Longwall automation: trends, challenges and opportunities

This paper explores the ongoing development and implementation of longwall automation technology to achieve greater levels of underground coal mining performance. The primary driver behind the research and development effort is to increase the safety, productivity and efficiency of longwall mining o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of mining science and technology 2017-09, Vol.27 (5), p.733-739
Main Authors: Ralston, Jonathon C., Hargrave, Chad O., Dunn, Mark T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
automation
Longwall
Environment
Longwall mining
Mining automation
mining
Remote
mining
Sensing
Productivity
Remote mining
Safety
Safety
Productivity
Environment
Mining
Sensing
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Summary:This paper explores the ongoing development and implementation of longwall automation technology to achieve greater levels of underground coal mining performance. The primary driver behind the research and development effort is to increase the safety, productivity and efficiency of longwall mining operations to enhance the underlying mining business. A brief review of major longwall automation challenges is given followed by a review of the insights and benefits associated with the LASC longwall shearer automation solution. Areas of technical challenge in sensing, decision support, autonomy and human interaction are then highlighted, with specific attention given to remote operating centres, proximity detection and systems-level architectures in order to motivate further automation system development. The vision for a fully integrated coal mining ecosystem is discussed with the goal of delivering a highperformance, zero-exposure and environmentally coherent mining operations.
ISSN:2095-2686
DOI:10.1016/j.ijmst.2017.07.027