ABSTRACT
The protection of main roadways at Ukrainian coal mines in accordance with normative documents is carried out by pillars. It is possible to obtain the maximal plenitude of coal reserves excavation when set-up entry is conducted skin-to-skin to the roadway. The normal functioning of roadway is provided by support reinforcement in the period of longwall face retreat on distance equal to the width of spacing of roof caving or width of abutment pressure for these conditions. The overworking of main mine roadways without pillars is practicable solution. It is necessary to reinforce them with additional support before the initiation of abutment from longwall face. The stop of longwall face is carried out in the distance, greater than widths of abutment pressure, then the additional support is dismounted and the roadway is exploited in the discharged area.
