kammerpfeilerabbau

KammerPfeilerAbbau refers to a mining method used primarily in underground coal mines. This technique involves extracting coal in a pattern of pillars and chambers, where relatively narrow tunnels, or chambers, are excavated, leaving behind substantial blocks of coal, known as pillars, to support the roof of the mine. The extraction process typically begins from the deepest parts of the mine and progresses towards the shaft.

The primary objective of kammerpfeilerabbau is to support the overlying strata and prevent roof collapse. The pillars are strategically left in place to bear the weight of the rock and soil above the mined-out areas. Over time, as mining progresses, the pillars may be partially or fully extracted to recover more coal. This secondary extraction is often done using a "split and fender" method, where further narrow openings are made within the pillars, and then wider sections are excavated, leading to the eventual collapse of the roof.

This method is characterized by a high degree of mine stability during the initial extraction phase due to the presence of the supporting pillars. However, it can result in a significant amount of coal remaining unextracted in the pillars, which may be economically unrecoverable or accessible only through more complex subsequent operations. The efficiency of kammerpfeilerabbau depends on factors such as the thickness and strength of the coal seam, the surrounding rock conditions, and the planned lifespan of the mine. It is a widely adopted method in many coal-producing regions due to its relative simplicity and safety features, particularly in mines with strong roof conditions.