ABSTRACT
Abstract: In surface mining, the selection of appropriate excavation method becomes an important issue for most surface coal mines since it directly affects the productivity of the selected equipment. The basic definitions related to the excavatability are given. The mechanics of rock cutting and excavation are briefly introduced. Rock properties and equipment properties affecting the excavatability are presented. The main types of excavatability
assessment methods such as single parameter, graphical, and grading methods are mentioned.
