A simulation study of underground coal mining logistics and roadway development performance

Abstract

The rate of underground coalmine roadway development is normally affected by multiple factors including the support cycle and operational delays. A simulation study of underground coal development rates together with associated roof support operations showed potential for a 30% performance increase utilising current support technology and faster coal transportation by the shuttle car to the boot end. In the case of the material supply requirements at the development face, the simulation results showed that the delivery rate of the material supply system has only a minor effect on the roadway development rate, regardless of either the duration or frequency of the supply operation.