Dahuyla, Jef Michael L.

Coal Mining
BSEM – 3 Engr. Nathaniel Tiu
ACTIVITY 6
PART A
1. Define and discuss the “Four Geographic Features” and why do you think that these
features affect the pit planning and design in a Coal Mining and does these features also
affect the development operation in a Coal Mine?
a) Rainfall – Wet overburden soils can impede stacking and transporting items, therefore this
should be taken into account throughout the planning and construction stages of a pit.
Heavy precipitation might also force the mines and stop all production. Drought and low
rainfall can also have an impact on a mine because they both enhance dust output.
Exhausted water supplies that aren't replenished by rain could have an impact on
production.

b) Temperature – Pit formation and growth temperatures could be affected by the local
topography. Machinery and equipment may become less effective in extremely cold
conditions, which can affect mining operations and production. On slick surfaces, wheel
excavators are useless. An explosion or fire could occur if a pit plan and design are not
meticulously developed under high temperatures, which is especially true when working
with coal seams.

c) Weather – When planning and building a pit, the prevailing weather conditions must to be
taken into consideration. Extreme weather can cause a variety of problems, including
disruptions to activities and damage to property. It is essential to give careful consideration
to the construction of a mining pit in order to protect against the anticipated weather
conditions and prevent any financial losses.

d) Altitude – By working at high elevations, a significant number of miners are at risk for
developing altitude sickness. In order to safeguard the safety of those working in the mines,
it is important to take into account the fact that the available oxygen decreases with
increasing altitude. To ensure that the pit can supply enough oxygen and clean air to the
surrounding area of the construction site, it is necessary to carefully plan and develop it.
Particular attention should be paid to the pit's ventilation system. Because of the shifts in
air pressure that occur when one travels to higher altitudes, it is essential that the pit be
meticulously thought out and created.
2. Enumerate the “Basic Information Required Before Designing Detailed Mining Plan” and
Discuss each of these information and why is it important to consider prior to an actual mine
plan.
I. Annual tonnage of coal to be shipped – If a feasibility study or thorough mining
plan is required to assess whether or not a project is financially viable, then the
document should include an estimate of the annual tonnage of coal that will be
exported. Mining, which is typically a firm, is the entity that decides the rate of
return on investment for such a project. It serves as the foundation for creating a
balance between the costs of capital and the costs of operations in order to forestall
financial losses and plan for an increase in earnings. A proposed mining project
may be abandoned if, for this particular reason, it cannot be carried out in an
economically viable manner.
II. Percentage of recovery of coal in the pit – The mining company's income is also
calculated in direct proportion to its costs. Coal mining technologies that maximize
coal recovery at a reasonable cost will provide a better return on investment. The
mine may not be able to turn a profit using these techniques if it is unable to extract
a significant volume of coal.
III. Preparation of plant yield if the coal is to be washed – While developing a
comprehensive mining strategy, it is important to take the preparation process into
consideration as well. This will help preserve the quality of the coal and prevent its
worth from deteriorating. While applying effective strategies, the mark ought to be
maintained at the same level as before.
3. Which type of Strip-mining method do you thing is more economical and has a high
recovery? And explain that method of choice by differentiating it to the other strip-mining
method.
- Area stripping, as opposed to contour strip mining, is a form of strip mining that results
in a higher rate of recovery and is more cost-effective. (actually, it still relies on the
topography or \sthe placement of the coal or ore). When the ground is flat and the coal is
close to the surface, a method known as area stripping is utilized. There are only a few
shovels and a few additional devices that are required to separate the coal seams from the
deposit. Because it is so readily available, coal is not only relatively affordable, but it also
has a high rate of recovery. On the other hand, contour mining follows the natural contours
of the landscape and can be fairly expensive because it relies on auger drilling to achieve
high recovery while also having some trouble extracting the coal because it needs to make
terraces. This method of mining also presents its own unique challenges.
4. Among the surface mining methods mentioned in the topic, which do you think is the most
dangerous and the most environmentally destructive surface coal mining method?
The process of mining in any form has a negative influence on the surrounding ecosystem;
however, the sheer amount of material removed in strip mining makes that impact even
more noticeable. Strip mining, usually known as "strip mining," can cause severe soil
erosion or a reduction in the soil's fertility; pollute rivers or drain subterranean water
reserves; scar or alter the landscape; cause damage to roads, homes, and other structures;
and eradicate species. A substantial contributor to air pollution is the dust and particles
produced by mining roads, stockpiles, and land that has been disturbed by mining
operations. In order to be an effective participant in the control of the abuses of strip
mining, it is vital to have a basic understanding of the techniques involved in surface
mining and the different types of environmental damage that can come from these
techniques.

As stated by the UN Experts, an open pit mine will generate large amounts of dust
containing heavy metals, and the deposit of toxic waste in tailing ponds will impact the
environment and water sources, they said. Intense daily transport of iron concentrate by
rail and road will directly affect the Sámi and their livelihood and culture as the traditional
migration routes of reindeer will be cut off. Impact on the reindeer herding practice would
jeopardise the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing of the nearby Laponia area.

OHCHR. (n.d.). Sweden: Open pit mine will endanger indigenous lands and the
environment – UN experts. https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/02/sweden-
open-pit-mine-will-endanger-indigenous-lands-and-environment-un

Furthermore, Open pit mining has far larger impacts on the environment than underground
mining. Open pits are giant holes in the ground, while underground mines mostly impact
what’s underground. For an open pit, vast amounts of rock with no value is removed,
usually it’s about 3 to 10 times the amount of the ore that is processed. In underground
mines you generally remove as little rock to surface as you can avoid. Often the non-
economic rock is dumped into underground stopes, as it makes more sense than bringing
it to surface. Both types of mining are necessary for your modern society to exist the way
it does. Most copper produced in the world comes from open pit mines. Without abundant
copper, everything electric or electronic in our lives would be gone.
5. Discuss the “Four Major Drilling Methods” by differentiating the methods from one
another and show actual images of the drilling methods.
I. Rotary Drilling Methods
In order for rotary drilling to be
effective, the rig needs to have a
sufficient amount of shaft pressure and
rotating torque. It is subjected to both
static and dynamic impact strain as a
result of the fact that the bit is drilling
and spinning at the same time on the
rock.
The fragments that are located at the
bottom of the hole are ground and
rotated in such a way that they
eventually break the rock.

II. Down-The-Hole (DTH)

Pressurized air is used to strike a
hammer into a drill pipe behind the drill
bit during down-the-hole drilling. The
drill bit is driven in a straight and steady
path by the outside cylinder of the
hammer.
Because of this, percussive drilling can
go to greater depths without wasting
energy at the joints. Drilling with a
DTH is more accurate than drilling with
a top hammer. Drilling to depth (DTH)
rigs produce holes that are more
uniformly straight, leading to more
accurate blasting and fragmentation.
Drilling through the ground tools
(DTH) have been tested to over 20
meters. It's quieter than even the best
hammer drills.
III. Top hammer (TH)

The top hammer drilling percussive

power is generated by the piston of the
hydraulic pump that is attached to the
drilling rig, and it is then transferred to
the drill bit via the drill pipe and a shank
adapter. When compared to DTH, it is
capable of producing faster penetration
rates and is suited for usage at greater
depths because it consumes less fuel
and is more versatile.

IV. A combination of DTH and TH

Drilling with a combination of DTH and

TH combines the rapidity of TH with the
precision of DTH. The hammer is
attached to a rig that is powered from on
high. Instead of transmitting rotation, drill
pipes are utilized to communicate impact
energy and feed force via impact rods put
into the drill pipe. This gear allows its
users to drill holes with the same
efficiency and precision as a DTH drill,
but with much less fuel consumption and
a far deeper penetration rate.

6. Enumerate and discuss the different parameters in the process of selecting shovels in
surface mining operations.
a. Maintenance – To get your money's worth from shovels, you need think about things like
component replacement, fuel efficiency, and ease of maintenance. Less money will be
spent on gas and upkeep if the machinery can be relied upon.

b. Productivity – In order to be efficient and prevent lost hours in the work flow, it is essential
to take into account characteristics such as accessibility, reliability, and shovel capacity.
c. Technical Considerations - In order to get the most out of a shovel in terms of its utility
and productivity, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration,
including digging forces, assembly time, weight, mobility, and power.

d. Shovel Operation – The location of the cab, its ergonomics, and its visibility must all be
considered in order to consistently use the shovel, avoid accidents, and sustain workflow.

e. Geology and deposit characterization – Bench height, selective mining, drilling, and
blasting requirements will determine the type of shovel that will be used at the mine. This
is because operations will go more easily if the shovel that is used is appropriate for the
geology of the mine site.

f. Digging and loading – including things like cycle time, reach, and working area, in
addition to loading truck. In order to make the most efficient use of time, the shovels ought
to have very high rates of production and very quick cycle times.

g. Environmental Impact – When making a decision, one ought to take into account, among
other things, the state of cleanliness of the equipment, the emissions of greenhouse gases,
and the disposal of fluids. It should not be a problem for a mining company to pay hefty
fines or be forced to shut down because of having a negative influence on the environment.
This should not be a problem because a mining company that has less of an impact on the
environment may help it remain in compliance with the laws, rules, and regulations.

h. Commercial considerations - If you want your shovels to be dependable and effective,

you need to think about things like the initial investment, ongoing maintenance, machine
life, manufacturer, project life, resale value, and support infrastructure.
PART B
1. What is the stripping ratio of western coal deposit which lies 100 ft below the surface, the coal
seam is 30 ft thick, and the density of coal is 76 lb/ft3.
Conversion:
Coal seam thickness: 30 ft. = 360 inches
Solution:

SR =

SR =

SR = 3.02 ( )
SR = 3.24

2. A small coal mining company has decided to recover some of its strippable reserves.
Instead of large amount of capital into the venture, the decision was made to purchase used
equipment. The company located a secondhand stripping shovel with a 25 cu-yd bucket.
With this shovel, the company intends to strip the overburden from a 4-ft coal seam that
outcrops with a 2- ft cover and then extends under a gentle hillside. The shovel will be
scheduled 336 hour per month. Given the following information, calculate the number of
strips pits the company can develop and the strip ratio and monthly production of coal in
the last pit:

Solution:
Bank cubic yard per shovel
= volume of bucket x bucket fill factor
= 25 x 0.85
= 21.25

Passes per hour

=

Bank cubic yard per hour

= bank cubic yard per shovel x passes per hour
= 21.25 x 72
= 1530

Bank cubic yard per month (assuming there is 336 operational hours in a month)
= no. of operating hours in a month x bank cubic yard per hour
= 336 x 1530
= 514080

Monthly Operating factor

= bank cubic yards per month x monthly operating factor
= 514080 x 0.7
= 359856

Max highwall height

Rs = Rsd – (0.5 Fc)
Rs = 100.25 – 0.5 (38.75)
Rs = 81
Finally,

Rs = {[H ( )] + [( ) tan ] – T}

81 = {[H ( )] + [( ) tan ] – 2}
81 = 1.33 (1.3 H) + [12.5 (0.754) – 2]
81 = 1.725 H + 7.42
73.6 = 1.725 H
H = 42.7 ft

3. In level terrain, determine the maximum height of highwall that a dragline can strip
without rehandling, using the following information:

Solution:
Rdd = Rd + 0.75(Et)
154 = Rd + 0.75(36)
Rd = 127 ft

Dragline Equation:

Rd = {[H ( )] + [( ) tan ] – T}

127 = {1.3H +[ ) (0.754)] -4}

127 = {1.3H +[ ) (0.754)] -4}

127 = 0.287H + 1.327(1.3H + 5.42)
127 = 0.287H + 1.7251H + 7.19
119.81 = 2.0121H
H = 59.54 ft
4. If the bench height (BH) is 732 in, subdrilling (SDR) is 152.4 cm, and hole inclination (α)
is 12 degrees, what will be the hole depth (HD) and hole length (HL) in feet?

Conversion:
BH: 732 in = 61 ft
SDR = 152.4 cm = 5 ft

Solution:
Hole Depth:
HD = BH + SDR
HD = 61 + 5
HD = 66 ft

Hole length:

HL =

HL =
HL = 67.47 ft

5. Calculate the total blasting cost per yd3 for the following conditions: burden (B) is 180 in,
spacing (S) is 18 ft, bench height (BH) is 550 cm, number of holes (NH) in one shot is 38, and
the total charge per hole (TCH) is 272 kg of bulk emulsion.
Conversion:
TCH: 272 kg = 599.657 lbs
B: 180 in = 15 ft
BH: 550 cm = 18.0446 ft
Solution:
Total amount of explosives
= NH x TCH
= 38 x 599.657
= 22786.97 lbs

Total cost for explosives

= TAE x UCE

= 22786.97 lbs x ( 35/lb)

Cost of Detonators, CD (assuming one detonator per hole; NDPH = 1)

= NH x NDPH x UCD

= 38 x 1 x

Cost of Boosters, CB (assuming one booster per hole; NBPH = 1)

= NH x NBPH x UCB

= 38 x 1 x

=
Total Blasting cost, TBC (assuming that it needs two hours for a blaster to load 38 holes)

= TCE + CD + CB + W + 2X + Y + Z

= 797543.81 + 19,000 + 5700 + 10000+ 14000 + 20000

Volume of blasted material per hole, VO

Total Volume of rock to be blasted, VOB

= VO x NH

= 6856.95

Total Blasting cost per

=
 =

6. Determine the peak particle velocity (PPV) for the following conditions: hole diameter (d)
is 0.5 ft., hole length (HL) is 396 in, stemming (ST) is 96 in, density of ANFO explosive (de)
is 0.88 g/cm3, and distance to nearest structure (D) is 650 ft.
Conversions:
d: 0.5ft = 6 in
HL: 396 in = 33 feet
ST: 96 in = 8 ft

Solution:

Hole charge concentration

= 0.34 x d2 x de
= 0.34 x (6)2 x 0.88

= 10.77

Total charge per hole, TCH or maximum height of explosive, NE

TCH = WE
TCH = HCC x HCL
TCH = 10.77 x (HL – ST)
TCH = 10.77 (33 – 8)
TCH = 269.28 lb

Scaled Distance, SD

SD =

SD =
SD = 39.61

Peak Particle Velocity (PPV)

PPV =

PPV =
PPV = 0.44 in/s