Development a New Classification for Assessing the Coal Mine Mechanization

The coal mine mechanization is important to achieve optimum quality and maximum efficiency of coal production. Mechanization is an objective that can result in significant cost reductions and higher levels of profitability for underground mines. The potential of coal mine mechanization depends on some important factors Such as seam inclination and thickness, geological disturbances, seam floor conditions and roof conditions. These factors should be considered in coal mine mechanization analysis. In this study, the new classification was developed with the respect to the mentioned factors. Using this system the coal seam mechanization index (CSMi) of several types of coal seams was evaluated and classified into five categories; very good, good, medium, low and very low. As a case study, the mechanization of the Takht coal seams in Golestan area of Iran was investigated using this new classification system. The results show a low potential for mechanization in most of the Takht coal seams.