Reproduction of the longwall panels: modern requirements for the technology and organization of the development operations at coal mines

Abstract

The authors point at the criticality of timely reproduction of longwall panels in coal mines toward sustainable and high-rate coal mining based on the utilization potential of modern longwall equipment. A case-study of SUEK-Kuzbass mines shows that there is a need to change approaches to improvement of economic efficiency and competitiveness of coal mining and to shift from the common practice of production cost reduction to productivity enhancement through implementation of high-performance equipment capabilities. Efficiency of road heading in mines of SUEK-Kuzbass is analyzed, and the main causes of long downtime in operation of modern high-performance continuous miners (CM) or continuous bolter miners (CBM) are identified. Recommendations have been developed for improved planning of preparatory works in mines and for introduction of significant action time margin to eliminate downtime when actual drivage performance lags behind the planning data. The action time structure of modern CBM is presented, and recommendations are given on CBM efficiency evaluation as actual action time in cutting road face rocks. The application areas of various modern CBM types are justified. Recommendations are proposed for changing the parameters of longwall panels and to change to multi-entry longwall panels in order to increase efficiency of preparatory works and actual coal production. The authors describe expediency of widespread use of shuttle cars to improve efficiency of haulage of rocks and materials. The organizational and technological principles of the efficiency increase in preparatory works in coal mines are substantiated.