Comprehensive Report: Landwall Mining Design Options and Risk Analysis

This report delves into the design options for landwall mining, specifically focusing on the risks inherent in underground mining operations. The analysis encompasses various challenges such as accidental wall collapses, particularly in deep shaft methods, and the potential for seismic activity triggered by heavy machinery. It emphasizes the importance of thorough geological data analysis and the avoidance of identified hotspots. Workplace safety is another key concern, highlighting the risks associated with insufficient worker training and the need for efficient machinery routing to prevent accidents. The report discusses different mining methods, with a preference for the belt transect method due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. It also addresses critical aspects like methane gas emissions and the importance of proper planning. The report highlights the need for system flexibility to accommodate changes in parameters like pit height and seam thickness. Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of explorative tools, such as sensor and GIS technology, in improving extraction efficiency and reducing costs. The integration of various functional units and interdepartmental coordination are also stressed for successful project execution. The report concludes with a strong emphasis on safety, efficiency, and reliability in the proposed belt transect method.

REPORT ON THE DESIGN OPTIONS OF LANDWALL MINING METHOD
PART 1: RISKS IN LANDWALL MINNG
Accidental collapse of the walls in underground mining
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. 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.
Workplace safety concerns
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 (Singh & Unver, no year).
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 wall destabilizers are therefore useful for this purpose.
Notably, the proposed designs aim at maximizing the extraction potential while at the same
being cognizant of the fact that safety and costs are equally critical aspects in the operation.
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.
Methane gas emissions
In the course of mining
Acid mine drainage
Respiratory problems
Social destruction by the explosives
Specifically, proper planning beforehand on the above-mentioned aspects is very critical. The
best strategy is selected after a thorough evaluation of the available options. Different models
have been used. In our case, a simple yet effective model is used to ascertain whether the
minimum criteria are met.

Therefore, in conclusion, we propose the belt transect method which takes into proper account of
risk, efficiency and reliability.
QUESTION 2: COMPLEX DESIGN OPTION
Major techniques in the coal mining are open cast and underground. The former allows for less
access to the reserves while the latter is a sure strategy for maximum extraction. Locating the
coal is essential in boosting the efficiency in extraction and coal production. Essentially, the deep
underground method incurs a higher cost in set up and extraction. Besides, there are greater
prices in terms of risks to pay; notably, however, we are assured of more coal production. One
important factor in implementation of any extraction strategy is to ensure harmonious
relationship between people and machines for successful extraction.
However, in the practical sense, nothing like 100% extraction can be attained with any design. In
fact, a lot will happen in the course of extraction including but not limited to mine collapse,
dangerous gas emissions, forceful gush in underground water among others. How all these are
controlled will partly guarantee success of the proposed design. Design must be in tandem with
the technological realities of the longwall mining. Top on the list is ventilation. The methane gas
being produced is harmful to human beings as it can be the source of respiratory challenges. In
this regard, therefore, the design must endeavor to integrate the ventilating openings to minimize
on methane accumulation within the pit.
Additionally, the structural mechanics of the support systems must be considered in the design.
Roofs have collapsed, in the course of mining due to the overbearing weight of the machineries
and equipment. Panel and pillar design layout is a special area where different models have been
applied to establish stable structures that are statically redundant. Notably, pillar strength must be
such that the overall structural integrity is beyond reproach. Be that as it may, the right caliber of
professionals experienced in the science and engineering of coal extraction must be involved in
the design. They contribute towards the establishment of a versatile and competent system to
operate the mine. Geologist will often lead the park where technical wherewithal will be sought.
At the center of these operations is the mining specialist whose main responsibility is to oversee
the implementation of the extraction strategy. She therefore leads the technical team in executing
the plans. Lastly, this team must work in unison to ultimately contribute to greater productivity.
System Flexibility
The model selected must allow for changes in critical parameters such as pit height, seam
thickness among others. This will guarantee system dynamism which is essential to cushion
against external factors. For instance, in the production planning and control department, after
undertaking demand forecasting, may come to a conclusion that the pillar height needed
adjustments to allow room for more coal extraction to take effect. While the safety department,
expectedly, may have reservations; they may reluctantly agree to this change while citing issues
of safety that rise with the decision. Therefore, all issues are often ironed out otherwise the
superfluous ending is inevitable.

Explorative tools
The increased application of the sensor technology is a step in the right direction as mining
extraction efficiency is concerned. Further to this, is the GIS technology which allows for real-
time location of the mineral ores. Connectedly, less exploration efforts are required hence
production cost are minimized as time and effort to explore the mine are substantially reduced
Ramesh et al, 2016).
The design must also integrate various functional units involved in the extraction process. As
pointed out earlier, interdepartmental coordination and consensus are sure ways of bringing
every professional on board such that each functional wing carries out its designated task to
completion. For instance, to ensure the proposed design see the light of the day, one must liaise
with the finance department to look into ways of optimizing the design vis-à-vis financial
prudence.
REFERENCE
Ramesh K,B., 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