Longwall mining
Longwall mining is a form of underground coal mining where a long wall of coal is mined in a single slice (typically – m (2 ft 0 in–3 ft 3 in) thick). The longwall panel (the block of coal that is being mined) is typically 3–4 km (– mi) long and 250–400 m (820–1,310 ft) wide. History. Plan of longwall mine before conveyors – the hoist is at the center of the central ...