Each year more than 400 coal miners are injured (fatal and non-fatal) by rock falling from between or around roof supports. Many of these injuries could be prevented by the installation of roof screen (wire mesh). However, many coal mines may be reluctant ...

This paper summarizes the results of a research project whose goal was to provide the Australian coal industry with a rib support design methodology and software tool that could be used by suitably qualified colliery staff. The project was funded mainly by ...

Fatalities caused by highwall/spoilbank failure in the surface mines, coal and non-metal, increased to an alarming rate of seven during 1999. To determine the cause of slope failure and successful mining practice, the National Institute for Occupational Health ...

This paper presents an overview of the most significant ground control hazards facing today's mineworkers. Analysis of recent fatality investigations and accident statistics identified certain job categories, mining techniques, and geologic environments that ...

<p>Pillar design is the first line of defense against rock falls&mdash;the greatest single safety hazard faced by underground coal miners in the United States and abroad. To help advance the state of the art in this fundamental mining science, the National ...