Ways to improve thin seam mining technology at Vorkutaugol mines

Abstract

The analysis of the current state of thin seam mining technology in the mines of OAO Vorkutaugol has been performed. On the example of the Pyaty layer of the Vorkuta field, the main factors restraining the development of mining operations in thin seams have been identified, and proposals for improving the technology have been developed. The experience of applying the combine and plow technologies in the direction of the face moving both on the dip and on the strike is described. On the basis of the experience of mining the Pyaty layer it is shown that mining thin seams by long poles along the strike has a number of advantages compared to the mining along the dip. These advantages are connected with better loading of the waste coal on the conveyor, as well as more favorable mode of the longwall conveyor. It is also shown, that the preparation workings should be carried out with undermining of the seam ground to prevent excessive bending of the face conveyor transition section at the junction. It is concluded that the correct engineering analysis of the decisions on the choice of all technology elements can ensure a stable daily load on the thin seam face at the level of 1200 tons.