High Performance Longwall Production Based on Rag Experience in German Coal Mines

"High performance production under challenging geological conditions is a product of several parameters. Main factors are the technical equipment and the knowledge in processing. The design and the support system of maingates must also be taken into consideration. The extraction of seams in German underground hard coal mines of RAG in a range of heights between approximately 1.1 and 4.0 m ( 4 and 13 ft) is done by plow and shearer technology. A complete system for quality management of production is required. The process examination of processes begins with procurement of the equipment. Education and training of the engineers and specialists, as well as for the miners are requirements for success as well.This report gives an overview of RAG measures for achieving high performance. Starting with examination of the processes accompanying procurement of equipment, the following important elements are described. Standards in education and training, technical design and elements of automated processing using stateof- the-art in control systems are critical to this system.The application of automation plays a decisive role in modem coal mines. The latest development in German coal mines is the fully-automated shearer system for longwalls. This helps to enhance safety, particularly in difficult ground conditions, by removing the shearer and shield operators from the immediate mining activity.INTRODUCTIONLongwall mining in carboniferous strata in Germany faces various challenges. Different longwall systems are used to mine up to 24 seams, each with a thickness between 1.1 m (3.6 ft) and 4.0 m (13 ft). High stresses due to a depth of up to 1,400 m (4,593 ft) requiring pillars between the panels, require special systems for roadway development, roadway support and reinforcemen.t as well as for longwall advance operations. Two main types of equipment for extraction are shearer and plow systems. While shearers are utilized for seam thicknesses above approximately 1.8 m (6 ft), plow systems can be used for smaller seam thicknesses between 1.8 m (6 ft) and approximately 1.0 m (3 ft)."