Case study evaluation of geological influences impacting mining conditionsat a West Virginia longwall mine

Longwall development in a West Virginia coal mine was terminated due to sev ere geologic conditions. The combination of transition-type roof (comprised of interbedded sandstone and shale), excessive in-situ stresses, and low o verburden zones caused massive roof falls. Additionally, both reduced seam thickness, caused by sandstone channels, and relatively weak floor impeded seam development. These factors were mapped using both exploration data and information obtained during mine inspections. Historical mine data was als o analyzed to determine if factors such as thickness of overburden and mini ng orientation had an influence on mining conditions. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.