ABSTRACT
This chapter details some of problems, and explains the solutions which were developed to cope with them. The need for selective mining in Polish lignite mines is evident, when one considers: the existence of many partings; variability of lignite quality; and that some of the waste materials have commercial value, such as: peat, refractory clays and kaolin, and gravels. Extensive research work has been undertaken on methods, which would permit improvement of current mining equipment performance while selective mining. The most important decision facing continuous surface mining is selection of the bucket wheel excavator, that best suits the site specific conditions. The economics of lignite mining continues to worsen as the stripping ratio increases. Currently there is a search for methods which would check this trend, in particular, ways of shortening the material transportation distances are being investigated. The related research and development work concentrates on continuous surface mining, as this type of mining is judged to be more efficient.
