Longwall Mining
Longwall Mining
Subsidence
Subsidence in which the overlying rock and other material falls into the void where coal has been removed results from longwall mining. As the longwall system advances, the mine roof caves in behind the steel shields.
Ground level
RAG: Cumberland Mine Emerald Mine Consol Bailey Mine Blacksville No. 1 Dilworth Eighty-Four Mine Enlow Fork Mine Humphrey No. 7 Vesta: Originally J&L Steel, then A.T. Massey Coal. Westland Maple Creek Mining, Inc. High Quality Mine Consol (WV) Blacksville #2 Shoemaker Duquesne Light Co. Warwick No. 3 Gateway Coal Co. Gateway
An under view
In longwall mining, a very large block or panel of coal is isolated by the development of entries and crosscuts. Special mining and roof support equipment is then set up along the working face. This working face can be anywhere from 800 to 1,500 feet wide. The coal is mined by a longwall mining machine that moves across the face. Mined coal is then hauled by a chain conveyor along the length of the face. The roof is supported by special hydraulic supports called chocks and shields that are advanced as the mining progresses.
Coal Mine floor
70
Waynesburg
G R E E N E Shoemaker Blacksville #1 Blacksville #2 Cumberland Emerald 79
Dilworth Masontown
Warwick Humphrey #7
Groun d level
Enlarged area
Steel shields to protect the miners from the loose rocks above and behind.
Machine operator
Source: Consol
Min e
floo r
Steve Thomas/Post-Gazette
Return air
Intake air