Longwall Mining

Longwall mining is a highly efficient underground coal mining method that involves extracting coal from a long, horizontal panel. Huge, specialized machines, called longwall miners, cut into the coal seam and advance down the panel, while hydraulic supports temporarily hold up the roof to ensure safety. As the miners progress, the support is gradually retracted, allowing the roof to collapse behind them. This method maximizes coal recovery and minimizes environmental disruption compared to traditional mining techniques, making it a crucial approach for large-scale coal extraction. Longwall mining is commonly utilized in major coal-producing regions worldwide.