Safer, More Efficient Coal Mining Unlocked by Optimized Pillar Design
The study looked at how to safely and efficiently mine coal in shallow seams at Wanggewieli. By observing the pressure of the mine layers with different overburden, they found that certain coal pillars and structures help support the roof and distribute the load. A 10m wide protective coal pillar in the gateway ensures safe mining, while a 0.5m cutting coal pillar assists with coal cutting and loading. A 2.0m thick coal pillar between gateways supports the roof. The overburden above the goaf can form large arch structures, redistributing the load on coal pillars. This helps prevent obvious mine strata pressure behavior features.