Harnessing energy from the various resources available is no easy task. It requires much deliberation before taking any action and proper execution of the plan for the process to be feasible and efficient. This is no different when it comes to coal mining techniques as well.
Before breaking ground in search of coal seams, there are many points to be taken into consideration. Some of these factors determine whether coal mining will be a practical option at the site and some of these factors determine how much coal can be mined from a site.
In addition, the environmental effects due to the mining activities are given more importance in light of events such as climate change.
Factors That Determine Coal Mining Methods
- Depth of coal reserves
Based on the depth at which the coal reserve rests, mining companies engage in either surface or underground coal mining. If the coal seams are found at depths lower than 200ft, surface mining is done.
Here, the vegetation is cleared off, the topsoil is removed, and if any hard layers of rocks are present, they are drilled into using equipment such as TEX 09 PS Pick Hammer and Atlas Copco TEX 09 PS Pick Hammer.
On the other hand, underground coal mining involves finding the coal seams located deeper than 200ft in the ground. With heavy machinery like the BBD 12T Sinker Drill, the ground is broken before the tunnels are dug deeper into the earth.
Since the types of equipment involved in the process changes with the depth of coal reserves, this factor influences the choice of coal mining methods greatly.
- Technical aspect
Apart from the equipment required to break ground while mining, different terrains call for additional accessories to aid in mining. For instance, if the mining site has uncharacteristically tough surfaces, then using accessories such as Atlas Copco BLG 30 Lubricator to protect the pneumatic drills is advised.
In a similar manner, the on-site workers need to be well-supplied with various equipment to ensure the smooth sailing of the mining project.
- Context and Social Factors
Certain mining sites may be mapped out in a region that houses an endangered species of animals or the site may be located in a place prone to earthquakes. In scenarios such as these, experts have to consider the consequences of mining coal from sensitive locations.
For example, if the concern about noise levels due to mining activity that delays the project, equipment with silencers and shock absorbers like the BBD 12D Atlas Copco Rock Drill can be utilized. In regions that are prone to seismic activities, a different, more strategic method of mining will be adopted, to prevent the loss of miners’ lives.
- Economic feasibility
After much deliberation, if mining in a region is too expensive to carry out due to transportation costs, technical assistance, or legal formalities, businesses may even choose to not carry on with the mining project.
Summing It Up
Coal mining is an activity that affects more than just one aspect of human life. Thus, beginning coal mining projects and choosing how to proceed with them needs to be given due thought. There are more factors that influence the choice of coal mining techniques than mentioned above but these factors are the factors that often sway the decision.
