ABSTRACT
Several geological and geotechnical properties of the coal seam and of the coal measure rocks are observed when coal mining methods are selected. Seam undulations and seam thickness determine the longwall system. Reserves limit the cost of the mining system and the coal quality determines the price of the product. Roof and floor stability are important for gate development and longwall operations, particularly track and belt operations. Structural characteristics (dip and strike of the seam and faults) determine the blocks of reserve. During exploration focus is placed on estimating fault displacement – if exceeding seam thickness longwall mining may be excluded. In-seam seismic techniques and extensive drilling may allow accounting for the presence of faults.However, as mining operations go deeper, along with an increase of on-situ stresses, faults may be reactivated and seismic events may be induced.
