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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 66 (1982)

Issue: 8. (August)

First Page: 1165

Last Page: 1166

Title: Preliminary Investigations for Underground Coal Mines: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Yoginder P. Chugh, M. Silverman

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Coal exploration and development drilling techniques for underground

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coal mines have significantly advanced during the past two decades. This has been the result of mining under more difficult conditions such as depth, geologic disturbances, vicinity of mined-out areas or gas and oil wells, methane emission, and higher ground pressures. Furthermore, capital requirements and operating costs for mining projects have been increasing. The mine operators find it advantageous to know more about the geological environment of the reserves to minimize the risks of development. Pre-mining investigations can provide useful information for mine planning and design (equipment selection, layout of mine workings, estimation of mine productivity, and analysis of ground control problems).

Some data obtained can be utilized to improve feasibility studies and financial analysis. The writers have been actively engaged in pre-mining investigations for coal reserves in the Illinois basin for about seven years. This paper describes geological, geotechnical, and hydrological investigations which can be conducted during the exploration drilling phase to obtain meaningful data for mine planning and design. The emphasis of the paper is on room-and-pillar coal mining.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists