Advances in Productive, Safe, and Responsible Coal Mining

Advances in Productive, Safe, and Responsible Coal Mining covers the latest advancements in coal mining technology and practices. It gives a comprehensive introduction to the latest research and technology developments, addressing problems and issues currently being faced, and is a valuable resource of complied technical information on the latest coal mining safety and health research. As coal's staying power has been at the forefront of the world’s energy mix for more than a century, this book explores critical issues affecting coal mining, including how to maintain low-cost productivity, address health and safety hazards, and how to be responsible environmental stewards.

This book takes a holistic approach in addressing each issue from the perspective of its impact on the coal mining operation and industry as a whole.

• Explains how to effectively produce coal within existing environmental constraints
• Encapsulates the latest health and safety research and technological advances in the coal mining industry
• Written by authors who have developed the latest technology for coal mines

Process improvement teams; mine engineers; company executives; undergraduate and graduate-level mining engineering students; current or potential mining executives

INTRODUCTION – FUNDAMENTAL FACTORS FOR A SUCCESSFUL COAL MINE
1. Profitable Coal Mining Means Being Productive, Safe, and Environmentally Responsible
2. Productivity, Safety, and Regulation in Coal Mining: Evidence from Disasters and Fatalities

SECTION 1 – ADVANCES THAT IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND SAFETY
3. Safety and Productivity in Coal Mining – How to Make Both the Top Priority
4. Risk Reduction and Mine Profitability through Application of CORESafety Principles
5. Automation and Remote Monitoring Leads to Optimized Safety and Productivity
6. Simulator Training with Proximity Detection to Increase Safety while Enhancing Productivity
7. Optimizing Coal Mining Systems to Maximize Productivity and Minimize Dust Exposure
8. Mine Ventilation Networks Optimized for Safety and Productivity
9. Utilizing Miner Tracking Systems to Enhance Both Safety and Productivity

SECTION 2 – ADVANCES THAT IMPROVE SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
10. Zero Harm Coal Mining
11. Coal Pillar Design for Safety and Stability
12. Monitoring of Rock Mass Behavior Improves Safety and Minimizes Land Disturbance
13. Monitoring and Control of Diesel Particulate Matter in Coal Mines Improves Safety and Air Quality
14. Coal Mine Methane – Control, Utilization, and Abatement
15. Controlling Noise and Capturing Energy from Mine Ventilation Fans

SECTION 3 – ADVANCES IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY
16. Costs and Environmental Impacts of Out-of-Seam Dilution
17. Controlling Out-of-Seam Dilution with Horizon Control Technology on Extractive Equipment
18. Optimization of Mining Sequences for Maximum Resource Recovery
19. Use of Backfill in Underground Coal Mines for Maximum Extraction with Minimum Subsidence
20. Sustainable Coal Waste Disposal Practices
21. Conserving Water Use and Controlling Discharges from Underground Coal Min