1. New Technology and Challenges for Underground Coal Mining
सी एम पी डी आई
एक मिनि रत्न कंपनी
Cmpdi (A Miniratna company)
New Technology and Challenges for Underground Coal Mining
B.N. Basu
Director (CRD)
CMPDI

2. Coal Production from underground Coal Mines
Coal mining is carried out by
Surface or ‘opencast’ mining
Underground or ‘deep’ mining
Around 60% world coal production comes from underground mining
India emerged as the largest coal producer in the world after China and USA, producing about 9% of the total global production
From U/G China USA and India produce about 95%, 33% & 10% respectively

3. Trend Coal Production from CIL mines (1974-75 to 2011-12)

4. Different Mining Methods used in CIL UG mines
Conventional Bord & Pillar (B&P) system with manual loading of coal onto tubs.
Semi-mechanised B&P system with loading by Side Discharge Loaders (SDLs) or Load Haul Dumpers (LHDs) or mechanised drilling by Universal Drilling Machines (UDMs).
Mechanised Bord & Pillar/ Room & Pillar system with Continuous Miners (CMs).
Mechanised Powered Support Longwall (PSLW) mining system.
Methods with hydraulic stowing technology in conjunction with sand or alternative filling.
Special methods (i.e. site specific methods), like Blasting Gallery (BG) method, Cable bolting method, wide-stall method, steep mining methods, etc.

5. Technology-wise Underground Coal Production in CIL (2011-12)
32.31, 85%
3.54, 9%
1.79, 5%
0.32, 1%
0.18, 0%
0.1, 0%
0.15, 0%
B&P Intermediate technology
Roadheader (LW Dev.)
PSLW
Shortwall (in B&P)
Highwall Mining
Continuous Miner
Conventional B&P (& Others)

6. Application of Mass production Technologies
Continuous Miner Technology (Bord/Room & Pillar)
Powered Support Longwall Technology

7. Continuous Miner technology presently in operation in CIL mines
Jhanjra, ECL – Joy Continuous Miner
Sarpi, SECL – Joy Continuous Miner
Tandsi, WCL - Joy Continuous Miner
Kumberkhani, WCL- Sandvik LCCM
NCPH, Chirimiri, SECL- Joy Continuous Miner
Sheetaldhara-Kurja, SECL- Bucyrus Continuous Miner
Pinoura, SECL- Bucyrus Continuous Miner
Rani Atari- Sandvik LCCM

8. Continuous Miner technology proposed in CIL mines
Jhanjhra, ECL- MOU has been signed
Tilaboni, ECL - Under tendering
Kottadih, ECL- Under tendering
Block-II, BCCL- LOA has been issued
Lohapatti, BCCL- Bids under scrutiny
Saoner-I,WCL- Under re-tendering
Churcha, SECL- LOA has been issued for two sets

9. Continuous Miner

10. Shuttle Car & Quad Bolter

11. Proposed Power Support Longwall Technology (PSLW) in CIL mines
Jhanjhra, ECL- Agreement has been signed
Moonidih seam XVI, BCCL- Bids under scrutiny
Moonidih seam XV, BCCL- LOA has been issued
Muraidih, BCCL- Agreement has been signed with L1
Kapuria, BCCL- LOA has been issued

12. Shearer working at Longwall face

13. Shearer Drum

14. Powered Roof Supports (Two Legged)

15. Challenges of Underground Mining in CIL mines
UG operations at shallow depth has given way to quarry or surface mining
Closure of number of underground mines due to exhaustion of coal reserve or losses
Reduction or stagnation in production due to attrition of workforce or natural retirement
Reduced production and productivity due to old, long & arduous mines
Low technological, R&D or skill-development input in underground mines
A number of underground mining operations or processes involve human effort or drudgery
Low productivity of manpower
Geological disposition and exploration of coal seams has also affected indirectly

16. Other Constrains and challenges in U/G Mines
Size of the Mine / block
Geological Complexities and Exploration
Mine Approach & Development : high gestation period
Technological Development & Implementation
Absorption of Technology – Skill development
Strata Management & Control
Mechanization – Productivity Enhancement Needs
Equipment Supply & Maintenance – Vendor Development
Long & Arduous Travel / tramming routes – Man-riding / Material Supply
Mining hazards
Technological Gap – Focus on Specific R&D

17. Renewed Focus on Underground Mining
Aiming from 10% to 30% coal production by 2030
Introduction of Mass-production Technology in large scale
Sharing of specific technology with other countries
Focusing on Specific R&D projects

18. Alternative Underground Coal Mining Technologies
Underground Coal Gasification
Coal bed Methane

19. THANK YOU