What does Longwall Mining refer to?

Longwall mining is a specific underground mining technique primarily used for extracting coal. This method involves a continuous mining system that operates on a long face, which can typically extend up to 1,000 feet or more. The process involves using a longwall face, supported by hydraulic supports, which allow for the safe extraction of large panels of coal while simultaneously managing the effects of subsidence.

This method is particularly efficient for mining thick coal seams as it maximizes recovery while minimizing the environmental impact compared to other mining methods. In longwall mining, after the coal is extracted, the roof is allowed to collapse in a controlled manner, reducing the risks associated with roof falls.

Understanding the specific characteristics of longwall mining helps distinguish it from other mining techniques, such as surface mining or other underground methods that do not involve the continuous extraction from a long face. Therefore, it is the extraction of coal from a continuous face, emphasizing the scale and operational method used in longwall mining.