PERMFILE43005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

West Elk Mine i. 2.05 Application for Permit for Surface or Underground Mining Activities 2.05.1 Objectives This section is an overview of the underground coal mining operation and the associated surface operation MCC plans to continue using at West Elk Mine. The life of the mine may be about 40 years, depending upon the financial viability of the operation. 2.05.2 Operation Plan -Estimated Area for Life of Operation West Elk Mine has been producing coal since 1982. Before 1990, coal was produced from the F Seam using the room and pillaz method. In 1990, MCC accessed the B Seam and began developing longwaIl panels suitable for modern longwall mining equipment. At projected production levels, currently active B Seam reserve areas will be depleted in about 2008. In 2004, MCC initiated work to develop and produce coal from a third coal seam (E Seam) using longwall mining methods. Mine Layout The extent of the F Seam mine workings of West Elk Mine are shown on Map 50. The mined • and projected B Seam mine workings are shown on Map 52. The current E Seam mine plan is shown on Map 51. The F Seam portals and principal surface facilities aze located in Section 16 of Township 135, Range 90W, 6~' P.M. MCC developed the F Seam by driving a series of main entries from the point where the seam outcrops. A total of nine main intakes and seven main returns were driven. The main entries were driven southwest to avoid an area along the mazgin of Sylvester Gulch of predicted poor hydrologic and geologic mining conditions. Submains were developed east and west from the main entries. From these submain entries, room and pillar panels were developed. MCC accesses the B Seam via two slopes and a ventilation shaft driven from the main intakes of the existing F Seam workings (Figure 16). Access to B Seam is also provided by ventilation shafts constructed in Sylvester Gulch. One of the slopes from F Seam is a haulage entry for men and materials and an intake airway. The second slope entry contains a 60-inch conveyor belt. Both slopes aze approximately 2,450 feet long with a 14 percent grade. The haulage entry is about 18 feet wide by 11 feet high. The slope entry with the conveyor belt is 14 feet wide by 9 feet high. A 400-foot long by 18-foot diameter ventilation raise connects the B Seam return air entries with the return air entries of the F Seam. The intake shaft in Sylvester Gulch provides a primary escapeway from and ventilation to the B Seam. This intake shaft contains a mine hoist for transporting men and light materials. The ventilation shaft is a two-compartment I. :.s. " 2.05-1 Revised November 2004 PRII