Longwall Mining Techniques

Longwall mining is an underground method where a large, rectangular wall of coal is mined in a single continuous operation. A mechanical shearer moves back and forth along the coal seam, cutting and collecting the coal while hydraulic supports hold up the roof. As the seam is mined, the supports are moved forward, allowing the roof to gradually collapse behind the operation in a controlled manner. This technique maximizes coal recovery efficiently and minimizes surface disruption, making it a common and effective method for extracting large quantities of coal from deep underground deposits.