Influence of chosen technical constraints on stability of 3D geological model-based schedule in a complex longwall operation

Abstract

In Polish underground mining digital 3D geological models and mine structure models are becoming popular as an aid in creating design and schedules of mine workings. Article highlights development made in generating and optimizing mining operations. Having created a model it is possible to test schedule scenarios using a number of constraints. One of the constraint limiting coalmines is ventilation, which may be magnified by high content of methane in coal deposits. In this article two methods of introducing ventilation constraints have been presented. One limits number of longwall shearers working simultaneously in excavations ventilated by the shaft. The other limits tonnage of coal which can be extracted in each ventilation zone. Scenarios governed by the second method turned out to result in more stable exploitation than a base scenario. More precise calculations are possible if a model contains an accurate prognosis of methane emissions that would be caused by extraction of the coal deposit. The aim of the paper is to present possibilities of analysing and upgrading mining operations with the help of digital solutions.