Cost effectiveness of various development systems in Australian longwalls

In pursuit of solving the development rate problem the coal industry has investigated various development systems. While all the systems may improve the development rate they may not necessarily he cost effective. This paper carries out an economic analysis by developing cost models for present and future development systems for retreating longwall faces with particular reference to Australian longwalls. A critical cost analysis of various development systems is presented by taking into consideration all the costs associated with development systems. The costs have been divided into equipment, face and panel services, belt and structure, wages, roof and rib support, ventilation, consumables, power and maintenance. The annualised cost of various equipment has been obtained on the basis of depreciation rates prescribed by the Australian Taxation Office.