Subsidence Interaction Effects In Multi-Seam Mining

Mining any seam can seriously affect subsequent operations in coal seams both above and below the one being mined. The effect is often detrimental to the recovery, cost and safety of mining the subsequent seams. This paper describes the ground control mechanisms involved in mining through a passive subsided zone or all actively subsiding trough. Data were extracted from case studies, primarily from the Appalachia region, for construction of empirical models to predict interaction problems that can occur in overlying seams. Inner-burden thickness, innerburden lithology, percentage extraction, lower seam height, time and overburden were analyzed to determine their effect on upper seam damage. Magnitude of upper seam subsidence was incorporated, together with a broad classification of rock types, to predict the type and range of damage that can occur in the upper seam. Results are summarized in graphically and nomogram form for use in. engineering design.