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BME has selected 150 feet as the minimum overburden thickness to ensure a dependable, controllable <br />longwall system. <br />III.A.2.c Mining Method Decision. The above criteria governed the selection of the mining system as <br />shown on Map 119. The areas close to the outcrop on the south of the mining area were unsuitable for <br />longwall mining due to the low overburden height. Room and Pillar panels RP-1 and RP-2 in the D <br />Seam were excluded from longwall mining because the boundary geometry did not allow longwall <br />mining. Previously designed longwall panels to the west of the West Mains in the D Seam were <br />eliminated in the new mine plan because the coal seam is thin and consists of partings, and it overties <br />better coal in the B Seam. BME has designed a mining plan which will give the highest resource <br />recovery in the safest and mast economical manner. <br />III.A.3 Mining Sequence Maps 119 and 120 show the mine plan and development sequence for the <br />D Seam and the B Seam, respectively. <br />Initial mining began with the D Seam portals. Underground access to the coal seam has been provided <br />by two declined rock tunnels: one double-compartment decline and one single-compartment decline. <br />The double-compartment decline is divided by a steel divider. The upper compartment contains the <br />coal conveyor belt, and the lower compartment is for transportation of men and materials. The <br />single-compartment slope is used solely for intake ventilation through the mine fan. The double <br />compartment slope is approximately 500 feet long driven on a decline of 14° to intersect the coal seam. <br />The ventilation slope is driven on a decline of 16°. <br />Bottom development was completed in the area where the two slopes intersected the coal. The West <br />Mains were developed to a point where development of the South Submains could begin. When the <br />South Submains were completed, the East Exhaust Portal was developed and the portal constructed. <br />Development of the East Mains and the gateroads for longwall panels then began. Mining in the first <br />longwall district comprised of five longwall panels (LW-1 to LW-5) was completed in 1993. The district <br />was subsequently sealed underground. <br />Production crews utilizing continuous miners can provide the necessary development of future longwall <br />panels and mains. One production crews is usually required for the longwall. Other crews are required <br />for maintenance and support work. <br />Permit Renewal #4 (1/2004) III-6 <br />