Longwall mining

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Longwall mining is a specialized and efficient form of underground coal mining where a long wall of coal is extracted in a single, continuous operation. Imagine slicing a large, rectangular piece of cake from a long row—this is somewhat similar to how longwall mining works. The coal seam, or the section of rock being mined, is referred to as the longwall panel. These panels can be impressively large, typically ranging from 0.6 to 6 meters (about 2 to 20 feet) thick.

To put it in perspective, the longwall panel's length is usually between 3 to 4 kilometers (approximately 1.9 to 2.5 miles), which is quite a distance! In some cases, these panels can extend even further, up to 7.5 kilometers (around 4.7 miles). The width of these panels is also substantial, generally between 250 to 400 meters (roughly 820 to 1,310 feet).

This mining method is highly productive and is widely used because it allows for the extraction of large volumes of coal in a relatively short amount of time. The machinery used in longwall mining is advanced and automated, which enhances efficiency and safety for the miners working underground. By continuously moving forward and slicing through the coal seam, longwall mining maximizes coal recovery while minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment.