Matching mining methods to complex coal geology

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 81, No. 917, 1988

B.J. MORASH,Quintette Coal Limited,Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia

The six mineable coal seams at Quintette Coal Limited (QCL) vary in thickness from 0.75 m to 9.5 m and include waste partings varying from 0.2 m to 4 m thick. They are highly faulted and folded in some areas and dip angles range from horizontal to 90 degrees. Due to this variation in thickness and orientation of the seams, several different mining methods are used to economically recover the coal. The key to QCL's success depends on the timely collection of detailed geology data and on mine planning which allows selection of the best method of mining to achieve maximum coal recovery with minimum dilution and cost. This paper will describe the various methods of mining employed and the criteria used to select them.

Mots Clés: Coal mining, Mining methods, Coal recovery, Equipment, Open pit mining, Geology.