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How do underground coal mines move coal from the mining face to the surface?
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coal mining
Schematic diagram of an underground coal mine, showing surface facilities, access shafts, and room-and-pillar and longwall mining methods.
Underground coal mines transport coal from the working face to the surface through a three-stage haulage process designed to manage production flow and efficiency.1
The Three Stages of Haulage
- Face Haulage: This stage transfers coal directly from the active working face. In room-and-pillar mining, electric shuttle cars are typically used. In modern mechanized longwall systems, an armoured face conveyor (AFC) is the primary equipment, which also serves as a guide for the longwall shearer.1
- Intermediate Haulage: This stage moves coal from the face to the main haulage system, often using panel belts or mine cars pulled by locomotives.1
- Main Haulage: This final stage removes coal from the mine to the surface. It utilizes high-capacity, permanent installations of wide, fast-moving conveyor belts or heavy-duty railcars.1
Surface Access
The method used to bring coal to the surface depends on the mine's portal type:
* Drift: Horizontal entries driven into a coal seam that outcrops at the surface.2
* Slope: Sloping tunnels used when the seam is not far below the surface; these are often equipped with belt conveyors.2
* Shaft: Vertical openings used for deeper seams, which utilize hoisting systems to move coal to the surface.2