01 / 05
Plan the mining units first
The working face is divided into mining units. Drilling, transport, backfilling and methane drainage are planned around the conditions at the face.
CORE TECHNOLOGY
From the coal face to the control room
Designed for steeply inclined coal seams, the method divides the working face into units and uses rotating high-pressure waterjets to break up the coal under remote surface control.
02 / 05
Break up the coal with high-pressure waterjets
Surface pumps supply high-pressure water underground. A rotary jet tool breaks up the coal as it withdraws through the borehole. Operators control the coal face from the surface.
03 / 05
Move the coal and separate the water
Coal moves along the inclined seam floor into the lower roadway. Scraper conveyors, mesh belts and dewatering screens separate the coal from the water.
04 / 05
Backfill in stages
A surface station sends backfill material through underground pipes. Each stage cures to its specified strength before the next pour. Methane drainage continues throughout.
05 / 05
Return treated water to the cutting system
After coal separation, the water settles and is clarified before returning to the reservoir. High-pressure pumps then feed it back into the cutting system.
Suitability and operating parameters depend on the conditions at each mine.
Technical demonstrationSteeply inclined seams
The main area of research for rotary cutting and remotely operated coal faces.
Gently inclined and near-horizontal seams
R&D includes unmanned coal handling and side-cutting technology for thin seams.
Mine hazard prevention
Research covers face spalling, roof falls, floor heave, coal pillar stability and fractured fault zones.