Title: Optimum size of a shallow underground coal mine
Abstract: For underground coal mines, the limitations of working affect the production, productivity, and profitability of the mine. A shallow small-sized underground coal mine will be more economical than a shallow large-sized mine provided a life of about seven years and more (depending on initial working depth and capital) of desired production is ensured (this excludes construction and production build-up period initially and tapering production period towards the end of mine life). Currently, the tendency is to plan and use mine openings for a longer period even for shallow coal deposits making the mine expensive. The paper suggests that industry should not be shy of planning and undertaking development work. The cost of labour has become so high that unproductive time needs to be reduced, even if it means frequent construction work and capital investment in the form of new mine openings. The paper proposes to test these conclusions for medium-deep and deep mines. 2 tabs.
Publication Year: 1999
Publication Date: 1999-07-01
Language: en
Type: article
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