Caving Methods

Conditions in Accordance to Hartman

Classification
 Longwall- Tabular, Flat, Thin, Large Size
 Sublevel Caving – Tabular or Massive, Steep (Inclined), Thick, Large Size
 Block Caving - Massive, Steep (Inclined), Thick, Large Size
 Top Slicing – Thick, Weak ore-body and weak wall rocks,
Classification of Metal Mining Method
 Caving Method
 Caving Methods are utilized in the Moderate to weak rocks
which are caveable in nature.
 Cavability is the ability of rocks to undergo permanent
disintegration or breakage from the parent rock.
Three types of sub-methods of Caving
 Longwall - It is used in the horizontal and tabular deposits ,
mainly coal.
 Sublevel Caving Used in the vertical or inclined,
 Block Caving- massive deposits.
 Principle of Caving Method- The intentional breakage of a
large mass of rocks was carried out in effect of the shape of
cross-sectional area of the undercut which is sufficiently
elongated i.e., the undercut has the larger width to height.
 Longwall Mining
 Applicability- Tabular, Flat, Thin, Large Size
 Longwall development in the hard rock mines is similar to development in room-
and pillar mines.
 It is commonly used in large-scale for exploitation.
 Longwall mining is the caving method which triggers the breakage of the in-situ
material while permitting the immediate roof to cave safely, preventing
superincumbent loads from damaging the support.
 Immediate roof should be thin and weak so as to cave easily. However, stronger
formations would not cave easily.
 Floor should be competent enough to provide a firm foundation for the roof
supports.
 Subsidence is caused due to the caving and collapse of the overlying strata that will
extend from the mining horizon to the surface depending on the cover depth and
area mined.
Fig 1.
Longwall
Section
Longwall Retreating Panel Layout
 Sequence of Advance
of Support and AFC
Position A-A’ – the supports are set
tightly against the roof strata by the
supporting resistances of the
hydraulic legs.
Position B-B’ – After the shearer
cuts, the support legs are lowered.
Position C-C’ and D-D’- the Support
is pulled forward for a distance equal
to the width of cut(web) by
retracting the hydraulic advancing
ram.
Position E-E’ – Support is
immediately reset against the roof.
Position F-F’ – Advancing ram of the
support is extended to push the
conveyor forward and becomes
ready for the next cut.
Fig. 2 Longwall Mining in Hard-Rock Mines

- Longwall method is used in the

trona (evaporite deposit of the
sodium bicarbonate), potash,
uranium and copper.
- The method is different from
the longwall in coal by the two
points: -
- no mobile supports are
used.
- Concrete pillars are build to
support the roof.
-
Fig 3. showing the Conveyor and Shearer in the
Longwall Mining in Hard Rock Mines
 Development Sequence
 Main entries are driven across the property, from which orthogonal panel entries divide
the coal into large blocks.
 1. Continuous Miners are used to develop the headgate and tailgate entry systems.
 2. Continuous Miners are equipped with the roof bolters to enhance the rate of advance
of the drive/entries. Roof Bolters are the equipment for drilling the holes in the entries
while development of the panel.
 3. After the gate entries are driven, the bleeders are driven at the inbye extreme of the
panels to allow for better ventilation of the longwall faces.
 When panel entries are completed and the bleeders established, longwall face is started
from bleeder entry.
 A cut is taken across the face, the hydraulic supports advance allowing the roof to cave.
 AFC used to transport coal along the face is snaked forward by the supports, while the
shearer advances by rack and pinion.
 Coal arrives at the headgate from the face, then it is transferred from the chain-and-flight
conveyor to a belt conveyor.
 Cycle of operations
 Unit operations
 Mining (Breaking and Loading)- Shearer
 Haulage- Armoured Face Conveyor, Normal Belt Conveyor

 Auxiliary Operations- headed by Ground Control by the

Hydraulically actuated, self-advancing Shield supports
Stage Loader
Fig. 4 Double Drum Shearer
Fig.5 A Unit of Armoured Face Conveyor
Powered Supports
Canopy
Quad Bolter

-Ideal for mid- to high-

seam applications
-2.4 to 5.0 m operating
range
-Simultaneous four-bolt
installation using two
operators
Advantage
 The productivity is higher for larger panel sizes, automated support systems.
 Fairly Low Mining Cost
 High production rate.
 Approaches continuity of production.
 Suitable for total mechanization, remote control, and automation.
 Low Labour requirement.
 Fairly high recovery.
Disadvantages in Longwall Mines
 Rock Burst
 Subsidence
 Involves costly support system for the support of the immediate roof.
 High Capital cost
 High Longwall move costs