sustainability

Article
Innovative Extraction Method for a Coal Seam with a
Thick Rock-Parting for Supporting Coal
Mine Sustainability
Meng Li, Jixiong Zhang *, Kai Quan and Nan Zhou
State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, School of Mines,
China University of Mining & Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; limeng1989@cumt.edu.cn (M.L.);
quankai1206@163.com (K.Q.); zhounanyou@126.com (N.Z.)
* Correspondence: zjxiong@163.com

Received: 30 September 2017; Accepted: 25 October 2017; Published: 30 October 2017

Abstract: As thick rock partings delay the efficient mining of coal seams and constrain the sustainable
development of coal mines, an innovative extraction method for a coal seam with thick rock parting
was proposed. The coal seams were divided into different sub-zones according to the thickness of
rock parting and then the sub-zones were mined by separately using three mining schemes involving
full-seam mining, combined mining using backfill and caving (CMBC), and reducing height mining.
Afterwards, the study introduced the basic mechanism and key devices for the CMBC and analysed
the working state of the backfill support in detail. Moreover, the method for calculating the length
of the backfill zone was proposed to design the length of backfill zone and the influences of four
factors (including bulking coefficient) of rock parting on the length of the backfill zone were also
explored. By taking the No. 22203 panel, Buertai mine, Inner Mongolia, China as an example,
the mined coal resource by using the CMBC extraction method will increase by 1.83 × 106 tons and
the recovery ratio will rise from 56.2% to 92.4% compared with mining of the 2-2 upper coal seam
alone. Moreover, by applying CMBC, a series of environmental and ecological problems caused
by rock parting is reduced, which can improve the environment in mined areas. The research can
provide technological guidance for mining panels of a coal seam with a thick rock parting and the
disposal thereof under similar conditions.

Keywords: thick rock parting; sustainability; backfill and caving mixed mining; high-efficient mining;
environment protection

1. Introduction
Coal seams with thick rock parting indicate that there is a layer of thick rocks between coal seams
in which the rock stratum is called a rock parting [1,2]. The coal seam is divided into upper and lower
coal seams due to the existence of such a rock parting. In China, a large number of coal resources exist
with thick rock parting, which restricts the sustainable development of the coal mine. The mined coal
contains much crushed rock if the coal seam is directly mined. With the rapid development of the
economy, high-quality coal resources are essential for the coal mines. The rock parting will be bound
to reduce the coal price and influence the sale of coal. If the coal and rock parting are mined at the
same time, they will be mixed together. The separation of coal and crushed rock is expensive and also
haulage costs increase thereafter [3]. Additionally, the crushed rocks are piled on the ground to form a
gangue dump, risking landslides and explosions, which not only encroaches on valuable land, but also
heavily pollutes the environment [4–7]. There is a low recovery ratio of coal if only the thick upper or
lower coal seams are mined, resulting in the waste of coal resources and a high cost for mining the
coal. Therefore, the thick rock parting heavily influences coal mining yields and efficiency, and has

Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982; doi:10.3390/su9111982 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 2 of 13

Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 2 of 12

negative effects on the production benefits of coal mines [8]. However, there are few effective methods
efficiency,
to solve theand has negative
problems causedeffects on seam
by a coal the production
with thickbenefits of coal mines [8]. However, there are
rock parting.
few effective methods to solve the problems caused by a coal seam with thick
At present, scholars concentrate on separation of coal from rock partings rockwhen
[9–11] parting.
investigating
At present,
the mining of such scholars
coal seams.concentrate on separation
They illustrate of coal from
that coal is isolated fromrock
rock partings
partings [9–11]
by using when
multiple
investigating the mining of such coal seams. They illustrate that coal is isolated from rock
methods, such as increasing the number of devices used in its transportation, and then the rock parting
partings
by using multiple methods, such as increasing the number of devices used in its transportation, and
is transported to the ground after being stored in a storage bin. By doing so, coal quality can be
then the rock parting is transported to the ground after being stored in a storage bin. By doing so,
improved only to a certain extent, with low mining efficiency and high cost. Meanwhile, in order to
coal quality can be improved only to a certain extent, with low mining efficiency and high cost.
ensure safe mining, Singh et al. [2,12] studied the stability of the parting between coal pillar workings
Meanwhile, in order to ensure safe mining, Singh et al. [2,12] studied the stability of the parting
and obtaining the factors affecting parting stability. These research results contributed to the mining
between coal pillar workings and obtaining the factors affecting parting stability. These research
of coal seams with rock parting. However, it can be seen that the extraction of coal seams with thick
results contributed to the mining of coal seams with rock parting. However, it can be seen that the
rock partings and the disposal of rock partings still remain difficult. Solid backfill mining [13,14]
extraction of coal seams with thick rock partings and the disposal of rock partings still remain
is a green mining method used to solve the problems related to mining under buildings, water bodies,
difficult. Solid backfill mining [13,14] is a green mining method used to solve the problems related to
and railways, as well as coal gangue accumulation on the surface [15–17]. Using solid backfill mining,
mining under buildings, water bodies, and railways, as well as coal gangue accumulation on the
solid wastes, including gangues, coal ash, and slag, can be directly filled into goaf [18,19]. An innovative
surface [15–17]. Using solid backfill mining, solid wastes, including gangues, coal ash, and slag, can
extraction method for coal seams containing thick rock partings was proposed on the basis of solid
be directly filled into goaf [18,19]. An innovative extraction method for coal seams containing thick
backfill mining. By taking the No. 22203 panel in Buertai mine as an example, the coal seams were
rock partings was proposed on the basis of solid backfill mining. By taking the No. 22203 panel in
divided into different sub-zones according to the thickness of the rock partings therein and the
Buertai mine as an example, the coal seams were divided into different sub-zones according to the
sub-zones were mined by separately using three mining schemes involving full-seam mining, combined
thickness of the rock partings therein and the sub-zones were mined by separately using three mining
mining using backfill and caving (CMBC), and reducing height mining. Afterwards, the study
schemes involving full-seam mining, combined mining using backfill and caving (CMBC), and
introduced the basic mechanism, and key devices, of CMBC to further propose a method for designing
reducing height mining. Afterwards, the study introduced the basic mechanism, and key devices, of
the length of the backfill zone. Finally, the benefit of the mining method was analysed to give
CMBC to further propose a method for designing the length of the backfill zone. Finally, the benefit
technological guidance to those seeking to mine panels in coal seams containing thick rock partings
of the mining method was analysed to give technological guidance to those seeking to mine panels
and dispose of rock partings under similar conditions.
in coal seams containing thick rock partings and dispose of rock partings under similar conditions.
2. Geological Conditions and Existing Problems
2. Geological Conditions and Existing Problems
Buertai mine is located in Inner Mongolia, China, in which a 2-2 coal seam was mined in the
Buertai minepanels.
No. 22203–22215 is located in Inner to
According Mongolia, China,
drilling data, inaverage
the which a thicknesses
2-2 coal seam ofwas minedand
2-2 upper in the No.
lower
22203–22215 panels. According to drilling data, the average thicknesses of 2-2
coal seams were 2.2 and 1.2 m, respectively and a thick rock parting with the thickness ranging from upper and lower coal
seams
0.2 were
to 7.2 2.2 and
m was found1.2 between
m, respectively
the coaland a thick
seams. rock parting
Moreover, most with
of thethe thickness
thickness of ranging
the rockfrom
parting0.2
to 7.2within
was m was2 m found
and between
the average the thickness
coal seams. Moreover,
was 1.1 m, as most
shown of in
theFigure
thickness
1. of the rock parting was
within 2 m and the average thickness was 1.1 m, as shown in Figure 1.
Generally, only the 2-2 upper coal seam was mined without mining of the 2-2 lower coal
seam,Generally,
resultingonly in athe 2-2 upper
waste of coalcoal seam wasThe
resources. mined without
thick rock mining
parting of the 2-2 lower
constrained thecoal seam,
recovery
resulting
ratio, andininfluenced
a waste ofthe coalsustainable
resources. development
The thick rockofparting
the mine. constrained
Meanwhile,the recovery ratio, rock
the crushed and
influenced the sustainable development of the mine. Meanwhile,
parting was transported to the surface, then, the rock parting was accumulated to form thethe crushed rock parting was
transported
gangue piles.to Thus,
the surface,
Buertaithen,
minetheis rock
facingparting
economicwas and
accumulated
environmentalto form the gangueTopiles.
challenges. solveThus,
this
Buertai mine is facing economic and environmental challenges. To solve
problem, the No. 22203 panel was investigated by seam sub-division according to the thickness this problem, the No. 22203
panel
of the was
rockinvestigated
parting andbythen seamthe sub-division according
2-2 coal seam to the thickness
was mined by usingofdifferent
the rock mining
parting schemes.
and then
the 2-2 coalthe
Moreover, seam was mined
crushed by using
rock parting wasdifferent mining
filled into schemes.
the goaf to disposeMoreover, the crushed
of the rock rockimprove
parting and parting
was filled into the goaf to dispose of the rock parting and improve the recovery ratio
the recovery ratio of coal resources. The isolines of the thicknesses of the rock parting in the No. 22203 of coal resources.
The isolines
panel of the
are shown inthicknesses
Figure 2. of the rock parting in the No. 22203 panel are shown in Figure 2.

2-2 upper coal seam

Thick rock parting

2-2 lower coal seam

Figure 1. Locus of the coal seams and rock

rock parting.
parting.
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 3 of 12

Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 3 of 13

Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 3 of 12
lia
ongo
r M
e
Inn Beijing

o lia
ong
e rM
Inn Beijing
Buertai coal mine

Buertai coal mine

N 4.5 Fau lt 0.5

Buildings
4.0
3.5
2.5 2 1 .0
.0

2.0 2.5
3 .0
5

1.
1 .

5
Tailgate 5 . 5
1. 2.0 2
0

22203 panel
0.5

1.

3.
Headgate

0
N 4.5 Fau lt 0.5
Buildings
4.0
4.0

222023pan
.5 el
1 .0
3. 5

2.5 2
.0

2.0 2.5
3 .0

1.15

1.
1.0

5
Tailgate
22201-1 pan el 5 .5 .0 2 2201 -2 panel2.0
1. 2.0 2
0

22203 panel
0.5

1.

Headgate 3.
0
1 .5
0.5
4.0

22202 pan el
3. 5

Figure 2. Location of the Buertai mine and isolines of the thicknesses of rock
1
parting.
1 .0 .0
22201-1 pan el 2 2201 -2 panel2.0
1
The advance length and length of the No. 22203 0.5 panel are 4527.5and 240 m, respectively, and the

coal reserve Figure

and the2.total amount
Location of theofBuertai
rock parting
mine and areisolines
5.172 ×of10 theand
6 2.39 × 10of6 tons,
thicknesses respectively. After
rock parting.
Figure 2. Location of the Buertai mine and isolines of
the experiment, the density, tensile strength, and compressive strength of the the thicknesses of rock
rockparting.
parting were 2240
kg/mThe
3, 1.7 MPa, and 24.6 MPa, respectively (Figure 3). The firmness coefficient f of the rock represents
advance length and length of the No. 22203 panel are 4527 and 240 m, respectively, and the
the The advance
coalrelative
reserve value length
and theof total and length
its crushing
amount ofofrock
the parting
strength. No.
The22203 arepanel
rocks show
5.172 are 4527
× the
10 and
largest
6 and 240× m,
106respectively,
strength,
2.39 tons,such thatand
1/10the
respectively. ofcoal
the
After
reserve and the total amount of rock parting are 5.172 × 10 6 and 2.39 × 106 tons, respectively. After
uniaxial compressive strength of rocks is considered as representing the firmness
the experiment, the density, tensile strength, and compressive strength of the rock parting were 2240 coefficient of the
experiment,
rocks,
kg/m3,namely: the density,
1.7 MPa, and 24.6tensile
MPa, strength,
respectivelyand(Figure
compressive3). Thestrength
firmness of coefficient
the rock parting were
f of the rock2240 kg/m3 ,
represents
1.7
the MPa, andvalue
24.6 of
MPa, respectively (Figure 3).rocks
The firmness coefficient f of the rock represents the
relative its crushing strength. The σ cshow the largest strength, such that 1/10 of the
relative of its crushing strength. The f
rocks =
uniaxial compressive strength of rocks is considered as representingstrength,
value show the largest the firmness such coefficient
that 1/10 of the
of(1)
the
uniaxial compressive strength of rocks is considered 10 as representing the firmness coefficient of the
rocks, namely:
rocks, namely:
where σc denotes the uniaxial compressive strength of the rock.
σσc
Equation (1) shows that the rock parting was f f== a soft-semi-hard rock, with a firmness coefficient (1)
(1)
of 2.46. The shearer used in Buertai mine can be applied 10
10
to cut rocks whose firmness coefficients are
where
lower σc denotes the uniaxial compressive
can be cutstrength of theby rock.
wherethan 4, so this
σc denotes therock parting
uniaxial compressive and crushed
strength of the rock.using this shearer.
Equation (1) shows that the rock parting was a soft-semi-hard rock, with a firmness coefficient
of 2.46. The shearer used in Buertai mine can be applied to cut rocks whose firmness coefficients are
lower than 4, so this rock parting can be cut and crushed by using this shearer.

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 3.3. Mechanical property
Mechanical testing
property of rock
testing of parting samples.samples.
rock parting (a) Tensile
(a) strength; and (b)
Tensile strength;
compressive strength.
and (b) compressive strength.
(a) (b)
Figure 3. Mechanical property testing of rock parting samples. (a) Tensile strength; and (b)
compressive strength.
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 4 of 13

Equation (1) shows that the rock parting was a soft-semi-hard rock, with a firmness coefficient
of 2.46. The shearer used in Buertai mine can be applied to cut rocks whose firmness coefficients are
Sustainability
lower than2017,
4, so9,this
1982rock parting can be cut and crushed by using this shearer. 4 of 12

3. Methodology
3. Methodology

3.1. Extraction Method for a Coal Seam with a Thick Rock Parting
To decrease
To decreasethe
therock
rockcontent,
content,reduce
reduce thethe haulage
haulage cost,
cost, andand improve
improve the the
coalcoal recovery
recovery ratio,ratio, the
the coal
coal seams
seams are divided
are divided into sub-zones
into sub-zones accordingaccording to the thickness
to the thickness of rock parting.
of rock parting. Moreover, Moreover, the
the different
different sub-zones
sub-zones were mined were mined
using usingmining
different different miningThe
schemes. schemes. The areas
areas where where the of
the thicknesses thicknesses
rock partingof
rockseparately
are parting are separately
lower than 0.5lower
m, inthan
the 0.5
rangem, in
of the range
0.5 to 2 m,ofand
0.5 greater
to 2 m, than
and greater than
2.0 m are 2.0 m are
denoted by
denoted
A, B, andby A, B, and
C (Figure 4).C (Figure 4).

N Fault
Buildings

264m 1835m 335m 548m 787m 758m

A B C B C B

22202 panel

22201-1 panel 22201-2 panel

Thickness of rock parting <0.5m 0.5m~2.0m >2.0m

Figure 4. Sub-zones based on the thickness of the rock parting.

The total area of the No. 22203 panel is 1.08648 ×106 m2, where the areas of sub-zones A, B, and
The total area of the No. 22203 panel is 1.08648 ×106 m2 , where the areas of sub-zones A, B, and C
C are 6.336 × 104, 7.5384 × 105, and 2.6928 × 105 m2, respectively, which separately account for 5.8%,
are 6.336 × 104 , 7.5384 × 105 , and 2.6928 × 105 m2 , respectively, which separately account for 5.8%,
69.4%, and 24.8% of the total area. The specific conditions are summarised in Table 1.
69.4%, and 24.8% of the total area. The specific conditions are summarised in Table 1.
Table 1. Distribution of rock partings.
Table 1. Distribution of rock partings.
Sub-Zone Thickness of Rock Parting (m) Length (m) Area (m2) Proportion (%)
Sub-Zone
A Thickness of Rock Parting (m)
<0.5 Length Area (m2 )
264 (m) 63,360 Proportion
5.8 (%)
A
B 0.5 to<0.5
2.0 264
3141 63,360
753,840 69.45.8
B
C 0.5 to 2.0
>2.0 3141
1122 753,840
269,280 69.4
24.8
C >2.0 1122 269,280 24.8

In sub-zone A, the thickness of the rock parting is less than 0.5 m. Moreover, the rock parting
In sub-zone
occupies A, the thickness
a lower proportion of the of the area
panel rock than
parting
the is less
coal than
and the0.5 m. Moreover,
haulage cost is low, thesorock
the parting
2-2 coal
occupies a lower proportion of the panel area than the coal and the haulage
seam was directly mined, and then the mined coal transported to the surface to improve the recoverycost is low, so the 2-2 coal
seam wasmining
ratio and directlyefficiency.
mined, and Inthen the mined
sub-zone B, thecoal transported
thickness to theparting
of the rock surfaceranged
to improve
from the
0.5 recovery
to 2.0 m.
ratio and mining efficiency. In sub-zone B, the thickness of the rock
The rock parting occupied a larger proportion than the coal and the haulage cost was high, parting ranged from 0.5 to so
2.0the
m.
The
rockrock parting
parting wasoccupied
directly cut a larger
withproportion
the shearer. than the coal and
Afterwards, thethe
coalhaulage cost was high,
was transported to theso the rock
surface,
parting
while the was directlyrock
crushed cut with
partingtheisshearer. Afterwards,
filled into the goaf the
aftercoal was transported
separation. to theC,surface,
In sub-zone while the
the thickness of
crushed rock parting is filled into the goaf after separation. In sub-zone C,
the rock parting was greater than 2.0 m and occupied the largest proportion compared with coal and the thickness of the rock
parting
the costswas greater than
of separating the2.0 m and occupied
coal rock parting,the largest proportion
and hauling it werecompared
high, so thewith coal2-2
thick and the costs
upper coal
of separating
seam was minedthe coal and rock
without miningparting, andlower
the 2-2 hauling
coalitseam.
were high, so the to
According thick
the2-2 upper
above coal seam
analysis, the was
No.
mined without mining the 2-2 lower coal seam. According
22203 panel is mined by using the following mining schemes (Figure 5): to the above analysis, the No. 22203 panel
is mined
Schemeby using the following
1: When the thickness mining schemes
of the (Figureis5):less than 0.5 m (sub-zone A), the 2-2 coal
rock parting
Scheme 1: When the thickness
seam is mined by using full-seam mining. of the rock parting is less than 0.5 m (sub-zone A), the 2-2 coal
seamScheme
is mined 2:by using
When thefull-seam
thicknessmining.
of the rock parting is between 0.5 and 2.0 m (sub-zone B), the 2-2
coal seam is mined by using CMBC (see Section 3.1).
Scheme 3: When the thickness of the rock parting is greater than 2.0 m (sub-zone C), only the
thick 2-2 upper coal seam is mined and the 2-2 lower coal seam is untouched.
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 5 of 13

Scheme 2: When the thickness of the rock parting is between 0.5 and 2.0 m (sub-zone B), the 2-2 coal
seam is mined by using CMBC (see Section 3.1).
Scheme 3: When the thickness of the rock parting is greater than 2.0 m (sub-zone C), only the thick
2-2
Sustainabilitycoal
upper 2017,seam
9, 1982is mined and the 2-2 lower coal seam is untouched. 5 of 12
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 5 of 12

2-2 lower coal s eam

2-2 lower coal s eam Thick rock parting
Backfill m aterials
Thick rock parting
Backfill m aterials
Sub-zone A Sub-zone B Sub-zone C
Sub-zone A Sub-zone B Sub-zone C
Figure 5.
Figure 5. Schematic diagram of
Schematic diagram of three
three mining
mining schemes.
schemes.
Figure 5. Schematic diagram of three mining schemes.
3.2. CMBC
3.2. CMBC
3.2. CMBC
3.2.1. Basic Mechanism
3.2.1. Basic Mechanism
3.2.1. Basic Mechanism
The CMBC is proposed by combining solid backfill mining and traditional caving mining. The
The
Theand
backfill CMBC
CMBC
cavingisisproposed
proposed
zones areby bycombining
both combining
designedsolidinsolid
the backfill
backfill
same mining
mining
panel andand and
the traditional
traditional
two zonescavingcaving
share mining.
the mining.
same The
set
The
of backfill
backfill
mining and and caving
caving zones
systems; however,zones are
are both both
designed
the roofs designed in
in the same
are supported the same
bypanel panel
and the
separately, and the
two zones
using two zones
share
hydraulic share
the same
supports the
set
with
same
of set
mining of mining
systems; systems;
however, however,
the roofs the roofs
are are
supported supported
by by separately,
separately, using
different structures in the two zones to guarantee that the coal mining and backfilling of the panel using hydraulic
hydraulic supports
supports with
with different
different
are structures
structures
synchronous in6).the
in the
(Figure twotwo zones
zones to guarantee
to guarantee that
that thethe coalmining
coal miningand andbackfilling
backfilling of
of the
the panel
panel
are synchronous
are synchronous (Figure
The roofs in (Figure 6).
backfill 6).and caving zones are supported by separately employing backfill supports
The roofs
and fully-mechanisedin backfill
The roofs in backfill and
and caving
supports. The zones
caving zones
coal are supported
arerock
and partingby
supported by
areseparately
separately
transported employing
employing backfill supports
backfilldevice
to a separation supports
by
and fully-mechanised
and fully-mechanised
belt-conveyor after they supports.
supports. The
are cut The coal
and coal and
and by
crushed rock
rocktheparting
parting
shearer are
are transported
andtransported to a separation
to a separation
then the crushed device
deviceand
rock parting by
by
belt-conveyor
belt-conveyor after
after they
they are
are cut and
cut andcrushed
crushed by the
by shearer
the shearerand then
and the
then crushed
the
coal are separated. After separation, coal is transported to the surface while the crushed rock parting rock
crushed parting
rock and
parting coal
and
are
coal
is separated.
are separated.
further After
crushed separation,
toAfter
suit coalrequirements
separation,
the backfill is transported
coal ofto
is transported thethe surface
topanel.
the surfacewhile
while
Afterwards, thethecrushed
crushedrock parting
rock is
parting
further
is further crushed
transportedcrushed to
to the suit
to suitthe
panel backfill
thepassing requirements
backfillthe
requirements of the panel.
of the panel.
backfill conveyor hangingAfterwards,
Afterwards, the
at the backthe crushed
ofcrushed rock parting
rocksupport.
the backfill parting
is
is transported
transported to
to the
the panel
panel passing
passing the
the backfill
backfill conveyor
conveyor hanging
hanging at
at the
the back
back
There is a discharge hole in the backfill conveyor so that the crushed rock parting can be filled into of
of the
the backfill
backfill support.
support.
There
There
the is
is aa discharge
goaf. discharge hole hole inin the
the backfill
backfill conveyor
conveyor so so that
that the
the crushed
crushed rock
rock parting
parting can
can be
be filled
filled into
into
the goaf.
the goaf.

Buildings C oal Crushe d

Buildings C oal Crushe
rock d
rock

Fully mechanised support

Fully mechanised support
Vertical
Vertical
feeding
Cr ushing
Coal seam with feeding
system
Crdevice
ushing
Coal rock
thick seamparting
with system
device thick rock parting
Separ ation
device
Separ ation Backfill support
device
Backfill support

Coal
Coal Figure 6. Basic mechanism of CMBC.
Figure 6. Basic mechanism of CMBC.
Figure 6. Basic mechanism of CMBC.
3.2.2. Key Devices
3.2.2. Key Devices
The kit includes mining and backfill devices. The mining device includes: a shearer, a scraper
The kit
conveyor, includes mining and
a fully-mechanised backfill
support, and devices. The mining
a coal belt, while thedevice includes:
backfill deviceaincludes:
shearer, a backfill
scraper
conveyor, a fully-mechanised support, and a coal belt, while the backfill device includes:
support, a transfer machine, and a backfill belt. Moreover, the backfill support is mainly composeda backfill
support,
of a frontatop
transfer
beam,machine, andbeam,
a back top a backfill belt. Moreover,
a column, a four-bar the backfill
linkage, supportconveyor,
a backfill is mainlyand
composed
a base.
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 6 of 13

3.2.2. Key Devices

The kit includes mining and backfill devices. The mining device includes: a shearer, a scraper
conveyor, a fully-mechanised support, and a coal belt, while the backfill device includes: a backfill
support, a transfer machine, and a backfill belt. Moreover, the backfill support is mainly composed
of a front top beam, a back top beam, a column, a four-bar linkage, a backfill conveyor, and a base.
The backfill conveyor hangs on the back top beam while there is discharge hole in the lower part of the
backfill conveyor (Figure 7).
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 6 of 12

Transfer m achine
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 6 of 12
Backfill belt
Transfer m achine Back top beam Front top beam
Backfill Backfill conveyor
Backfill belt
Back top beam Front top beam
Backfill zone Backfill conveyor Column
Backfill

l
supportsupport

Four bar linkage

Backfill
Backfill zone
conveyor Column
l Base
Topbar
Four
Shield beam beam
linkage
Shearer Shearer

L1 Backfill conveyor
Fully mechanised

Base
Scraper conveyor Shield beam Top beam
L1 Column
Fully mechanised

Scraper conveyor
Caving zone Base
Column

Caving zone Base

supportsupport

Coal belt

L2 Coal belt

Figure 7. Distribution of devices within the panel.

L2 Distribution of devices within the panel.
Figure 7.
3.3. Working State of Backfill Support
Figure 7. Distribution of devices within the panel.
3.3. Working State of Backfill Support
The 2-2 coal seam is mined by using three schemes based on different thicknesses of rock parting.
3.3. Working State of Backfill Support
The 2-2 coal
For each miningseam is mined
scheme, by using three
it is unnecessary schemes
to adjust based on
the working different
state thicknesses of rock
of the fully-mechanised supportparting.
while it
The is necessary
2-2 coal seam toisconstantly
mined by adjust
using the
three working
schemes state
based ofonthe backfill
different
For each mining scheme, it is unnecessary to adjust the working state of the fully-mechanised support support
thicknesses according
of rock to the
parting.
whilemining
For
it iseach scheme
miningused.
necessary scheme, it is unnecessary
to constantly adjust the to adjust
working the working
state ofstate of the fully-mechanised
the backfill support accordingsupport to the
while When
it is the thickness
necessary to of the rock
constantly parting
adjust is
the less than
working 0.5 m
state (sub-zone
of the A),
backfillthe 2-2
supportcoal seam is
according mined
to the
mining scheme used.
by usingscheme
mining full-seam mining and it is unnecessary to fill the goaf with crushed rock parting. Therefore,
used.
When the thickness of the rock parting is less than 0.5 m (sub-zone A), the 2-2 coal seam is
the back top beam
When the thicknessof the backfill support
of the rock is used
parting is lessasthan
a shield
0.5 mbeam (Figure
(sub-zone A),8).
the 2-2 coal seam is mined
mined by using full-seam mining and it is unnecessary to fill the goaf with crushed rock parting.
by using full-seam mining and it is unnecessary to fill the goaf with crushed rock parting. Therefore,
Therefore, thetop back topofbeam of the support Backfill support
backfillissupport
the back beam the backfill used as is used beam
a shield as a shield
(Figurebeam
8). (Figure 8).

Backfill support
2-2 upper coal seam
Rock parting
<0.5m 2-2lower
2-2 uppercoal
coalseam
seam
Rock parting
<0.5m 2-2 lower coal seam

Figure 8. The corresponding working state of the backfill support in Scheme 1.

When the thickness of the

Figure 8. The rock parting
corresponding ranges
working from
state 0.5backfill
of the to 2.0 m (sub-zone
support B), the
in Scheme 1. 2-2 coal seam
Figure 8. The corresponding working state of the backfill support in Scheme 1.
is mined by employing CMBC and in this context, it is necessary to fill the crushed rock packing into
the goaf andthe
When thethickness
backfill conveyor lifts
of the rock to backfill
parting thefrom
ranges crushed rock
0.5 to 2.0 packing (Figure
m (sub-zone B), 9).
the 2-2 coal seam
is mined by employing CMBC and in this context, it is necessary to fill the crushed rock packing into
the goaf and the backfill conveyor lifts to backfill the crushed rock packing (Figure 9).
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 7 of 13

When the thickness of the rock parting ranges from 0.5 to 2.0 m (sub-zone B), the 2-2 coal seam is
mined by employing CMBC and in this context, it is necessary to fill the crushed rock packing into the
goaf and the backfill conveyor lifts to backfill the crushed rock packing (Figure 9).
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 7 of 12
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 7 of 12
Backfill support
Backfill support

2-2 upper coal seam Discharge hole

2-2 upper coal seam Discharge hole
Crushed rock
2-2 lower coal seam Crushed rock
Rock parting
2-2 lower coal seam
Rock parting
0.5~2.0m Shearer
0.5~2.0m Shearer

Figure
Figure 9.
9. Corresponding
Corresponding working
working state
state of
of the
the backfill
backfill support
support in
in Scheme 2.
Scheme 2.
Figure 9. Corresponding working state of the backfill support in Scheme 2.
When the thickness of the rock parting is greater than 2.0 m (sub-zone C), only the 2-2 upper
When
Whenisthe
the thickness
thickness of the
therock
rockparting is is
greater than 2.02.0
m (sub-zone C), only the 2-2 upper coal
coal seam mined and it of
is necessary parting
to decreasegreater than
the height m (sub-zone
of backfill C),(Figure
support only the
10).2-2 upper
seam is mined and it is necessary to decrease the height of backfill support (Figure 10).
coal seam is mined and it is necessary to decrease the height of backfill support (Figure 10).

Backfill support
Backfill support

Shearer
Shearer

Figure 10. Corresponding working state of backfill support in Scheme 3.

Figure 10.
Figure 10. Corresponding working state
Corresponding working state of
of backfill
backfill support
support in
in Scheme
Scheme 3.
3.
3.4. Design of the Length of the Backfill Zone and Analysis of Influencing Factors
3.4. Design of the Length of the Backfill Zone and Analysis of Influencing Factors
3.4. Design
3.4.1. Design of of
thethe
Length of the
Length of Backfill Zone Zone
the Backfill and Analysis of Influencing Factors
3.4.1. Design of the Length of the Backfill Zone
3.4.1.When
Design theofthickness
the Length of of
thethe Backfill
rock Zone
parting is between 0.5 and 2.0 m (sub-zone B), it is necessary to
When
crushWhen
the rockthe thickness
parting and of the rock
thenrock parting
fill parting
them into is between
the goaf.0.5 0.5 and the
Thus, 2.0 m (sub-zone
volume B), it is rock
of crushed necessary
partingto
crush the the thickness
rock parting of the
and then fill them is between
into the goaf. and 2.0
Thus, the m (sub-zone
volume of B), it is rock
crushed necessary to
parting
cannot
crush
be lower
the
than theand
backfill space in the goaf. It is assumed that the thicknesses of 2-2 upper and
lower be rock
cannotcoal lower parting
seams,thanas well
then space
the backfill
as that of
fill them
the rock
into
in the theItgoaf.
goaf.
parting,
Thus, the volume
is assumed
the distance that
of crushed2-2
the thicknesses
between bottom andofroof
rock parting
upper and
of backfill
cannot be lower
lower coal theseams, than the
as well backfill space
as that ofofthe in
rock the goaf.
parting,the It is assumed
thelength
distance that
between the thicknesses of 2-2 upper
conveyor, bulking coefficient rock parting, of the panel,bottom
advanceandlength,
roof ofandbackfill
the
and lower the
conveyor, coalbulking
seams, as well as that
coefficient of of the
rock rock parting,
parting, the the of
length distance
the between
panel, bottom
advance andand
length, roofthe
of
length of backfill zone are M1, M2, H, h, k, L1, L2, and l, respectively (Figures 7 and 11).
backfill conveyor, the bulking coefficient of rock parting, the length
length of backfill zone are M1, M2, H, h, k, L1, L2, and l, respectively (Figures 7 and 11). of the panel, advance length,
and the length of backfill zone are M1 , M2 , H, h, k, Lsupport
Backfill 1 , L2 , and l, respectively (Figures 7 and 11).
Backfill support
H
H
M1 2-2 upper coal seam
M1 2-2 upper coal seam

2-2 lower coal seam

Rock parting 2-2 lower coal seam
Rock parting S hearer
H S hearer
H Crushed rock
Crushed rock
M2
M2
 When the thickness of the rock parting is between 0.5 and 2.0 m (sub-zone B), it is necessary to
crush the rock parting and then fill them into the goaf. Thus, the volume of crushed rock parting
cannot be lower than the backfill space in the goaf. It is assumed that the thicknesses of 2-2 upper and
lower coal seams, as well as that of the rock parting, the distance between bottom and roof of backfill
conveyor, 2017,
Sustainability the bulking
9, 1982 coefficient of rock parting, the length of the panel, advance length, and
8 ofthe
13
length of backfill zone are M1, M2, H, h, k, L1, L2, and l, respectively (Figures 7 and 11).

Backfill support

H
M1 2-2 upper coal seam

2-2 lower coal seam

Rock parting
S hearer
H
Crushed rock

M2

Figure
Sustainability 2017, 9,Figure 11. The
1982 11. The working
working state of supports
state of supports backfilled
backfilled using
using crushed
crushed gangues.
gangues. 8 of 12

The rock parting is crushed after being cut before backfilling into the goaf, while the crushed
The rock parting is crushed after being cut before backfilling into the goaf, while the crushed rock
rock parting shows a certain bulking coefficient. Moreover, the backfill conveyor hangs on the lower
parting shows a certain bulking coefficient. Moreover, the backfill conveyor hangs on the lower part
part of back top beam of backfill support, taking up part of the backfill height. Therefore, the
of back top beam of backfill support, taking up part of the backfill height. Therefore, the following
following expression is acquired:
expression is acquired:
L1 LL12LHk
2 Hk M1 ++M
==(( M M22++HH−−
h)hL)2Ll 2 l (2)
(2)
The length of the backfill zone can be obtained by simplifying Equation
Equation (2):
(2):
LL11Hk
Hk
l=
l= (3)
(3)
+M
M11 +
((M M22 ++HH−−h)h)

Section 11 tells
tells us
us that
thatthe
thethicknesses
thicknessesofofthethe2-22-2
upper
upper (M(M
1) and lower
1 ) and (M2(M
lower ) coal seams,
2 ) coal the
seams,
distance (h) between
the distance bottom
(h) between and and
bottom roof roof
of backfill conveyor,
of backfill the bulking
conveyor, coefficient
the bulking (k) of(k)
coefficient theofrock
the
parting, and the
rock parting, andlength (L1) of
the length (L1the
) ofpanel are 2.2
the panel arem,2.21.2
m,m,1.20.8
m,m,0.81.5,
m, and 240 240
1.5, and m, respectively.
m, respectively.By
substituting thethe
By substituting above
above parameters
parameters into Equation
into Equation (3), the
(3), therelationship
relationshipbetween
betweenthethelength
lengthll of
of the
backfill zone and the thickness H of the rock parting can can bebe obtained
obtained (Figure
(Figure 12).
12).

160
150
140
Length of backfill zone (m)

130
120
110
(1.1, 107)
100
90
80
70
60
50
0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0
Thickness of rock parting (m)

Figure
Figure 12.
12. Relationship
Relationship between
between the
the length
length of
of the
the backfill
backfill zone
zone and
and the
the thickness of the
thickness of the rock
rock parting.
parting.

Figure 12 shows that the length of the backfill zone gradually increases with the growing
Figure 12 shows that the length of the backfill zone gradually increases with the growing thickness
thickness of the rock parting because the thicker the rock parting, the larger the yield therefrom, and
of the rock parting because the thicker the rock parting, the larger the yield therefrom, and the more
the more crushed rock arisings accumulate for disposal, and the longer the backfill zone required.
crushed rock arisings accumulate for disposal, and the longer the backfill zone required. When the
When the thickness of the rock parting is 1.1 m, the length of backfill zone reaches 107 m and the
length of the backfill zone is 115 m, while there is a distance of 5 to 10 m occupied by the connection
between the backfill conveyor and the transfer machine: the length of the caving zone is, thus, set to
125 m.
3.4.2. Analysis of Influencing Factors
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 9 of 13

thickness of the rock parting is 1.1 m, the length of backfill zone reaches 107 m and the length of the
backfill zone is 115 m, while there is a distance of 5 to 10 m occupied by the connection between the
backfill conveyor and the transfer machine: the length of the caving zone is, thus, set to 125 m.

3.4.2. Analysis of Influencing Factors

The influence of bulking coefficients of the rock parting on the length of the backfill zone
is calculated by separately substituting variable bulking coefficients (k = 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.6)
into Equation (3), as shown in Figure 13.
As shown in Figure 13, the length of the backfill zone gradually increases when the bulking
coefficients increase from 1.3 to 1.6. On the precondition that there is a certain yield of rock parting,
the larger the bulking coefficient, the larger the backfill space of crushed rock parting taking up in the
goaf and, therefore, the longer the zone to be backfilled. When the thickness of the rock parting is 1.1 m,
the corresponding lengths of the backfill zone are 93, 100, 107, and 114 m when bulking coefficients are
1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.6, respectively. Moreover, the length of backfill zone exhibits a similar trend with
increasing bulking coefficient.
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 9 of 12

180
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 9 of 12
170 k=1.3
180 k=1.4
160
k=1.5
k=1.3
170
150
k=1.6
k=1.4
zone (m)

160
140
k=1.5
150
130
k=1.6
zone (m)

140
120
of backfill

130
110
120
100
of backfill

110
90
Length Length

100
80
90
70
80
60
70
50
60
40
500.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0
Thickness of rock parting (m)
40
0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9
Figure 13. Influence of bulking coefficient1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3
of rock 1.4 1.5on1.6
parting the1.7 1.8 1.9
length 2.0 backfill zone.
of the
Figure 13. Influence of bulking coefficient Thickness of rock parting
of rock parting (m) on the length of the backfill zone.
Figure 13. Influence
By separately substitutingof bulking coefficient
the lengths of rock(L
of a panel parting on200,
1 = 100, the 300,
length of 400
and the backfill
m) intozone.
Equation (3),
the influence
By separately of the length of the panel on the length of the backfill zone
substituting the lengths of a panel (L = 100, 200, 300, and 400 m) into is obtained (Figure 14).Equation (3),
By separately substituting the lengths of a panel (L11= 100, 200, 300, and 400 m) into Equation (3),
the influence of theoflength
the influence of260the
the length panel
of the panelononthe
thelength
length ofofthethebackfill
backfill zone
zone is obtained
is obtained (Figure
(Figure 14). 14).
L1=100m
240
260 L1=200m
220 L
240 L11=100m
=300m
200
zone (m)

L
L11=200m
=400m
220
180 L1=300m
200
zone (m)

160 L1=400m
of backfill

180
140
160
120
of backfill

140
Length Length

100
120
80
100
60
80
40
60
20
400.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0
Thickness of rock parting (m)
20
0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0
Figure 14. Influence of the length of theofpanel
Thickness on the
rock parting length of the backfill zone.
(m)

As indicatedFigure 14. Influence of the length of the panelexerts

on thealength of the backfill zone.
Figure 14.inInfluence
Figure 14,ofthe
thelength
lengthofofthe panel
the panel on the significant influence
length of the backfillonzone.
the length of
the backfill zone and the length of backfill zone gradually increases as the length of the panel
As indicated
increases from 100inmFigure
to 40014,m.the
Thelength
longerofthe
thepanel,
panel the
exerts a significant
larger the yield influence on theproduced
of rock parting length of
the
Asduringbackfill
indicated
coal inzone and
Figure
mining and,the length
14,therefore,
the lengthof backfill
it is of zone
the panel
necessary gradually
exerts
to allow increases
a significant
more as the length
influence
space for filling of the
on the
gangues. When panel
length
the of the
increases
backfillthickness
zone and from
of the 100 m
length
the rock to 400 m. The
of backfill
parting longer
is 1.1 m,zone the panel, the larger
gradually increases
the corresponding the
lengths of as yield
thethe of rock
length
backfill parting
zoneofare produced
the45,panel increases
89, 134,
during
and 178coal
m formining
paneland, therefore,
lengths of 100, it200,
is necessary
300, and 400to allow more spaceThe
m, respectively. for length
filling gangues. Whenzone
of the backfill the
thickness of the trend
shows a similar rock parting is 1.1 m,
as the length the panel
of the corresponding
graduallylengths of the backfill zone are 45, 89, 134,
increases.
and 178
Them for panel
influence oflengths of 100,of200,
the thickness the300, and 400
2-2 upper m,seam
coal respectively.
on lengths Theoflength
backfillofzone
the backfill zone
is calculated
shows a similar trend as the length of the panel gradually increases.
by separately substituting the thicknesses of the 2-2 upper coal seam (M1 = 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 m)
The influence
into Equation ofshown
(3), as the thickness
in Figureof the
15. 2-2 upper coal seam on lengths of backfill zone is calculated
by separately substituting the thicknesses
Figure 15 shows that the length of backfill of thezone
2-2 upper coaldecreases
gradually seam (M1as = 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and
the thickness 2.5 2-2
of the m)
into Equation (3), as shown in Figure 15.
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 10 of 13

from 100 m to 400 m. The longer the panel, the larger the yield of rock parting produced during coal
mining and, therefore, it is necessary to allow more space for filling gangues. When the thickness of
the rock parting is 1.1 m, the corresponding lengths of the backfill zone are 45, 89, 134, and 178 m for
panel lengths of 100, 200, 300, and 400 m, respectively. The length of the backfill zone shows a similar
trend as the length of the panel gradually increases.
The influence of the thickness of the 2-2 upper coal seam on lengths of backfill zone is calculated
by separately substituting the thicknesses of the 2-2 upper coal seam (M1 = 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 m)
into Equation (3), as shown in Figure 15.
Figure 15 shows that the length of backfill zone gradually decreases as the thickness of the
2-2 upper coal seam increases from 1.0 m to 2.5 m. When there is a certain yield of the rock parting,
the thicker the 2-2 upper coal seam, the larger the backfill volume of crushed gangues and, therefore,
the shorter the backfill zone. When the thickness of the rock parting is 1.1 m, the corresponding lengths
of the backfill zone are 158, 132, 113, and 99 m when the thicknesses of the 2-2 upper coal seam are 1.0,
1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 m, respectively. The decrease in length of the backfill zone gradually decreases with
increasing upper coal seam thickness.
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 10 of 12

Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 220 10 of 12

M1=1.0m
200 M1=1.5m
220
180 M11=2.0m
M =1.0m
200
zone (m)zone (m)

M11=2.5m
M =1.5m
160
180 M1=2.0m
140 M1=2.5m
of backfill

160
120
140
backfill
Length

100
120
Length of

80
100
60
80
40
600.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0
Thickness of rock parting (m)
40
Figure 15. Influence of0.5
the0.6 0.7 0.8 of
thickness 0.9the
1.02-2
1.1upper
1.2 1.3 1.4seam
coal 1.5 1.6 1.7 length
on the 1.8 1.9 of
2.0the backfill zone.
Thickness
Figure 15. Influence of the thickness of the of rock parting
2-2 upper (m)
coal seam on the length of the backfill zone.
The influence
Figure of the distance
15. Influence between
of the thickness the2-2
of the bottom
upper and
coal roof
seamofonthe
thebackfill
length ofconveyor onzone.
the backfill the length
The influence of the distance between the bottom and roof of the backfill conveyor Equation
of the backfill zone is calculated by substituting the distance (h = 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 m) into on the length of
(3), asThe influence
displayed in of the distance
Figure 16. between the bottom and roof of the backfill conveyor on the length
the backfill zone is calculated by substituting the distance (h = 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 m) into
of the backfill zone is calculated by substituting the distance (h = 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 m) into Equation
Equation (3),
as displayed in Figurein16.
(3), as displayed 180 16.
Figure
h=0.6m
160
180 h=0.8m
h=1.0m
h=0.6m
zone (m)zone (m)

140
160 h=1.2m
h=0.8m
h=1.0m
120
140 h=1.2m
of backfill

100
120
backfill
Length

80
100
Length of

60
80

40
60
0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.0
Thickness of rock parting (m)
40
0.5 distance
Figure 16. Influence of the 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0the1.1
between 1.2 1.3and
bottom 1.4roof
1.5 of
1.6the
1.7backfill
1.8 1.9conveyor
2.0 on the length
Thickness of rock parting (m)
of the backfill zone.
Figure 16. Influence of the distance between the bottom and roof of the backfill conveyor on the length
Figure 16. Influence of the distance between the bottom and roof of the backfill conveyor on the length
As shown
of the in zone.
backfill Figure 16, the length of backfill zone gradually increases as the distance between
of the
the backfill zone.
bottom and roof of the backfill conveyor increases from 0.6 m to 1.2 m. When there is a certain
yieldAs shown
of the rockin Figurethe
parting, 16,larger
the length of backfill
the distance zone the
between gradually
bottomincreases
and roof ofas the
the backfill
distanceconveyor,
between
the smaller
the bottom the
andbackfill
roof ofvolume
the backfill conveyor
of crushed increases
gangues and, from 0.6 mthe
therefore, to longer
1.2 m. the
When therezone.
backfill is a certain
When
yield
the of the rock
thickness parting,
of the the larger
rock parting the m,
is 1.1 distance between the bottom
the corresponding lengthsand roof
of the of the zone
backfill backfill
areconveyor,
103, 107,
the smaller
113, and 120them backfill
when thevolume of crushed
distance betweengangues and,and
the bottom therefore,
roof ofthe
thelonger theconveyor
backfill backfill zone. When
are 0.6, 0.8,
the thickness
1.0, and 1.2 m, of the rock parting
respectively. is 1.1 m, the
Moreover, the corresponding
increase in thelengths
length ofofthe
thebackfill
backfillzone
zonearegradually
103, 107,
113, and 120
increases m when
as the thebetween
distance distancethebetween
bottomthe
andbottom
roof ofand
theroof of the
backfill backfillincreases.
conveyor conveyor are 0.6, 0.8,
1.0, and 1.2 m, respectively. Moreover, the increase in the length of the backfill zone gradually
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 11 of 13

As shown in Figure 16, the length of backfill zone gradually increases as the distance between
the bottom and roof of the backfill conveyor increases from 0.6 m to 1.2 m. When there is a certain
yield of the rock parting, the larger the distance between the bottom and roof of the backfill conveyor,
the smaller the backfill volume of crushed gangues and, therefore, the longer the backfill zone.
When the thickness of the rock parting is 1.1 m, the corresponding lengths of the backfill zone are 103,
107, 113, and 120 m when the distance between the bottom and roof of the backfill conveyor are 0.6,
0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 m, respectively. Moreover, the increase in the length of the backfill zone gradually
increases as the distance between the bottom and roof of the backfill conveyor increases.

4. Social and Economic Benefits

4.1. Economic Benefits

Before using the extraction method for a coal seam with a thick rock parting, most of the coal in the
2-2 coal seam can be mined, thus improving the coal recovery ratio. By taking the No. 22203 panel as an
example, the mined coal resource using the new extraction method will increase by 1.83 × 106 tons and
the recovery ratio will rise from 56.2% to 92.4%, compared with only mining the 2-2 upper coal seam,
the details are listed in Table 2. Moreover, the mined coal resource can increase by 2.37 × 107 tons after
the extraction method is applied over the whole experimental area: by applying the new extraction
method, the cost of transporting and storing rock partings decreases to good economic benefit.

Table 2. Rough comparison of the economic benefits in the #22203 panel.

Mining Area Recovery Ratio (%) Production (106 t) Benefits (Million Yuan)
Full seam 92.4 4.78 2389
2-2 upper seam 56.2 2.95 1476

4.2. Social and Environmental Benefits

There is a layer of the rock parting in the 2-2 coal seam with a thickness of 0.2 to 7.2 m that impairs
the high-efficiency and high-yield production pattern of the panel and decreases the coal recovery
ratio. To solve the above problems, an extraction method for a coal seam with a thick rock parting was
proposed. The method:
(1) Can improve the coal recovery ratio, increase the yield of coal, and decrease the pressure on
washing systems thereafter.
(2) Allows the mined rock parting to be directly filled into the goaf, thus reducing the pressure on
subsidiary transportation systems and haulage costs.
(3) Decreases the accumulation and discharge of rock parting on the surface can be decreased to
reduce a series of environmental problems in mined areas.
(4) Can, by filling the rock parting arisings into the goaf, decrease subsidence in overlying strata as
induced by coal mining.
(5) Can provide technological guidance for those mining panels in a coal seam with thick rock
partings and help in their disposal of rock parting.

5. Conclusions
To realise high-yield, high-efficiency mining of coal seams with thick rock partings, an innovative
method for extracting the coal from a seam with a thick rock parting was proposed and trialled on the
No. 22203 panel, Buertai mine. The coal seams were sub-divided according to the thickness of their
rock partings and different sub-zones were mined by using three mining schemes involving full-seam
mining, CMBC, and by mining only the thick upper coal seam.
For each mining scheme, it is unnecessary to adjust the working state of the fully-mechanised
support while the working state of the backfill support has to be constantly adjusted according to
Sustainability 2017, 9, 1982 12 of 13

the mining scheme selected. Therefore, the study analysed the working states of the backfill support
system by separately employing different mining schemes and also proposed a method with which to
design the length of the backfill zone required. Moreover, the influences of various factors, including
the bulking coefficient of the rock parting, the length of a panel, the thickness of the upper coal seam,
and the distance between the bottom and roof of the backfill conveyor, on the length of the backfill
zone were analysed.
Most coal resources in the 2-2 coal seam can be mined to improve the coal recovery ratio after
using this extraction method. By taking the No. 22203 panel as an example, the mined coal resource,
using the proposed extraction method, increased by 1.83 million tons and the recovery ratio rose
from 56.2% to 92.4% compared with the case involving the mining of the 2-2 upper coal seam alone.
The use of CMBC could reduce the accumulation of rock parting arisings on the surface, which further
minimises a series of associated environmental problems. The method can consequently improve the
environment in mined areas, showing favourable economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Acknowledgments: This research was supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
(2017XKZD13).
Author Contributions: All the authors contributed to this paper. Meng Li prepared and edited the manuscript.
JiXiong Zhang provided theoretical and methodological guidance in the research process. Kai Quan partially
participated in the literature search and data processing. Nan Zhou participated in revising the manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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