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1 <br />'~ Section 2.05 OPERATION AND RECLAP1ATION PLANS. <br />Section 2.05.1 Objectives. <br />' Section 2.05.2 Operation Plan - Estimated Area for I,~fn of <br />Operation. <br />1 <br />(1) General description of production methods and equipment. <br />A room and pillar method is used for coal extraction. entries <br />are driven five (5) abreast to create a main slope. Entries are <br />' driven on 84 foot centers with crosscuts also on 84 foot centers. <br />A main slope is driven into the area to be mined. 1xtraction <br />commences by driving entries and crosscuts on 84 foot centers at <br />90° to the main slope. After these entries are driven to the= <br />' depth desired, pillers are slabbed on retreat. P.efer to tdap <br />2.05.2(1)-1, Operation Plan 61ap, which depicts the existing mine <br />and mining sequence. <br />The room and pillar mining method derives its name from the basic <br />approach of driving entries and crosscuts to divide the coal into <br />rectangular b1ocY.s. The blocks, or pillars, provide support for <br />' the overlying strata. Experience by the Bear Coal Company in this <br />mine has determined an optimum spacing of 84 foot centers for <br />' openings with an initial entry width of 18 feet. The pillar <br />remaining is approximately 66 feet square. It will remain in <br />place until retreat from the area has commenced. IIpon retreat, <br />the piller is slabbed on two sides leaving a permanent pillar <br />approximately 49 feet square. This method of mining has resulted <br />' in about 50 percent extraction of coal. <br />' The room and pillar method of mining has provided the flexibility <br />required to handle the changing conditions constantly encountered <br />' in the Bear Mine. The large overburden provides for a wide <br />variation.in roof and floor conditions as well as for coal quality <br />~` <br />' S7 <br />RED/ISED D1ay 15, 1981 <br />