METHOD OF MINING FLAT AND INCLINED COAL SEAMS Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: mining; applicable in mining gassy coal seams, mainly, in large depths. SUBSTANCE: coal seam is mined by long pillar method. Coal seams are prepared for mining by driving belt and air headings. Between working of mined pillar and working of pillar subject to mining, pillar is left in which ventilation connections are driven. Belt heading is driven to ensure that its span width is not smaller than its height. Belt and air headings of each pillar are supported by staggered bolting of roof and side of each heading on side of pillar. Simultaneously with coal extraction, guard support is installed in pillar breakage face, in belt heading on section adjacent to pillar worked out space. Guard support resistance to rock pressure is taken less than resistance of supported workings preserved for repeated use in pillarless extraction of coal seams. As coal extraction proceeds, belt heading preserved to required dimensions provides for formation of ventilation channel. Said channel is formed due to regulated working roof caving onto floor on side of worked-out space. EFFECT: prevented accumulation of methane in workings, higher mining efficiency and safety of stopping operations. 5 dwg