Långväggsgruvdrift

Långväggsgruvdrift, or longwall mining in English, is a method of underground coal extraction. It involves cutting a large panel of coal from the seam using a shearer machine. This machine moves back and forth across the entire width of the panel, known as the longwall, removing coal as it goes. The mined coal is then transported away via a conveyor belt system situated at the face of the panel.

As the shearer moves, the roof behind the extracted area is allowed to collapse in a controlled manner. This is achieved using hydraulic roof supports, called chocks or shields, which temporarily hold up the roof while the miners and equipment are working. Once the coal is extracted from the panel, these supports are advanced, and the roof collapses into the void created by the mining. This caving process reduces the amount of ground that needs to be supported permanently.

Longwall mining is highly efficient and productive, capable of extracting a large percentage of the coal seam. It is particularly well-suited for thick, relatively flat-lying coal seams. The method requires significant capital investment in specialized machinery, including the shearer, armored face conveyor, and hydraulic powered roof supports. Safety is a primary concern, with strict protocols in place to manage dust, ventilation, and the stability of the mine roof.