators and drivers may cause damage to people and properties as they try
to navigate the terrain during mining. The entire system of mining must therefore take into
consideration the complex routing of the machinery and equipment to minimize on backtracking
and unnecessary collisions (Kumar., Chandrasekhar & Reddy, 2016).
Some mines have weaker rocks which could cave in during operation. It is therefore often
required that once an area is depleted, the remnants must be cleared off. The belt transect method
will come in handy in this case.
The above mining design options have got both merits and limitations. The belt transect method
is the fastest and perhaps the cheapest to establish and run. The area identified is worked on in a
rectangular manner before collapsing the weaker walls to give way to new region as movement
is both traverse and longitudinal.
Therefore, in conclusion, we propose the belt transect method which takes into proper account of
risk, efficiency and reliability.
REFERENCE
Kumar,B.R., Chandrasekhar, S & Reddy, B.V. (2016). Construction and operation of high
capacity longwall project : Adriyala experience. The Singareni Collieries Company Ltd
kothagudem.
Singh, R.N., Pathan , A.G. & Unver, B. (no year). Design of Rib Pillars in Longwall Mining
Based on Theoretical and Practical Approaches. available from:
http://www.maden.org.tr/resimler/ekler/17c0907e67d868b_ek.pdf