This 1995 report describes the longwall mining process and compares it with other underground mining methods, analyzes the most important changes in longwall mining over the past decade, and discusses factors that will shape the future of longwall mining. Using data from the Energy Information Administration and private sector surveys, the report describes major changes in the geologic, technological, and operating characteristics of longwall mining over the past decade. Most important, the report shows how these changes led to dramatic improvements in longwall mining productivity. For readers interested in the history of longwall mining and greater detail on recent developments affecting longwall mining, the report includes a bibliography.
Content:
Front Matter
• List of Tables
• List of Figures
• Executive Summary
• Preface
• Table of Contents
• 1. Introduction
2. A Description and History of Longwall Mining
3. Changes in Geologic, Technological, and Operating Characteristics of Longwall Mining, 1984-1993
4. Changes in Longwall Mining Performance, 1983-1993
5. The Outlook for Longwall Mining
• References for Technology and Historical Development
