Summary
Considering ground instability problems of underground coal mines at shallow covers, this paper reviews and describes problems of optimal extraction of coal stuck below surface/subsurface constraints at Indian coal fields. Importance of thickness and quality of inter-burden between the working horizon and surface/subsurface constraints is discussed from a ground movement point of view during optimisation of coal recovery by underground mining beneath the constraints. A CIMFR, formerly CMRI idea, known as Wide Stall Method, was found suitable to overcome the limitations of non-effective-width based optimisation of recovery of coal, trapped in pillars below surface/subsurface objects, at shallow cover. The involved rock mechanics concept and three successful field trials of the Wide Stall Method under three different geo-mining conditions of the country are also briefly given in this paper.
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Author’s address: Rajendra Singh, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR, formerly CMRI), Barwa Road, Dhanbad, 826001 Jharkhand, India
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Singh, R., Mandal, P., Singh, A. et al. Optimal Underground Extraction of Coal at Shallow Cover Beneath Surface/Subsurface Objects: Indian Practices. Rock Mech Rock Eng 41, 421–444 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-007-0149-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-007-0149-4