ABSTRACT
The extension of the application of longwall mining to pitching and steep pitching coal seams with moderate thicknesses opens up a new era of mining. This chapter discusses the stability of panel stope structure with a summarizing concept of longwall support load, types of powered face support and an approximation of hydraulic support as a rheological system. Strata mechanics in relation to stress redistribution in longwall mining and the resulting stress patterns in the abutments, face-ends and gobs. The effect of stowing on stress redistributions and the interaction of stresses between longwall faces. Longwall mining has a long history of successful applications, even in thin and pitching coal seams. Longwall mining has been the preferred coal mining method in many countries, especially in Europe. Longwall mining is favoured for such adverse mining conditions as occur in deep seams or where roof and floor conditions are poor.
