The Pillar System of Mining Coal
Coal is a widely used natural resource that has been relied upon for centuries to supply energy and power to homes and industries around the world. The most common method of extracting coal from the ground is by the use of the “pillar system” of mining. The pillar system has been used since the early 1800s to extract large amounts of coal in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. It is still widely used today, although it has been adapted to fit the needs of a modern mining industry.
The pillar system of mining involves a process by which walls, or pillars, are constructed to hold up the land above an area where coal is being extracted. The chambers within the walls are then mined for the coal, leaving a space around the pillars which supports the roof of the chamber. By leaving the pillars, the land above is kept stable and the risk of a collapse is greatly reduced.
The coal is typically extracted from the mine using a combination of machines and manual labor. First, machines such as bulldozers, cranes, and other equipment are used to clear an area and prepare it for the mining process. The coal is then removed from the ground with the use of conveyor belts, mechanical loaders, and hydraulic excavators. When the coal reaches a certain size, it is moved to an ore truck and transported away from the mine.
Once the coal is removed, the pillar system of mining comes into play. The area around the pillars is filled with dirt, sand, and other materials in an effort to stabilize the ground above the mine. This allows the mine to safely remain operational, while at the same time it helps to reduce the impact of the mining process on the environment. It is also significantly safer for miners, as the pillars help to prevent cave-ins and other dangerous situations from occurring.
The pillar system has also been adapted to modern mining operations. This includes the use of advanced tools and machinery to create bigger and stronger pillars, as well as the use of specialized software to monitor the integrity of the walls, which helps to prevent issues from occurring in the future.
The pillar system of mining coal is a tried and tested method of extraction. By utilizing the pillar system, mining companies are able to extract large amounts of coal quickly, safely, and cost-effectively. Furthermore, the pillar system helps to minimize the negative impacts of mining on the environment, making it an ideal choice for those looking to mine coal sustainably.
