Caterpillar Performance Handbook, January 2017, SEBD0351-47

Highwall Mining Method Highwall Miner Applications

Highwall Mining System

HIGHWALL MINING METHOD Feasibility Determination

The self-contained and self propelled Cat highwall mining system offers an innovative method for extracting coal from exposed seams in a multitude of applications. Whether you’re operating a trench, open cast or con- tour mine, the Cat highwall mining system can extract coal affordably and safely: ● Open Cast —Highwall mining is used tomine coal from underneath the final highwall, when the strip limit is reached due to economic reasons or surface conditions. ● Trench Mining —The unit mines coal from both sides of a purpose-prepared trench; this mining method is used when an open pit is not an option. ● Contour Mining — In a mountainous area, the Cat highwall mining system can follow a coal seam along the side of the hill.

Highwall mining can produce exceptionally low cost coal if conditions are right. Having the right geology and environmental conditions is the key to success. Caterpillar and its dealers can assist you with an in depth evaluation of the site. For a very high-level evaluation, you can start by going to the Highwall Miner page on www.cat.com and use the on-line site evaluation tool. Extracting Coal Affordably and Safely Highwall mining is a proven and versatile primary method for mining coal from exposed seams. The Cat HW300 highwall miner stands on the pit floor or on a bench, directly in front of the exposed seam and makes long parallel rectangular drives into the coal seam. Pillars of material are left in place between the entries to support the over burden. A remote-operated cutter module is pushed up to 300 m (1000 ft) into the seam by a string of push beams (unmanned coal-conveying elements) that transport the mined coal back to the entry of the drive onto a stock- pile. The whole mining cyle is completed by a three- or four-man crew, with no personnel going underground at any time.

3

3

3

2

1

HIGHWALL MINER APPLICATIONS

1 Open Cast Pit Mining

2 Trench Mining (mining seams on both sides)

3 Contour Mining

6-2 Edition 47