Vol.

11

No. 4

MONTHLY

November - 2009

EDITORIAL BOARD
Shri V.D. Rajagopal Prof. Dr. - Ing M.A. Ramlu Prof. Sushil Bhandari Shri S.V. Satyanarayana Shri B.K. Mohanty Shri Dipesh Dipu Shri Suresh Chandra Dr. A.K. Raina Dr. K.K. Sharma Chairman Member Member Member Member Member
Editorial News from the Mining World From President's Desk MEAI News

CONTENTS

C al Speo cial
05 06 07 33 38

Conferences, Seminars, Workshops etc.,

Member Member Member

TECHNICAL PAPERS
1. Coal bed methane - from a liability to an asset 2. Dipesh Deepu 12

Shri A. Sangameswara Rao Member (A.S. Rao)

Successful delineation of hidden galleries in barriers of water logged underground coal mines by Electrical Resistivity Survey method A.P. Singh & P.K. Gupta 15

EDITOR
Dr. K.K. Sharma (Tel : 040 - 23517205)

3.

Continuous miner technology for mass production of coal A global perspective Y.M.S.R. Murthy & Anshu Agarwal Science and art of roof reinforcement technology and its efficacy in Indian coal mines N.P. Bhati

21

PUBLISHER
Shri A. Sangameswara Rao (A.S. Rao) Secretary General, Mining Engineers' Association of India

4.

35

Correspondence Address
Secretary General, Mining Engineers' Association of India 'A' Block, VI Floor, F-608, Raghavaratna Towers, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. Ph. : No. 040 - 23200510, Telefax : 040 - 66460479 E-mail : meai1957@gmail.com Website : www.meai.in
The Views expressed by the authors in these pages are not necessarily those of publisher / editor / MEAI. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly

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Mining Engineers' Journal

November 2009

MINING ENGINEERS' ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

Regd. Office : Rungta House, Barbil (Orissa)
National Head Quarters & : Permanent Secretariat

Chapter
Ahmedabad Barajamda Bailadila Bangalore Belgaum Bellary-Hospet Bhubaneswar Goa

Chairman
R.L. Bhatt Arun Misra A.K. Gupta R.H. Sawkar M.P. Itnal D.Y. Mane S.R. Singh K.D. Kulkarni Arun Sharma A. Sivashanker C.V. Singh V.S. Mathur Prof. B.B. Dhar A.K.Kothari S. Chakraborti P.V. Krishna Yadav Dr. Vinod P. Sinha Dr. L. Ajay Kumar N.K. Nuwal

Secretary
S.G. Patel Shailesh Verma K.K. Basu D.R. Veeranna Dr.P.T.Hanamgond Nagesh Shenoy J.K. Hota Kishore B. Haldankar R.K. Sharma A. Kundu P.R. Dave M. K. Prasher D.K. Chawla Dr. S.S. Rathore P.Y. Dhekne S. Ramamoorthy H. Behera K.B. Thondaiman Shiva Moorthy Swamy

LIFE INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS

Aarvee Associates, Architects, Engineers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-049) 8-3-833/50, Phase-I, Kamlapuri Colony, Hyderabad-73. ACC Ltd (LIM - 25) Raw Materials & Mines Planning Division, ACC Thane Complex, LBS Marg, Thane - 400 604. (Maharashtra) A.P. Mineral Dev. Corp.Ltd., (LIM-12) Pancom Business Centre 2nd & 3rd Floors, 8-3-945, Ameerpet, Hyderabad - 16, A.P. Aravali Minerals & Chemical Industries (P) Ltd. (LM-048) B-132, Mewar Industrial Pvt. Ltd., Madri, Udaipur - 313 003. Associated Mining Co., (LIM-19) Nanak House, Narmada Nagar, Bilaspur - 495 001., Chhattisgarh Associated Soapstone Distributing Co. (P) Ltd. (LM-057) 24, Akashwani Marg, Post Box No. 3, Udaipur - 313 003. Bharat Alloys & Energy Ltd., (LIM-36) 6-2-913/914, 3rd Floor, Progressive Towers, Khairatabad, Hyderabad - 500 004. M/s Designer Rocks (P) Ltd., (LIM-32) # 201, Archana Apartments, Behind Shoppers Stop, Begumpet, Hyderabad-05. Grasim Industries Ltd., (LIM-26) 202 & 203, 2nd Floor, May Fair, S.P. Road, Secunderabad - 500 003. Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd., (LIM-3) Ambuja Nagar, Kodinar (Taluk) Junagadh (Dist.), Gujarat - 362 715 Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd., (LIM-6) Prakash Complex (P.O), Bomno. 28, Veraval - 362 265. Gujarat Gujarat Mineral Dev. Copr Ltd. (LIM-18) Kanij Bhavan, 132 Ft. Ring Road, University Ground, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad - 52. Gujarat Sidhee Cements Ltd., (LIM-4) Regd. Office, Sidheegram (P.O), Veraval-Kodinar Highway, Tal : Veraval, Dist. Junagadh, Gujarat Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd. (LIM-9) (Formerly IDL Industries Limited.) Kukatpally, Post Box No.1, Sanathnagar (IE) P.O. Hyderabad - 500 018. A.P. India Cements Ltd. (LIM-16) Sankarnagar (P.O) Tirunelveli - 627 357. T.N Indian Rare Earths Ltd., (LIM-35) Plot No. 1207, Veer Savarkar Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 400 028. J.K. Cement Works Ltd (LIM - 058) Kailash Nagar, Nimbahera, Dist. Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) Jubilee Granites India Pvt. Ltd., (LIM-23) EGA Trade Centre, No. 6C, 6th Floor, New No. 318 (Old No. 809), Poonamallee Highroad, Kilapauk, Chennai - 600 010. Kariganur Mineral Mining Industry (LIM-41) Embitee Complex, Bellary Road, Hospet - 583201. Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd., (LIM-33) Bevinahalli 583 234, Dist. Koppal (Karnataka) Krishna Mines (LIM-27) 23, Sri Puram, Tirunelveli - 627 001. Tamilnadu Madras Cements Ltd., (LIM-17) Ramasamyraja Nagar, Kamarajar (Dist.) - 626 204, Tamilnadu. Manganese Ore (India) Ltd., (LIM-37) (A Govt. undertaking) 3, Mount Road Extension, P.B. No. 34, Nagpur - 440 001. (Maharashtra) M.P.L. Parts & Services Ltd., (LIM-14) 12, Dr. Nair Rd., T. Nagar Chennai - 600 017. Tamilnadu. MSPL Limited (LIM-30) Baldota Enclave, Abheraj Baldota Road, Hospet - 583 203 (Karnataka) Mysore Minerals Limited (LIM-45) #39, M.G. Road, Bangalore - 560 001. National Aluminium Co. Ltd, (LIM-1) 'NALCO Bhavan' P/1, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar - 751 013 NMDC Ltd., (LIM-20) 10-3-311/A, Castle Hills, Khanij Bhavan, Masab Tank, Hyderabad - 500 028. Contd. on page 3

Shri V.D. Rajagopal

MEAI - President 98491 22817, 94408 17700 Vice Presidents : Dr. S.K. Sarangi - 94370 23134 Shri A. Bagchhi - 99899 98600 Shri T. Victor - 98221 23498 Secretary General : Shri A. Sangameswara Rao - 98498 70397 (A.S. Rao) Jt. Secy & Treasurer : Shri Koneru Venkateswara Rao - 92987 59625 COUNCIL MEMBERS EX - OFFICIO

Himalayan Hyderabad Jabalpur Jodhpur Nagpur New Delhi Rajasthan Raipur Rayalaseema Sukinda Tamil Nadu Veraval-Porbandar

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Shri R.P. Gupta - 93529 50025

PAST PRESIDENTS Shri Meda Venkataiah - 99002 56797 Shri R.N. Singh - 98190 89120 Shri T.V. Chowdary - 99493 59969 ELECTED Prof. Sushil Bhandari - 98296 71949 Shri Y.C. Gupta - 94142 34746 Shri C.S. Dhaveji - 94220 63909 Shri M. James - 94442 89405 Shri Santosh K Pattanayak - 99370 53927 Prof. Gurdeep Singh - 0326-2206372 Shri S. Chandrasekaran - 94433 91000 Shri B.R.V. Susheel Kumar - 98480 94373 Shri D.L. Choudhury Shri K. Madhusudhana - 99002 56759 Shri M. Srinivasa Shetty Shri K.U. Rao - 98491 77677 Shri M.C. Thomas - 93345 11343 Dr. T.N. Venugopal - 98452 17692 Shri P. Dharma Rao - 040-23396691 NOMINATED MEMBERS Shri. B. Ramesh Kumar - 98480 99868 Shri S.N. Mathur - 94273 08502 Shri V. Lakshmi Narayana - 94402 79811 Shri C.P. Parihar - 98874 82007 Shri Sohan Singh Rathore - 94141 59605 CO-OPTED MEMBERS Shri N.K. Nanda - 94907 60010 Prof. A.C. Narayana - 99896 25346 Shri S. Tiu - 94386 73600 Shri B. Ramasubba Reddy - 99496 06060 Shri B.P. Pandey - 94482 86155
Period

PAST PRESIDENTS & SECRETARIES

President Secretary/Secretary General Mining Engineers' Association B.L. Verma Late B.N. Kanwar N.S. Claire Late R.C. B. Srivastava L.A. Hill Late S. Chandra Late H.L. Chopra M.G. Jhingran S.S. Manjrekar V.S. Rao Late R.C.B. Srivastava M.G. Jhingran R.K. Gandhi B. Roy Chowdhury I.N. Marwaha D.D. Sharan Late R.S. Sastry M.S. Vig G.L. Tandon K.K. Biran Mining Engineers' Association of India G.L. Tandon K.K. Biran D.L. Patni A.K. Basu R.C. Mohanty Late S.K. De M.K. Batra R.C. Dutta D.K. Bose S.B. Mukherjee P.R. Merh M.K. Srivastava V.S. Rao L.S. Sinha M.A.Khan D.K. Sen Saligram Singh A. Panigrahi M. Fasihuddin B. Mishra K.K. Biran S. Chandrasekaran N.S. Malliwal Dr. P.V. Rao T.V. Chowdary CLVR Anjaneyulu (S.G.) -do-doR.N. Singh -doMeda Venkataiah -doR.P. Gupta CLVR Anjaneyulu & A.S. Rao

1957-64 1964-67 1967-68 1968-69 1969-70 1970-71 1971-72 1972-73 1973-75 1975-76

1975-76 1976-78 1978-80 1980-81 1981-82 1982-84 1984-86 1986-88 1988-90 1990-93 1993-95 1995-97 1997-99 1999-2001 2001-2003 2003-2007 2007-2009

Mining Engineers' Journal

November 2009

Contd. from page 2

EDITORIAL
For the first time a UN agency has endorsed India and developing countries on the climate change front. In its World Economic and Social Survey Report 2009, the UN said rich countries had consumed more than fair share of their carbon space and needed to take deep emission cuts if the new climate agreement was to be equitable. The survey said investments in energy infrastructure would have to be doubled from the existing $800 billion/year to $1 trillion and there was a need to spend approximately $20 trillion by 2030 to move the world to a low corbon growth path. Sunita Narain (Director of Centre for Science and Environment), while releasing the report, warned that industrialised countries had already emitted 209 giga tonnes of carbon. If the rise in global temperature was to be kept below 20C, they would have to reduce their emissions by more than 100% below 1990 levels by 2050. At present industrialized countries have not agreed to reduce their emissions by even 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% by 2050. The survey said rich countries should only occupy 21% of the global carbon budget as aginst their present consumption of 48%. Even if Indias growth story continues unabated upto 2030, its per capita greenhouse gas emissions would remain well below those of the industrialized nations and even below the global average of 2005. At present, Indias per capita emission is recorded at 1.2 tonne compared to the US which is 20 tonne per capita. In absolute terms, Indian emissions would range from 4-7.3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. While releasing the report, Hon'ble minister for Forests and Enviroment Shri Jairam Ramesh said it did not draw an official trajectory for Indias emissions growth but merely represented the results of Indian research groups. The five studies, results of which were released, were conducted by the National Council for Applied Economic Reserch, the Energy Research Centre, IRADE and Mckinsey and Company. As the researchers used differing models and assumptions, the results showed some variance but all concluded that Indias energy intensity was bound to decrease as it continues to grow economically even upto 2030. Dr. Prodipto Ghosh, ex-Environment Secretary and one of the Key negotiators for India at climate talks, said the emission reduction in India could be best achieved through energy efficiency measures. Chinese scientists claim that they filmed an unidentified flying object (UFO) for about 40 minutes, during the solar eclipse on July 22, 2009. Researchers at the Purple Mountain Observatory in Nanjing have said that they will spend the next 12 months studying the footage before reaching any conclusion. The incident comes after a series of UFO sightings in China, which led to the object being filmed by students in Deqing.

LIFE INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS

Obulapuram Mining Co. (P) Ltd. (LIM-54) (Mine located in A.P.), Off.: Ennoble House, Raghavachari Road, Bellary, (Karnataka) Orient Cement (LIM-059) P.O. Devapur Cement Works, Dist. Adilabad (A.P.) - 504 218. Panduronga - Timblo Industries (LIM-056) Subhash Timblo Bhavan, P.O. Box No. 242, MARGAO-403601, GOA. Pearl Minerals Ltd., (LIM-39) R.L. Puram, Chimakurthy Mandal, Prakasham Dist. - 523 226. (A.P.) Priyadarshini Cement Ltd., (LIM-5) No. 34, Green Tower, Srinagar Colony, Hyderabad-73. Radials International (LIM-29) 80/1, Block-II, W.H.S., Kirti Nagar, New Delhi - 110 015, Rajgarhia Group of Industries (LIM - 050) H-279, Udyog Vihar, Sukher, Udaipur - 313 004 (Rajasthan) R.K. Marbles Pvt. Ltd., (LIM - 52) 17, Old Fatehpura, Near Seva Mandir, Udaipur - 313 101, Rajasthan. Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals (LIM-053) CA Govt. of Rajasthan Enterprise) 4, Meera Marg, Udaipur - 313 004 (Rajasthan) Sandvik Asia Limited (LIM-46) Mumbai - Pune Road, Pune - 411 012. Sesa Goa Ltd., (LIM-11) Sesa Ghor 20, EDC Complex, Patto, Panjim, GOA - 403 001. Shree Cement Ltd. (LIM-051) Bangur Nagar, P.B. No. 33, Beawar - 305 901. (Rajasthan) Shri Sharda Cold Retreads (P) Ltd., (LIM-24) 15 & 16, Industrial Area Korba, Chhattisgarh. Shree Engineering Services (LIM-15) 7, Naveen Bazar, Raipur - 492 001. Sagar Cements Ltd., (LIM-21) 8-2-472/B/2, Rd. No.1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500 034. South India Mines & Minerals Industries (LIM-2) 315, Narayana Nagar, Sankaranagar (P.O) - 627 357 Tamilnadu. South West Mining Ltd. (LIM-40) Vidya Nagar (Toranagallu) Dist. Bellary (Karnataka) 583 275. Sri Kumarswamy Mineral Exports (LIM-43) No. 87, S.V. Colony, Club Road, Bellary (Karnataka) Sudarshan Group of Industries (LIM-047) 425 Sector 11, Hiran Magri, Udaipur (Rajasthan) - 313 002. Tata Chemicals Ltd., (LIM-7) Mithapur, Okhamandal, Gujarat - 361 345. Tata Iron & Steel Co, Ltd (LIM-8) Mines Division, Noamundi - 833 217 Singhbhum (West) Jharkhand. Terra Reserves Determination Technologies (P) Ltd., (LIM-055) (A member of Terra World Holdings) Plot No. 15, Madhuvan Enclave, Street No.4, Habsiguda, Hyderabad - 500 007. The K.C.P. Ltd., (LIM-22) Macherla - 522 426, Guntur Dist. A.P. Thriveni Earthmovers (P) Ltd., (LIM-31) 22/110, Greenway Road, Fairlands, Salem (TN) 636016. Tungabhadra Minerals Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-42) #322/3, 2nd Floor, Sree Sapthagiri Enclave, College Road, Hospet - 583201 (Karnataka) UltraTech Cement Ltd., A.P. Cement Works, (LIM-28) Bhogasamudram (Vill.) Tadpatri (Mandal) Anantapur Dist., A.P. Ultra Tech Cement Ltd. (LIM-10) Unit - Narmada Cement - Jafarabad Works, P.B. No. 10, Jafarabad - 365 540. Dist. Amreli, Gujarat. Veerabhadrappa Sangappa & Company (LIM-44) # 2/138, Bellary Road, Sandur, Dist. Bellary (Karnataka) V. Thirupathi Naidu (LIM-34) Railway & PWD Contractor, Basaveshwara Badavane, College Road, Hospet - 583 201. VS Lad & Sons (LIM-38) Prashant Nivas, Krishnanagar, Sandur (Dist. Bellary) - 583 119, Karnataka W.B. Engineers International Pvt. Ltd., (LIM-13) C-22, Liberty Society, North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune - 411 001.

(Dr. K.K. SHARMA)

5 November 2009

Mining Engineers' Journal

NEWS FROM THE MINING WORLD

IRON & STEEL

Rise in steel consumption in China due to auto and ship building sectors As per London Commodity News Report, auto and ship building industries may consume 15 m.t and 13. m.t of steel respectively in 2009, as predicted by experts at the 2nd Chinese Steel Distributors Summit Forum held in August 8, 2009 in Zhengzhou, Henan. According to Shri Jianhua, Vice General Secretary of China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, vehichle sales are expected to exceed 11 million units. Similarly according to Tan Naifen, Vice President of China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry, out of 13 m.t of steel ship plate will consume 11.7 m.t, section and ball flat steel 1.2 m.t and pipes 400,000t. Steel industry of United States struggles due to weak demand According to London Commodity News Report, World Steel Production in July 2009 increased to its highest, but U.S steel makers are still operating at barely half capacity due to low demand on account of global recession. There is no sign of real demand increasing yet. American Iron and Steel Institute figures showed current U.S plant capacity at 53.9%, below the 90.4% a year ago. Bright future for pellet producers According to Ferrexpo, and Ukrainian miner the demand for pellet grows for the remainder of this year and the trade has begun to nomarlize. In 2009, prices of pellet have seen the larger discounts from CVRD, which tends to set the price for the whole industry and CVRD agreed to $ 11.43/ dry metric tonne unit fob for customers outside Europe, down 48.3% on last year. The majority of pellet sales in 2009 have been made on spot basis, but Gavin Mackay (Ferrexpo Business Development Manager) believes that the markets emphasis will once again move to see the majority of business of pellet being concluded on a long-term contract basis. Iron ore imports by China at $ 109-112 According to Metal Bulletin Daily ( MBD) report, the price range in iron ore import market in China has widened. Transaction prices on a 63.5% Fe content basis declining at the lower end and moved to $ 109-112/t cfr, from $110-112/t for most transactions. Figures released show that Chinas steel output was at a record high in July 2009. Chinese iron ore stockpiles rise to 71.48 m.t According to figures released by Mysteel, iron ore stock piles at Chinas 22 major ports increased by 0.34% from 6

August 7, 2009 to 71.48 mt. on August 14,2009 of which there were 14.2 m.t. of Indian iron ore stockpiles down to 0.14%.

NMDC proposes to expand sponge iron capacity NMDC Ltd. hopes to complete the merger of Sponge Iron India Ltd. with itself in the next few months. The company proposes to increase the capacity of the Sponge Iron Plant at Paloncha in Khammam dist( A.P) from the present 60,000 tpa to 2,60,000tpa. NMDC CMD Shri Rana Som told Business Line that the company wants to eventually stop selling sponge iron in the domestic market. He said, We dont want to sell sponge iron in the market. We hope to sell steel in the market and use the enhanced sponge iron capacity to make steel." Tata steel to invest Rs 40,000 crore in 5 years Tata Steel proposes to invest Rs 40,000 crore over the next five years to increase its production capacity to 16 m.t.p.a. The company has decided to complete the expansion of its Jamshedpur plant from present 6.8 m.t.p.a to 10 m.t.p.a ahead of the schedule. It has also put its two greenfield projects in Chhattisgarh and Orissa on the fast track to reach 16 m.t capacity by 2014. Tata Steels Vice- President, Corporate services, Partha Sengupta said Downturn is best time to expand. So our greenfield projects would now be taken up on a priority basis. We have decided to invest close to Rs 40,000 crore for enhancing our capacity, of which 3 m.t capacity would come up in Chhattisgarh and Orissa besides 3.2 m.t brownfield expansion at Jamshedpur. The expansion of Jamshedpur plant is expected to be completed by the end of 2011 12. Two-phased divestment of NMDC on the envil NMDC Ltd. will tap the capital market in two phases. The government will first divest 8.38% of its equity stake through an initial public offer (IPO) in the current fianancial year, which will be followed by a follow-on offer (FPO) in 2010-11. The 8.38% stake sale is expected to raise about Rs 12,000 crore. A final approval has to be given by the Cabinet. NMDC CMD Shri Rana Som said We dont need to raise equity from the market to fund our expansion at this juncture. Disbursements for new projects are expected to start only from next year (201011). We may consider a follow-on offer after the government's offer sometime by 2010 end. Steel demand rises 8.9% in July 2009 During July 2009, the steel consumption grew at its fastest in over six months as demand picked up from (Continued on Page 8) November 2009

Mining Engineers' Journal

V.D. RAJAGOPAL
Director Mines & Geology (Govt. of A.P.), Vice President & MD APMDC, and President-MEAI

Directorate of Mines & Geology, VIII Floor, BRKR Bhavan, Near Tank Bund, Hyderabad - 500 063. Ph.: 040 - 23220649, Fax : 040 - 23225519 Mobile : 94408 17700

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

My dear colleagues, You are all aware of the magnitude of destruction caused by the recent floods in river Krishna and loss of lives and property. This is one of the worst floods in the last 100 years. Scores of people trapped in isolated and inaccessible areas were washed away, and many lost their lives in house collapses. Lakhs of people lost their houses and property, and are suffering without shelter. Large number of cattle perished in the flood waters. Many people could not go back to their places because more than one meter thick mud was left in their dwellings and near by areas forcing them take shelter in rehabilitation centers. People trapped in the floods have starved for days and still are starving without food and water for days. Several children died of hunger and cold weather. Presently the Government and other agencies are putting in their best efforts for the restoration of the lives of people. However, these efforts may not be sufficient when compared to the magnitude of loss and hardships faced by the people. Post-flood scenario is further grim as the epidemics like Cholera and other dreadful communicable deceases are spreading fast. It is need of the hour that we all must stand by them and extend the help in a small way. As you are all aware, the relief and assistance provided by the Government and other agencies may not be sufficient to meet the requirement of flood-affected people. As fellow human beings it is our moral duty to extend a helping hand to the suffering ones in cash or kind. Therefore, the Mining Engineers Association of India proposes to contribute liberally to the relief operations by way of donations and request the members of MEAI to contribute liberally for the cause. The donations may be forwarded to the MEAI headquarters so that the same will be consolidated at the headquarters and will be sent to the Chief Ministers Relief Funds of A. P. and Karnataka. I, therefore, appeal to all the members to contribute liberally by sending their contributions by demand draft / cheque on any local bank at Hyderabad in favour of Mining Engineers Association of India. The Chairmen of the Chapters are requested to contribute generously from their respective chapters funds through D.D.s / cheques drawn in favour of Mining Engineers Association of India. I once again reiterate that the contributions received from individuals and the Regional Chapters will be consolidated at the headquarters and forwarded to respective Chief Ministers Relief Funds of the affected states i.e., Andhra Pradesh and and Karnataka. Yours truly,

(V.D. Rajagopal)
Mining Engineers' Journal 7 November 2009

(Continued from Page 6) the automobile and engineering industries. Steel consumption rose 8.9% during the year to 4.49 m.t in July 2009, as the Steel Secretary Shri P.K. Rastogi told Dow Jones Newswires. He further said, The spurt in consumption is a good sign for the steel sector and the economy as whole.

ZINC

Karnataka plans integrated steel complex in BellaryHospet Government of Karnataka have decided to set up a 540sq.km. integrated steel complex in the Bellary Hospet area. Official sources said, Karnataka government are setting up a huge industrial zone in the Bellary Hospet area of the state wherein they have invited four companies, NMDC Ltd, Tata Steel, JSW and Brahmani to set up atleast 2 m.t.p.a capacity steel plants each. All the companies including NMDC are readily willing to do so provided they are assured adequate raw material, linkage and allied infrastructure benefits. ArcelorMittal to buy into Uttam Galva The Uttam Galva board in a recent meeting said that ArcelorMittal will make an open offer to the public share holders of Uttam Galva and obtain the right to nominate executive directors and veto powers. ArcelorMittal has signed a co-promoter agreement with Uttam Galva (Mumbai- based), in a bid to extend into India. Sudhir Maheswari (ArcelorMittal Group Management Board Member) said, India is a growing market and there is an expanding demand especially out of the white goods and automotive industry to which Uttam Galva supplies and we believe that we can provide them far more rapid development. No NMDC KIOCL Merger A high powered committee has opposed the merger of the ailing Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd (KIOCL) with NMDC Ltd. The Steel Ministry appointed Committee, led by former KIOCL CMD Shri P. Ganeshan, has infact rejected the option of merger.

Widening of zinc surplus According to Metal Bulletin Daily (MBD) report, worldwide zinc surplus increased to 273,000t in the first six months of 2009, as compared with a surplus of 121, 000t. in January June 2008. According to the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) a total of 5.35 m.t of refined zinc was produced in the first half of 2009, while only 5.08 m.t were consumed. Despite an increase in Chinese apparent usage of refined zinc metal of 12.1%, world demand felll by 11.5%. Demand for zinc decreased by 30.5% in Europe, 10.5% in the USA, 41% in Japan and 17.6% in the Republic of Korea.

URANIUM

Self sufficiency in uranium by 2013 India is expected to achieve self-sufficiency in uranium production by 2015, to feed its existing plants and proposed units. With the Jaduguda Uranium Mill in Jharkhand expansion and the proposed Turamdih mill expected to be commissioned over next year, uranium production would go up. Besides, exploration of uranium is underway at Tummalpalle in A.P. and it is expected to be on stream by 2013, according to Shri Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission Ltd. He also informed about the work at Gogi in Gulbarga of Karnataka to explore uranium.

CROMITE

COPPER

Rise in chrome metal prices According to Metal Bulletin Daily (MBD) report, prices of chromium metal increased as the market finally started taking support from the firm market of chrome ore. Alumino Thermic chromium metal basis 99% increased to trade at $ 7,900 8200/t. Business in the European market remains slim and sales are competitive, producers said, citing rising chrome ore and aluminium prices as the reason for the price rise. Chrome ore of South Africa is trading at $175-195/t basis 35-40% compared with this years low of $ 120/t in May 2009. Prices have risen on tight supply from South Africa and steady Chinese demand for ferro- alloy producers.

Summer correction may push copper prices down to $ 5000/t In its base metal forecasting monthly, London- based GFMS said - a copper correction was due before the end of the summer season, with an overall surplus of 2,45,000t. seen this year. Investor sentiment towards copper has been positive in the last few weeks and this continues to be the case, GFMS analysts said in the report. Although basic argument of strucutural tightness in the copper market is undoubtedly sound in the mediumterm, our projections continue to see consumption declines more than offsetting losses in production over the rest of the year. GFMS sees copper prices at between a $5000-6500/t range from August to November. 8

LITHIUM

Large Lithium deposits in Bolivia Lithium is gaining importance for its increased use in mobile phones, digital cameras, solvents, greases, fluxes, glass and biggest use in batteries for electric/ hybrid vehichles, helping in cutting carbon emissions. The majority of known resources are in the Bolivian Altiplano and some deposits scattered in Salars in Chile, Argentina , China and America. Bolivia has the biggest known deposits and is considered to have about 50% of global lithium resources. Many countries like China, Japan and France have shown interest in these deposits but according to Mineweb report Bolivia says the winner November 2009

Mining Engineers' Journal

will be the company that presents a viable plan to develop a full- fledged lithium industry in the landlocked South American country, going far beyond building a plant.

BAUXITE

started late on CBM. As compared to China which drilled 3500 CBM wells, 280 CBM wells were drilled in India so far. Besides Essar, other CBM players were London Listed Great Eastern Corp. (GEEC), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.

Nalco gets 2 AP mines The centre has approved the Andhra Pradesh governments proposal to award leasing right to National Aluminium Company Ltd (Nalco) over Gudem and Katamraju Konda blocks in Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh. The estimated resources in these two blocks are 85 m.t. Nalco proposes to set up a 14,00,000t greenfield refinery at Makavarapalem in Visakhapatnam district with an estimated investment of Rs 6000 crore. Nalco- CMD Shri C.R. Pradhan said "We will be able to complete the project in 5 years. Nalco proposes to supply alumina from the Visakhapatnam refinery to its proposed smelter in Indonesia.

COAL

Coal India proposes subsidiary in Mozambique Coal India Ltd (CIL) was awarded two coal blocks in Mozambique in March 2009. A top CIL official told Business Standard, "CIL will form a separate company for carrying out coal mining activities in Mozambique. This company will be a fully owned subsidiary of CIL and will forge a joint venture (JV) with a state run mining firm in Mozambique. The CIL subsidiary will have 85% stake in the JV, while the remaining 15% will be held by the Mozambique based company. The two coal blocks A1 and A2 are in Tete province of Mozambique having an estimated reserve of one billion tonne. Essar to spend $ 350 million on coal bed methane As per London Commodity News Report, Essar Exploration & Production India Ltd., proposes to spend some $350 million in the next 3-4 years to fund drilling of 500 wells in coal-based methane (CBM) block in eastern part of India. Essar E&P (a unit of Essar Oil) will also start selling gas from the coal-rich eastern Raniganj block from December 2009, and will extract 3 million cubic feet/day of coal seam gas by March 2010, as told by firms GM Shri S.K. Singh. He also informed on the sidelines of a CBM conference in Singapore that the production is expected to touch 100 million cubic feet by 2013/ 2014 as the firm expands its drilling, and they have ready customers in the industrial belt of India from steel to power plants. Meanwhile, the firm laid a pipeline (25-30 km) linking gas from the producing CBM wells to the industry. He said that their plan is to hook up to the national gas grid. Essar, which owns 100% of the 500 km2 Raniganj block, will receive a reserves certification from Sewell & Associates Inc. Netherland. The Raniganj block was awarded to Essar in 2005, and is estimated to have 2.15 trillion cubic feet of coal-bed methane resources. India

Coal India eyeing tie-up with global mining firms Coal India Ltd (CIL) is looking for tie up with global mining firms to jointly mine for coal abroad (Indonesia, Australia, South Africa and the US). CIL Chairman Shri Partha S. Bhattacharyya told reporters at an industry event, We have floated global expression of interest for a strategic partnership with global mining firms such as BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Anglo American. We will seek equity partnership in their companies. CIL is sitting on Rs. 30,000 crore cash reserve and he added, They (Global mining firms) have the technology but not the money. We have the money. Things will be clear when the offers come and they (companies) make a presentation. He further informed that the CIL plans to directly import 4 m.t of coal in the current fiscal. UMPP bidders may not get coal from domestic mines Bidders of new Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPP) may not get assured coal supplies from local mines. As per proposed changes in the UMPP policy, all future projects of 4,000 m.w generation capacity each, will have to rely on imported coal to produce power. The move is aimed at protecting the limited resource of coal in the country for providing fuel linkages to small and medium sized power plants.

DIAMOND.

Rio-Tinto may invest $ 100 million in research for MP diamond mines Rio Tinto Diamonds proposes to invest $75-100 million on a pre-feasibility study of its M.P. project. Bruce Cox(MD of Rio Tinto Diamonds) said, We plan to start a pre-feasibility study at the Bunder Diamond project in Madhya Pradesh and invest $75-100 billion by early 2010. If the study shows that the project is viable, the company would consider further investments, said Mr. Cox. He also said, We could then invest a further $300400 million over the next 4-5 years. The most advanced exploration project is at Bunder in MP where Rio Tinto has discovered a cluster of eight diamondiferous lamporites, and has already spent $25 million in last 5 years on diamond exploration. The reconnaissance work has resulted in the discovery of more than 15 pipes with Rio Tintos Bunder project, set to be a world class diamond mine. Mr. Cox said, We would be delighted to be mining and marketing Indian diamonds in the nottoo-distant future. Rio Tinto brings home the worlds costliest diamond Rio Tinto has launched the pink diamond in India. November 2009

Mining Engineers' Journal

Proposed to be sold through tenders, the diamonds were opened for public viewing at New Delhi. Pink diamonds cost atleast 20 times more than processed white diamonds and only 40 to 60 pieces are available worldwide. They are mined at Argyle mine (Western Australia) and processed in Perth where only 50 such diamonds are processed every year, making them the worlds rarest gems as stated by Bruce Cox, Rio Tinto Diamonds MD said.

moving to a different place. He added, Posco has informed me that it would be moving to a different place as it is facing problems in the acquisition of land. They could probably shift to a new plot of land but did not elaborate if it was within or outside the state.

Big diamond found in South Africa A 515 carat white diamond has been recovered from Cullinan diamond mine of South Africa. Diamond trade seeks direct Russian supply A Surat trade body has appealed to Russia to route its diamonds directly to India instead of supplying it through Antwerp in Belgium. The Surat Diamond Association (SDA) President Shri Rohit Mehta met the Russian Council General M.R. Alexander V. Mantysky in Mumbai and discussed various measures needed for the development of Surat's diamond industry, an Association statement said.

Goa to close all iron ore mines near wildlife sancturies . The Goa Government has taken a decision to close all mines located in less than a kilometer from wildlife sanctuaries. The decision is likely to affect nearly one third of Goas 163 licensed mines that are located near sancturies and is expected to have an adverse impact on states iron ore trade with China. Recently, the state government has guaranteed to close down all mining companies that continue excavation even after their permits lapsed. Forest Ministry likely to relax norms for pilot coalmining projects Coal India Ltd. may finally expect some headway in prospecting coal reserves in forest areas. The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), following an inter-ministrial meeting, has decided to relax the existing norms for pilot projects. The MoEF, it is learnt, may go for suitable policy changes in this regard based on detailed impact assessment of the pilot projects. It recently appointed a nodal officer to deal with CILs application for pilot drilling in three blocks in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa. 12,00,000 ha. forests lost in 29 years As per the Governments own assessment, the nations total forest land diverted for non-forest purposes since 1980, when the Forest Conservation Act came into being, stands at a staggering 11,82,000 hactares. A MoEF official said, The figure is based on the details provided by different state governments. There have been varied accounts of it. But now that we have an official figure about the total forest land diverted, it should put to rest all speculations over the exact forest cover loss. With the Supreme Court clearing the decks for the utilization of the ad hoc Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds, the Government has now fixed a target for states to under take compensatory afforestation in a total area covering 13,04,000 ha. It will include 7,50,000 ha of degraded forest land and 5,54,000 ha of non-forest land. States with the maximum forest land diversions are Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Kerala and Orissa. As things stand, the MoEF has cleared 18,952 cases of forest land diversion in 33 states and Union Territories, barring Jammu and Kashmir (where the FCA 1980, is not applicable) and Pondicherry. It entails a total forest land diversion of 11.82 ha. Indias forest cover stands at 6,77,00,000 ha. which is nearly 21% of the nations total November 2009

OIL & NATURAL GAS

Gail signs deals to source and supply gas from Cauvery Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL) has signed contracts for sourcing natural gas from PY-1 fields in the Cauvery basin. Gail signed a longterm gas sales contract (GSC) with Hindustan Oil Exploration Company (HOEC) for the PY-1 gas. Gail also entered into a back-to-back agreement to supply the gas from PY-1 to PPN Power Generating Company for its power plant at Nagapattinum in Tamilnadu. The GSC is for 15 years, for the first six years, Gail will buy 51,000 million British thermal units of gas from PY-1 per day. The duration can be extended on mutually agreed terms.

GENERAL

Centre to step in for extension of mineral lease agreements The Central government will step in if states delay in extending lease agreements with companies to mine minerals within specified time limit. The Centre will extend mineral lease agreements with companies for a period of 20 years if states fail to grant it within a period of 24 months prior to the expiry of mineral lease agreement. The proposal has been included as part of the amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulations) Act also known as MMDR Act which is expected to get Parliaments approval during the winter season. POSCO shifting plant Union Mines Minister Shri B.K. Handique said that Posco, facing problems of land acquisition in Orissa, would be 10

Mining Engineers' Journal

geographical area. The Government plans to increase it to 33% by 2012, but as per Environment Minister Jairam Rameshs own admission, it is a difficult proposition.

Magnetite ore for steel making Gindalbie (MD and CEO of Garret Dixon) explains that magnetite with its low Fe content can be easily upgraded and is suitable for processing into iron ore pellets. The magnetic properties of magnetite enable it to be readily refined into an iron ore concentrate. The processing route for magnetite requires crushing, screening, grinding, magnetic separation, filtering and drying. The final product is a high iron grade magnetite concentrate (+65% Fe), with typically very low impurities. Further processing involves the agglomeration and thermal treatment of the concentrate to produce pellets, which can be used directly in a blast furnace or direct reduction steel making plant. In the modern steel production the use of iron ore pellets accounts for approximately 50% of global iron ore production. The additional processing cost for the production of magnetite concentrate can be offset by the premium price which it attracts from steel mills because of the high Fe% content compared to benchmark DSO hematite products. Gindalbie further notes, Magnetite has been greatly misunderstood and undervalued by the market it is regarded in Australia as a less attractive proposition. However, the availability of cheaper energy combined with increased global iron ore and steel demand is changing this perspective. Moreover magnetite concentrate can be upgraded upto 68-69% Fe." Mines Safety Association Karnataka organized a seminar Mines Safety Assocaiton, Karnataka under the aegis of Directoratre General of Mines Safety organized a National Seminar on Challenges in the changed scenario of mining on September 12 & 13, 2009 at J.N. Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (Karnataka). 25 technical papers were presented in six technical sessions on two days. NMDC gets award for CSR activity "NMDC Ltd. (a Navratna PSU) has been conferred with the India Pride Award for CSR excellence for the year 2008-09. The NMDC - CMD, Shri Rana Som, received the award from the Home Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram in New Delhi," the company said. The award has been given in recognition of NMDC's sustained efforts for improvement of quality life of the under privileged through various innovative corporate social responsibility initiatives. During the current financial year NMDC has partnered with the state branch of Indian Red Cross Society for establishment of a multidisciplinary hospital in Hyderabad

apart from providing financial assistance to various social organizations. Earlier, NMDC had supported education of meritorious students belonging to poor families from government schools, provided aid to all the special schools for hearing impaired in and around twin cities, conducted free medical health check up camps in Rythu Bazaar, suppor ted National Rapid Blitz Chess Championships at Hyderabad and also various sports events for physically challenged children.

NMDC donation towards Flood Relief Fund for A.P. NMDC Limited donated Rs.5 crores to Chief Ministers Relief Fund to extend helping hand to flood affected people of Andhra Pradesh. Shri Rana Som, CMD, NMDC handed over the cheque to Shri K. Rosaiah, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in presence of Shri A. Sai Prathap, Hon'ble Minister of State for Steel, Government of India and Directors of NMDC. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy of NMDC is proactive towards natural calamities and always comes forward to help the concerned. To meet this end, NMDCs CSR policy provides adequate fund provisions in its budget. In pursuit of this policy, NMDC had extended financial support to flood relief measures in various states in the past. NMDC with its headquarters at Hyderabad has been contributing its mite to help the people by providing facilities for healthcare, education, civic amenities etc. in the state of Andhra Pradesh. BAUMA 2010, 29th International Trade Fair 29th International Trade Fair - Bauma 2010 will be held at New Munich Trade Fair Centre during April 19-25, 2010. It will present an unrivalled range of products and services for the benifit of manufacturers of machinery, for construction, mining, transportation etc. Bauma is a hub for international business and an important venue for gathering information and establishing contacts, where mining, building and construciton experts from all over the world will meet and can get latest information about state-of-the-art technology. India will be the partner country at Bauma 2010. Several high-level delegations and prominent visitors from India will visit BAUMA 2010 and use this platform for developing new business contacts. Further a half day Symposium on Construction and Infrastructure Sector and Mining Industry in India would be organised during Bauma 2010. For any detailed information one may contact Shri Rajesh Nath, M.D., German Engineering Federation (VDMA), GC-34, Salt Lake, Sector-III, Kolkata - 700 106. Tel. : 033-2321 7391/9522. Fax : 033-23217073, Email : vdmaindia@eth.net, Website : www.vdma.org

Mining Engineers' Journal

11

November 2009

COAL BED METHANE FROM A LIABILITY TO AN ASSET

Dipesh Dipu

Abstract
Coal bed methane (CBM) has the potential of wrecking havoc in underground mining operations and creating green house effects. Methane has been the key reason for explosions and fatalities in mines. Unchecked liberation of methane, through opencast mining has climate change implications as methane is about 21 times greenhouse strength than carbon dioxide. Thus far, in India, with little effort to tap methane from the coal beds, the gas with potential to fuel power generation and transportation has remained a liability. There have been developments that indicate an increasingly greater focus being given to tap these resources through allocating CBM coal blocks to private and government companies. Three rounds of CBM block allocations have been done. The latest round (CBM III) attracted 54 bids for 10 blocks, including bids from international majors. The ten blocks are spread over West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, and have reserves of 586 billion cubic meters of methane. The results from CBM rounds have been encouraging as one of the private sector players has begun commercial production of coal bed methane in the eastern part of the country. This paper analyzes the regulatory and commercial aspects of coal bed methane, the financial feasibility, fiscal incentives that may provide appropriate incentives for further development of CBM, and business models for exploration, assessment and commercial deployment. The paper also analyzes the impacts of policies in the energy sector, coal mining sector in particular, which may have significant bearing on development of CBM resources in India, which include competitive bidding, production or profit sharing, royalty regimes, public-private partnerships and financing structures. A prudent policy making that provides conducive investment environment can result in a liability being effectively converted into energy asset.
1. Introduction CBM is generated either through a biological process as a result of microbial action or from a thermal process as a result of increasing heat within the depths of the coal. Often a coal seam is saturated with water, with the methane being held in the coal by the water pressure. In order to produce CBM, water is pumped out of the coal seams, therefore reducing the pressure and allowing the gas to leave the coal and migrate through fracture systems into the well. Methane was once regarded by miners as a hazard rather than a resource and many miners died in methane explosions before the introduction of high-capacity ventilation to dilute gasses. However, if methane is not recaptured it is not only lost as a resource but contributes to global warming. Even though the volume of methane contributing to greenhouse gasses is three times smaller than carbon dioxide, its greenhouse potential is 21 times higher. Coal mining is estimated to cause about 9 per cent of global methane emissions. Methane captured during coal mining could be a significant, ecologically friendly source of energy, producing no particulates and only about half the CO2 associated with coal combustion. Depending on quality methane from mines could be sold to gas companies, used to generate electricity, used to run vehicles, used as feedstock for fertilizer or methanol production, used in blast furnace operators at steelworks; sold to other industrial, domestic or commercial enterprises; or used on-site to dry coal. In the USA today coal bed methane (CBM) represents between two and three per cent of all gas production. It is estimated that in India, the largest coal producer in the world, there are around 20,000 sq km of area where CBM capture could be carried out and that the countrys recoverable reserves of methane are 800 billion cubic meters, with a gas production potential of 105 million cubic meters a day over 20 years. 2. Policy on Coal Block allocation for CBM Government of India is involved through CMPDI/CIL in delineation of prospective of CBM blocks, sharing of coal data, and allotment of block to interested parties through nomination or FIPB and evolving policy for CBM. In 1997, a

Principal Consultant Mining & Metals PricewaterhouseCoopers India, Dipesh.dipu@in.pwc.com Mining Engineers' Journal 12 November 2009

CBM policy was framed by Govt. of India, wherein MoP&NG (Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas) has been earmarked as an administrative ministry and DGH (Directorate General of Hydrocarbons) as nodal agency for promoting CBM in India and made MOP&NG as the administrative ministry for CBM. The main laws governing CBM exploration and production in India are listed below: Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948 Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 1959 Environment Protection Act, 1986 Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 Income Tax Act, 1961 Customs Act, 1962. Major fiscal incentives offered by Government of India in July 1997 for CBM policy are: No participative interest from GOI. Allotment of blocks through competitive global bidding. Exploration and development under confessional type of agreement through model contract. Seven year tax holiday from the date of commencement of commercial production. Nominal commercial bonus of US $ 0.3 million on declaration of commercial assessment. Freedom to sell gas at market driven price in domestic market Income tax 35% for Indian company and 48% for foreign company. Provision of 100% cost recovery. Exemption on custom duty on imported equipments. For CBM exploitation 100% foreign direct investment is allowed. Carbon credit is available for coalmine methane and abandoned mine methane. 3. CBM in India Present Scenario and allocation status As of now, three rounds of competitive bidding for CBM blocks have already been done in which 26 coal blocks covering an area of 13600 Sq. Km and having more than 1.5 trillion cubic metre of resources has been awarded. In these three rounds of CBM policy 23 CBM blocks were awarded through international competitive bidding, two blocks on nomination basis and one through Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) route. For next round of bidding, CMPDIL has delineated 7 additional CBM blocks along with corresponding data packages. These have prognosticated resources of 460 BCM in about area of 4400 sq. km. First round for CBM blocks allocation: For the first time, Government of India offered CBM blocks in May 2001 for exploration and production through an international competitive bidding process. In total 6 blocks were offered in the CBM-I for allocation. Reliance Industries, Essar Oil Ltd., and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) won the bids for the blocks. Mining Engineers' Journal 13

Second round for CBM blocks allocation: Under second round of bidding 9 blocks were offered through international competitive bidding in May 2003 with bid closing date of 15th October 2003. Total of 14 bids were received for 8 out of 9 blocks offered. Contracts for these 8 awarded blocks were signed in June 2004. Third round for CBM blocks allocation: International competitive bids were invited by GOI for 10 CBM blocks under third round of CBM bidding with bid closing date of 30th June 2006. There was an overwhelming response to the CBM III round of bidding. For the first time major E&P companies participated in the CBM-III bidding round. A total of 54 bids were received for all the 10 blocks, from 26 companies including 8 foreign and 18 Indian companies. All the 10 blocks received multiple bids. 4. Bid evaluation for CBM block allocation The CBM blocks are being awarded through international competitive bidding. The bids are invited from the interested parties and evaluated and block is offered to the party offering most competitive bid. The analysis of the bid evaluation criteria indicates that Bid evaluation is based on three criteria as indicated below. The weightages that are assigned to each of them are indicated against them. Serial A B C Criteria Technical Capability Work Programme Fiscal Package Weightage 20 45 35

Technical Capability: In the evaluation of technical capability, following points are being considered:

Oil and gas acreage holding, CBM acreage holding Average annual production of oil & gas for 3 years, Average annual production of CBM for 3 years Bidder experience as an operator in exploration and / or development and/ or production of oil & gas and CBM (years) Technical assessment by the bidder of block(s)

Work Programme: Following points phase wise for committed minimum work programme will be given Exploration Phase (I) Pilot Assessment Phase (IIA) Total Points 35 10 45 November 2009

Fiscal Package: The Government Take (i.e the ratio of Government NPV to project NPV expressed in percentage terms) at a 10% discount rate, is being calculated and considered for giving points. The Government Take will include Production Level Payment (PLP) offered to the Government. Government Take will be estimated under three field reserves sizes (low, most likely and high) and three Gas Price scenario (low, medium, high). The bidder offering the highest Government Take is being awarded the maximum 35 points and other bidders will be awarded points proportionately computed with reference to the Government Take of the highest bidder. 5. Issues in coal bed methane development and regional comparison Key issues in the development of coal bed methane are CBM operating costs are typically higher than with

conventional natural gas. Fiscal incentives may be required to improve the competitiveness of the production of CBM gas; Whether an adequate experience is available in the market in exploiting the CBM. CBM operations are unlike oil and gas wells or coal mining; The CBM reserves are buried deep in the earths surface which creates poor permeability and a lengthy dewatering stage; A lack of infrastructure (e.g. pipeline) and difficult terrain hamper access to the CBM reserves; Potential mismatch of supply and demand for domestic use, particularly eastern part of the country; Land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement, environmental clearances, forest clearances, and water disposal complexity; and Uncertain Fiscal regime for the CBM PSC framework.

The comparison table for resource estimates and investments in Asian countries is presented below:

Regional Comparison Resources and Investments Country Indonesia China India Vietnam Resources (Tcf) 450 1,000 300 Unknown Regulatory Framework PSC PSC PSC PSC No. of contracts signed 7 29 26 2 Stage of Operation Exploration and Feasibility Study First Production in November 2005 First Production in July 2007 Exploration and Feasibility Study Investment USD 20M (commitment, 2009-2011) USD 342M (actual, up to 2007) USD 150M (commitment) USD 1.5M (commitment, 1 PSC only)

The comparison table of fiscal regimes for coal bed methane development in Asian countries is presented below: Fiscal Regime for CBM
Country CIT Rate Tax Holiday Import Duties For Capital Goods VAT CBM Import of Capital Goods Domestic Consumption Pricing Royalties Equity Split (G : C)

Indonesia

28%

No tax holiday No tax holiday*

No exemption Possible exemption (until 2010)

Not subject 5%

10%

10%. Refundable Market upon production price

N/A

Generally 55% : 45%

China

33% (possible reduced to 25%)

Exempted

Market Up to Generally price 12.5%(pay 85% : 15% in kind)

(Continued on Page 20) Mining Engineers' Journal 14 November 2009

SUCCESSFUL DELINEATION OF HIDDEN GALLERIES IN BARRIERS OF WATERLOGGED UNDERGROUND COAL MINES BY ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY SURVEY METHOD
A. P. Singh* & P. K. Gupta* 1.0 Introduction The coal barrier is the solid portion of the coal, left purposely in between two adjacent underground coal mines at their common boundary line. The statutory requirement of coal barrier as per Coal Mine Regulation No. 127, Part (3) [In India] stipulated by DGMS (DGMS Circular 2003) states that No working which has approached within a distance of 60 m of any other working (not being the working which has been physically examined and found to be free from accumulation of water or other liquid matter or any material that is likely to flow when wet) and whether in the same mine or in an adjoining mine, shall be extended further except with the prior permission in writing of the Regional Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. The problem with coal barrier (parting) starts, when the left coal barrier is excessively robbed out during development work in the form of Bords (galleries) and Pillars under normal practice due to either pressure of achieving targeted coal production or due to incorrect dimensions of the coal barrier reflected by the joint underground mine plans as well as due to non-availability of old mine plans. The concept of hidden water filled galleries can be envisaged by an example. Say there is a coal seam, whose gradient is 1 in 20 or so. Cover depth from the surface is 100 m. From 100 - 150 m depth, the extraction of coal has been done using Bord and Pillar method of mining. Firstly, the development has been done then depillaring and then that mine has become abandoned and later on waterlogged. After 10-50 years, another mine has been started in the same area to extract the same coal seam from say 200 - 150 m depth in dip side. At 150 m depth level, there has to be coal barrier as per the CMR 127 part (3) of 60 m in between the earlier waterlogged workings at rise side and newly started mine in dip side. Following the regulation, the newly started underground mines tries to leave 60 m coal barrier as per their joint mine plan during development. But sometimes, the development work near to the common boundary line even after leaving sufficient barrier of 60 m from the old abandoned waterlogged workings, touches the developed water filled galleries of old water logged workings and causes heavy casualties due to mine inundation. These developed water filled galleries are actually the hidden water filled galleries because their actual locations are not marked authentically on the underground mine plans. These galleries are also kept hidden because they are developed at the cost of safety. One of the biggest examples of inundation disaster in the history of Indian coal mines is the Chasnala mine inundation disaster, where 375 people lost their lives. The disaster occurred during December 1975 in Jharia Coal field (Rakesh & Lele 1980). Before nationalization of coal mines in 1970 and after nationalization, the ownership of coal mines changed several hands from time to time one of the reasons for unavailability of actual underground mine plans of old waterlogged underground mines and presence of hidden water filled galleries within the so called coal barriers. The present paper deals with the successful delineation of these hidden water filled galleries with in the coal barriers at common boundary line between two underground coal mines (workings in same seam) using Electrical Resistivity Survey (ERS) Method. The ERS is an indirect geophysical method, which has been successfully utilized for characterization of physical properties of earth strata where direct method is not feasible. This survey can be done either from surface or through underground as per the situation demands. ERS has been recommended as one of the suitable approaches for determination of coal barrier thickness or presence of any water body with in the coal mine with accuracy of more than 98% by DGMS (DGMS Circular 2003). The Electrical Resistivity Survey (ERS) has been utilized for exploration in hard rock area (Chandra et. al., 2004). The ERS has been successfully used for delineation of abandoned waterlogged working in USA (Burdick et. al., 1986). In Indian geo-mining condition the ERS has been utilized in following different collieries with more or less same objective:

Determination of thickness and strength of coal barrier in between Talcher & Handidhua collieries, MCL [CIMFR (Erstwhile CMRI) Unpubl. Report, 2003]. Determination of coal barrier thickness against waterlogged workings of Orient Area, MCL [CIMFR (Erstwhile CMRI) Unpubl. Report, 2004]. Determination of coal barrier thickness in between waterlogged old workings and present workings of Birsinghpur colliery, SECL [CIMFR (Erstwhile CMRI) Unpubl. Report, 2006]. Proving the thickness of intervening barrier between 1&2 Pits (Abandoned) Madhusudanpur & Madhusudanpur 7

* Scientists, Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research, Dhanbad - 826015 Email: apsingh_bhu@yahoo.com Mining Engineers' Journal 15 November 2009

Pit & Incline Mine with delineation of two drifts [CIMFR (Erstwhile CMRI) Unpubl. Report, 2008].

The same task has also been done at different collieries of Nimcha (ECL), Khottadih (ECL), Kuardih (ECL) & West Jhagrakhand (SECL).

ORISSA

ERS is based on ohms law, which tells the easiness or difficulty of current flow in different or specific media in terms of resistance. Its application has been extended to delineate the presence and flow of subsurface water with in the earth strata, in analogy with current flow. The resistivity offered by the earth strata is termed as apparent resistivity. Apparent because it utilizes the standardized voltage difference. The apparent resistivity (ohm m) is calculated as per following empirical formula (Dobrin, 1960).

a
Where,

G V I
= Apparent resistivity = Geometric factor depending upon geo-electrode configuration and geo-mining condition = Potential voltage difference

a
G

I = Current intensity
2.0 Location, geology and geography of the study area The colliery where the study has been done is Hingir Rampur V Figure 1: Location map of area under study colliery geographically located at P.O: Brajrajnagar, District Jharsuguda (Orissa). The geographic coordinates of the area 3.0 Problem faced by the coal mine are Latitude North 210 48 to 210 52 and Longitude East 830 There is travelling roadway between 15L to 71L in underground 53 to 830 57. The location map of area under study is working of Hingir Rampur colliery. It has length of about 2 kms illustrated in Figure 1. The Hingir Rampur colliery is presently and is against the old waterlogged workings or goaf of Pit No. working with Rampur coal seam, whose overall thickness 5 (Seam No. 1) dated 30/09/1970 to 30/03/1973 and also old varies in the range of 18-35 m. Rampur coal seam has one workings of 9 & 11 Pits dated 30/03/1963 to 31/12/1974. The underlying Ib coal seam and one overlying Lajkura coal seam. travelling roadway has been associated with excess problem Rampur coal seam is the major coal seam of Orient area in Ib of coal spalling from the side wall towards old waterlogged river valley. Regionally, it belongs to Gondwana coal formation. goafs on account of huge quantity of water. The DGMS It is one of the oldest coal seam in the country, where bord Bhubaneswar region during inspection of Hingir Rampur Colliery and pillar mining was adapted after the construction of Bengal in August 2003, advised Orient Area mine management to Nagpur Railway line in 1925. The huge thickness of Rampur ascertain the coal barrier thickness in between traveling coal seam has allowed to work into different sections through roadway and old waterlogged workings as also shown in Figure 2 & Figure 3. various collieries; resulted in several disused workings, which became waterlogged in due course of time (Singh, 1997). 4.0 Result and discussions Rampur coal seam has overlying Lajkura coal seam, where The ERS data has been generated with the use of different extraction is going on through opencast mining. Similarly, offset system as per existing local geo-mining condition along Rampur coal seam has underlying high quality Ib coal seam with limitation of instrument (Barker, 1981). The ERS data has and is under development stage at nearby Hirakhand Bundia been interpreted with use of standard master curve matching mine as shown in Figure 1. Rampur coal seam is prone towards (Griffith et al., 1993). coal spalling (falling of coal from the roof or from side walls) due to high moisture content, longer contact period with water During instrumentation for the determination of coal barrier thickness between travelling roadway and old waterlogged and presence of vitrain band in travelling roadway. Mining Engineers' Journal 16 November 2009

goafs of 30/6/73, 30/9/72, 31/3/72, 30/9/71 and 30/9/70 (Also shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3), it has been found that the coal barrier is in between 34 - 52 m. For this, instrumentation was conducted at 17 sites namely HR1-HR17. Later on, when instrumentation was done in between 55L 63L at sites HR18, HR19, HR23 HR29 as also in Figure 4, it has been found that there is presence of water filled galleries, which have been developed up to the distance of 20m from the 63L. The results of the instrumentation at HR18, HR19 & HR23 HR29 are summarized in Table 1. The dimensions of the two water filled galleries delineated in between 55L-63L is depicted in layout1. The old water filled workings have been noticed at 30 m distance from the 63L during May 2004. The instrumentation has been again done during August 2004 and it has been found that these galleries are ending at a distance of 20 m from the 63L or 10 m from the extended 2nd Rise and 3rd Rise into the virgin coal seam as reflected by the part of U/g plan of HR/ SUR/04/02 dated 15.5.04 of Hingir Rampur Colliery as Figure 4. The instrumentation at different sites in between 55L-63L is described here as following as per Table 1:

HR23 site: The coal barrier thickness has been found as 54 m and the first gallery has been encountered at a distance of 54m and continued up to 60 m. Thus a water filled gallery of 6 m width has been confirmed. HR24 site: The coal barrier thickness has been found as 42 m against the traveling roadway and the first gallery has been encountered at a distance of 42 m and found continued up to 51 m from the traveling roadway. Thus, the presence of first water filled gallery has been confirmed. On the same site, it has been also found that there is presence of one more gallery at a distance of 62 m and found continued up to 70 m. Thus the second water filled gallery of 8m has been confirmed. HR19 site: The coal barrier thickness has been found as 43 m and the first and second galleries have been encountered at a distance of 43 m and 64 m respectively. Their widths have been found as 10 m and 6 m. HR25 site: The coal barrier thickness has been found as 43 m and the first and second galleries have been

Figure 2: Old waterlogged workings against the traveling roadway and Instrumentation sites HR1 HR6 between 17L-28L

Figure 3: Old waterlogged workings against the traveling roadway and Instrumentation sites HR7 HR17 between 31L-55L Mining Engineers' Journal 17 November 2009

WORKINGS OF PIT NO. 5 SEAM NO. 1 30-09-70 GOAF

Figure 4: Instrumentation sites HR18, HR19 & HR23 HR29 between 55L-63L

Layout 1: Dimensions of the delineated galleries in between 55L 63L

encountered at a distance of 43 m and 63 m respectively.

HR18 site: The coal barrier thickness has been found as 44 m and the first gallery has been encountered at a distance of 44 m and found continued up to 54 m. 18

HR18 & HR19 sites: These sites were instrumented in May 2004, when it was not expected to encounter any water filled gallery/working with in the virgin coal block reflected by the part of u/g plan No. HR/SUR/04/02 dated November 2009

Mining Engineers' Journal

15.5.2004 of Hingir Rampur Colliery as also shown in Figure 3. Other than HR18 & HR19 sites, all sites have been instrumented in August 2004 to ascertain the actual dimensions of these hidden workings.

at a distance of 20 m from the HR29 site, which is in the same alignment of 63L. All the dimensions of galleries obtained at nine different sites are depicted in the layout 1. 5.0 Conclusion Delineation of two water filled galleries in the coal barrier of Hingir Rampur colliery against waterlogged workings has been done successfully using Electrical Resistivity Survey method. As per the history of fatalities during accidents in underground coal mines, the inundation accidents contributed around 47% of the total fatalities. Inundation occurs, when the present working of any underground coal mine approaches to any adjacent old waterlogged workings and the aforesaid galleries, which are present with in the solid barrier get connected with the workings due to the lack of authentic information. Thus unknown galleries with in the solid coal barrier became the reason for inundation accidents. The galleries delineated at Hingir Rampur colliery were not the simple galleries but were the extended portion of very huge waterlogged workings of 30/9/1970, 31/3/1972, 30/9/1972 and 30/6/1973 containing millions of gallons of water as shown in Figure 2 & 3.

HR26 site: The coal barrier thickness has been found as 44 m and the first and second galleries have been encountered at 44 m and 64 m respectively. HR27 site: The coal barrier thickness has been found as 44 m and only the first gallery could be assessed due to limited span for instrumentation. Here the first gallery has been encountered at a distance of 44 m. To ascertain the end points of those two galleries, the instrumentation was done along 63L in front of or in centre of these two water filled galleries approaching towards 63L opposite to 30/9/70 dated goaf.

HR28 site: The first gallery has been found ended at a distance of 20 m from the instrumentation site, which is in the same alignment of 63L, otherwise this 20 m CBT will be further reduced by 10 m due to the protruding 10 m along gallery part into the so called virgin coal block. HR29 site: Similarly, the second gallery has been found

S.N.

Table 1: Determination of distance, extent and width of two water filled galleries from the travelling roadway against 55L - 63L and also the coal barrier thickness at sites HR18, HR19 & HR23-HR29 through ERS Sites Location Observed Coal barrier thickness by ERS (m) Distance, extent and width of first encountered water filled gallery w.r.t. the travelling roadway (m) 54, 54 60 and 6 42, 42 51 and 9 43, 43 53 and 10 43, 43 51 and 8 44, 44 54 and 10 44, 44 52 and 8 44, 44 52 and 8 First gallery at a distance of 20 m from the 63L --Distance, extent and width of solid coal between two galleries w.r.t. the travelling roadway (m) --51, 51 62 and 11 53, 53 64 and 11 51, 51 63 and 12 --52, 52 64 and 12 --Distance, extent and width of second encounte-red water filled gallery w.r.t. the travelling roadway (m) --62, 62 70 and 8 --63, 63 73 and 10 --64, 64 74 and 10 --Distance of first and second water filled galleries from the 63L (m)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

HR23 HR24 HR19 HR25 HR18 HR26 HR27 HR28

Between 56L & 57L Center of 58L In between 59L & 60L Center of 60L 6m towards 61L from 60L At 61L 2m behind 62L towards 61L In line with 63L at centre of junction of 2nd Rise In line with 63L edge facing goaf and also 4m from 3rd Rise towards 2nd Rise

54 42 43 43 44 44 44 20

--------------First gallery at a distance of 20 m from the 63L Second gallery at a distance of 20 m

-----

--Second gallery at a distance of 20 m from the 63L

HR29

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Delineation of two hidden water filled galleries was the matter of great achievement in this direction. It was not intentionally done. It happened to came in picture, when the coal barrier proving study was continuing. Due to those two extended water filled galleries, the solid coal left for 63L was only 10 m (for developed galleries from the 63L) and 20 m (for 63L). As per the Coal mine regulation 127 (Part 3), it was very less, which advocates for 60 m coal barrier against any waterlogged working. After this study and recommendations of report, the mine management stopped any further development activity towards those water filled galleries with immediate effect and decided to build stopping to isolate that portion to avert any disastrous water inundation accident. Earlier, it was mine management plan to start development towards those galleries, since those galleries were not marked on the recent updated underground mine plan No HR/SUR/04/02 dated 15/5/2004 available with mine management. Before nationalization of coal mines and till now, the ownership of underground coalmines has changed several hands from time to time. Therefore, it is advisable to present mine managements to confirm the authenticity of old mine plans available to them with respect to the status of any coal barrier for presence of any offending gallery, if the barrier is existing against any waterlogged workings to avert any disastrous condition in future and also for the sake of providing safe as well as better environment to the workers employed there. 6.0 Acknowledgement The authors are grateful to Director CIMFR, Dhanbad for providing encouragement and permission to publish the paper. They are also grateful to Dr T. N. Singh (Former Director, CMRI, Dhanbad) for providing suggestions and critical views. The authors are also acknowledging the facilities provided by the mine management of Hingir Rampur Colliery to execute this (Continued from Page 14)
India 41.8% for 7 years up- Exempted Project Office on production stage 20% to 25% [?]

study. The views expressed in this paper are of authors only and in no way reflect the views of organization to which they belong. 7.0 References
1. 2. Burdick R G, Syndr L E & Kymbrough W F (1986), A method for locating abandoned mine, USBM publication, RI No. 9030, 27p. Chandra S., Anand Rao V. & Singh V. S. (2004), A combined approach of Schlumberger and axial pole-dipole configurations for groundwater exploration in hard rock areas, Jr. of Current Science, Vol. 86, No. 10, May 25, pp. 1437-1442. CMRI Unpubl. Interim Report, Project No. GC/MT/9/2002-03 (2003), Determination of thickness and strength of coal barrier in between Talcher and Handidhua collieries against waterlogged workings, MCL. CMRI Unpubl. Interim Report, Project No. GC/MT/118/2003-04 (2004), Determination of coal barrier thickness against waterlogged workings of Orient Area. CIMFR (Erstwhile CMRI) Unpubl. Interim Report, Project No. GC/ MT/26/2006-07. (2006), Determination of coal barrier thickness in between waterlogged old workings and present workings of Birsinghpur colliery, SECL. DGMS Circular (2003), Bagdigi Court of Inquiry, dated 10-5-2003. Dobrin M B (1960), Introduction to geophysical prospecting, Publ. By Mac Raw Hill 446p. Griffith D H & Barker R D (1993), Two dimension resistivity imaging and modeling in areas of complex geology, Applied geophysics, vol. 29, No. 1, pp. 211-218. CIMFR (Erstwhile CMRI) Unpubl. Interim Report, Project No. GC/ MT/111/2007-08 (2008), Proving the thickness of intervening barrier between 1&2 Pits (Abandoned) Madhusudanpur & Madhusudanpur 7 Pit & Incline Mine with delineation of two drifts. Rakesh and Lele M G (1980), Water problems in mines, Publ. by Ashalata Gurudham, Varanasi, 400p. Singh T. N. (1997), Geo-environment of Indian Coalfields, P 333, Text book, Publ. by Sharda Prakashan, Dhanbad, 1997.

3.

4.

5.

6. 7. 8.

9.

10. 11.

Market price

N/A

50% : 50%

28% up to 50% Potential Exempted - 0% for Exempted Subject to VAT. Max. 25% Sliding (specific rate 1 year tax export Refundable scale will be decided holiday upon from 15% to based on and 50% production 30% in production & reduction favor of business for 1 or 2 - 10% for Government situation) years domestic Sources: Various media publications, internal PwC sources, and public seminar materials. * Tax holiday of tax exemption for first 2 years and 50% tax reduction for the following next 3 years is only aplicable for Foreign Investment Enterprise (FIE). Whilst FIE might not allowed to enter into a PSC for CBM. 6. Conclusion CBM operation ahead of mining operations increases mine safety, generates income from gas sales and generates income from carbon credits. Production of CBM, ahead of coal mining operation is the preferred gas drainage technique in many coal-producing countries including USA, Australia and China. Other countries like Indonesia and Vietnam are also working on their fiscal and policy framework to support CBM development. India has excellent prospects for CBM production from active and future coal mining areas, because of favorable geology and presence of multiple and thick coal seams in many basins. Considering these, it can be concluded that with evolution of framework to regulate CBM development and exploitation in the country, methane that could be a liability for coal mining may be effectively converted into an asset for energy production.

Vietnam

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CONTINUOUS MINER TECHNOLOGY FOR MASS PRODUCTION OF COAL A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

V.M.S.R.Murthy 1 and Anshu Agarwal 2

Abstract
Developing economies, like India, need to focus more on meeting the ever-increasing energy requirements and consequent costeffective strategies. In India, coal occupies a front seat in its energy share of the country. Of late, coal demand is seen to grow rapidly owing to the scarce oil resources. Though, surface mining produces 80 per cent of total share, the environmental and socio-economic dimensions are posing and continue to pose limitations to apply this popular mining technology in near future. Thus, underground mining, using mechanization, is a necessity now to reach our coal production needs. There is no soft option other than going for proven and reliable technologies for meeting this difficult task. Experience with sophisticated technologies, like advanced room and pillar, longwall, shortwall and blasting gallery, has provided enough food for thought to analyze the problems and re-define our goals and technological requirements. This paper attempts to present a mechanized technique for winning of coal (both in development and extraction phases) - the continuous miner. Continuous miners are operating, primarily, in longwall gate road drivages and also in room and pillar development and extraction drivages. The issues related to selection, operation, performance and future technology employing Continuous Miner are discussed. The strong need for adopting total mechanization for realizing good production is stressed.
INTRODUCTION The phenomenal growth of the Indian Coal Mining Industry was entirely due to opencast mining, which proved to be more productive and economical to cope with the growing demand of coal. With economic liberalization and consequent reduction of import duty on coal, India can no longer rely on opencast mining alone. Introduction of broad scale mechanization in underground coal sector, the production from which otherwise remained stagnant has become imperative with an aim to improve the overall quantity of coal to bridge the ever increasing demand-supply gap of coal. Since its nationalization in 1973, the Indian Coal Mining Industry has shown a steady growth, but almost the entire growth is on account of opencast mining. The production from underground coal sector has remained practically stagnant for the last three decades. The technological upgradation in underground mining methods in India during this period was very marginal due to inadequate investment and lack of any serious approach for its development. To cope up with the fast growing demand of coal, entire attention was given to the comparatively easily available option of opencast mining, which proved to be more productive and economical. The underground mines have practically remained at very low level of production and productivity and sustained themselves by eating up the profit gained from the open cast mines. Introduction of broad scale mechanization in underground coal sector in India has become a serious imperative. The challenge today is to make the underground coal mines technologically and economically viable with radical change in production and productivity level by producing good quality coal with low ash content from comparatively deep-seated deposits at a globally competitive price. The economy of underground mines deploying intermediate technology with SDL, LHD, roof bolting and conveyor system as main coal evacuation system is also losing its economic viability due to constantly increasing wage structure and lower production- productivity level owing to cyclic nature of such technology. Globally, longwall mining has been the accepted mass production technology and a tool for reducing the accident rates due to ground movement in different locations. In the USA, Australia and China, longwall mining represents the most cost effective way to mine coal. However, there are parameters that limit a mines ability to use longwall technology. Mass production in underground mines, with continuous miners and shuttle cars has been very impressive in many countries like the USA, South Africa, Australia and the U.K. Each of these countries has established high production levels from continuous miners. In the USA, production levels of 2300 to 2500 tons per shift have been achieved from a district deploying 2 continuous miners. The seam thickness in these cases was varying between 1.5 to 1.8 m. In South Africa, a production level of 0.37 MT per month has been achieved from a district deploying 3 continuous miners. This technology is highly flexible in comparison to longwall and in terms of cost it is

1. Associate Professor, Department of Mining Engineering, Indian School of Mines University, Dhanbad. E mail: vmsr_murthy@yahoo.com 2. Project Student The paper was presented in International Conference on 'Advanced Technology in Exploration and Exploitation of Minerals' during February 14-16, 2009 at Jodhpur (Rajasthan) Mining Engineers' Journal 21 November 2009

approximately one-third the cost of a longwall set. The introduction of continuous miner-shuttle car combination will require use of tyre-mounted machines for coal loading. Shuttle car, generally, requires a working gradient of 1 in 8 or flatter. Though, the introduction of fully mechanized longwall mining at Moonidih in the year 1978 started at a good note but could not ensure the production records speak in its favour. Globally, the same longwall technology took off smoothly showing a promising trend for future. It was also felt by many planners that longwall technology would slowly outplay room and pillar technology. A couple of miscalculations in machine specifications for extracting hard and structurally disturbed Indian coal, incomplete geo-physical exploration for identifying sound patches amenable for longwall mining and inexperience have contributed in varying degree to the slow start of this popular mining technology. The replacement panel drivage requirement in longwall and production requirement in shortwall & room and pillar methods can only be met by continuous miners though roadheaders. However, the average monthly drivages with roadheader never exceeded 300m. Considering the drivage requirement of 600 m per month for preparing a typical longwall replacement panel the options are very limited. One option that is receiving striking attention is continuous miner. Countries like the U.S.A., South Africa, Australia, where high capacity longwalls are outperforming even largest opencast mines, are employing continuous miners for this job. India too has moved quickly into the same thinking and already more than a dozen continuous miners are in operation today in various coal mining companies. The drivage scenario in room and pillar mining (also known as bord and pillar mining in India) is alarming. Today 92% of production is achieved from this age-old, much practised and mastered technology. The effor ts made, in terms of intermediate technology i.e., the introduction of Side Discharge Loaders (SDL) and Load Haul Dumpers (LHD) for eliminating basket loading did not yield desired production levels. The main reasons being low blast pulls achieved, gassiness restricting the charge per hole and weak roofs limiting the charge quantities. Considering the problems discussed above in both the technologies, a non-cyclic and continuous mode of excavation appears to be the most feasible and safe option. Therefore, we can consider continuous miners. This article outlines systematically the continuous miner for room & pillar mining, the problems and prospects in India. Advantages and disadvantages of different mining techniques are outlined in Table 1. Mining Engineers' Journal 22

TABLE 1 Overview of coal mine development techniques Technology Continuous Miner Advantages Higher mobility Higher undercarriage velocities Higher cutting power per m 2 of face Higher cutting area per m 2 of impact area Strong rock >40 MPa Highest flexibility Strongest rock Discontinuous Manual process Rough surface Suited only for middle to high seams Disadvantages Higher floor impact by cyclic movements

Road Header

Drill and Blast

CONTINUOUS MINERS IN MINE DEVELOPMENT & EXTRACTION Continuous miners were introduced in late seventies as a planned strategy for mechanizing room and pillar mining and also for preparing the longwall replacement panels globally. In India these machines were used in sixties in a couple of mines and later due to various problems these were abandoned. The key considerations for successful sustenance of Continuous miners performance in India are discussed below: Infrastructure base It is quite common that we try to import new technologies from different parts of the world in a bid to boost our production. However, building of an infrastructural base to properly inherit and digest this technology is vital. This appears to be the single most important factor that has solely contributed towards the failure of such techno-logies in the past. A serious thought should be given for developing the technical base ensuring a reasonable market for the entrepreneurs. Two to three established mining machinery manufacturers, namely, BEML, APHML, HEC etc. can individually or jointly provide for such a base. Adverse working conditions Difficult working environments and wrong choice of site often resulted in low performance in many instances. However, in recent times technologically smart machines have been introduced by Joy, a leading continuous miner manufacturer November 2009

of the USA, in India also and slowly SECL, SCCL and ECL have started realizing the gains of this technology already. Improper planning leading to wrong place of application It is important to choose the proper place of application for continuous miner technology, which is moderately capital intensive. In some cases, this technology at its very initial stage was introduced in extremely difficult geo-mining conditions such as steep seams having less thickness at great depth with very high ambient temperature and Degree-III gassiness. Yet in another case, the coal evacuation system was extremely circuitous with a series of conveyors. This factor proved a serious bottleneck in improving productivity. Non-availability of Tailor-made Equipment Suitable for the Particular Geo-mining Conditions in the Mines Due to lack of scientific studies and inadequacy of data related with the specific geo-mining conditions of the mine, none of the equipment imported from different sources were tailor made to adjust to the mining operations. This has adversely affected the production potential of the mines and lowered the capacity utilization of the equipment. Institution like ISMU, CIMFR, NIRM have suitable facilities for rock from cuttability view point. Recent studies done by Department of Mining Engineering, ISMU, for roadheader performance analysis, TBM for NHPC, Surface mining for L&T have proved to be providing a good food for thought for machine selection and its performance analysis. Lack of Proper Training Facilities and Failure to Generate Required Skill In order to operate efficiently it is required to provide proper training not only for development of technical skill, but also to bring transformation in total quality of workforce by attitudinal change and empowerment. This involves gradual upgradation in knowledge level, of work persons and involving them in decision making processes and providing access to relevant and important information. However, there has been failure in this respect and wherever high mechanization has been introduced, these mines are exclusively executive oriented and proper team work required for success of such technology has not been built up. Policy Failure to Develop Proper Cadre Scheme Suitable for High Mechanization This is a very important area, since it is directly related to motivation of the work persons working with high mechanization. When speaking of hi-tech work persons, their quality is to be enhanced. Development of their self-esteem may be an important motivational factor. It is important to recognize their skill, effort for which a separate cadre scheme needs to be introduced. Mining Engineers' Journal 23

Dependence on Import Items due to Failure in Developing Efficient Indigenous Vendors, the Longwall Equipment and Spares Deterrants in Continuous miner Technology For improved result from Continuous miner technology, the following technological processes are required to keep at high pace(i) (ii) (iii) Multi-level entry systems formations of panels provide enough faces to work. High time taken in transportation, shifting and installation of heavy Continuous miner equipment at face. Lack of fast moving support systems.

MASS PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY WITH CONTINUOUS MINER Current trend of concentrating production at fewer higher output faces has focused greater attention on the importance of reliable rapid roadway drivage to sustain future longwall capacity. The objective of a low cost highly productive longwall extraction technology is defeated by a high cost low productive roadway development operation. Continuous miners are considered indispensable for achieving targeted drivage needs particularly, in longwall retreat mining and room and pillar mining. Drum head type Continuous Miner These are commonly known as continuous miner class and earlier machines were primarily used in coal mines and these have undergone significant design changes yielding higher performance (Figure 1). The transition took place from ripper bar machines to oscillating head miners to the present version of fixed drum continuous miners. The greater weight and horsepower with chainless cutting head improved the ability of a miner to cut harder strata. Strengths up to 80 MPa can easily be excavated with production capacities up to 1000 tons per shift. Specifications of a typical JOY Continuous Miner 12 CM15-10D are described in Table 2. These machines have found their application even in transportation roadways, panel development etc. apart from being the main production machines. Continuous miners account for about 45% of underground coal production in USA, and also utilize conveyors to transport the removed coal from the seam. Remote controlled continuous miners are used to work in a variety of difficult seams and conditions and robotic versions controlled by computers are becoming increasingly common. Continuous Miner used in room & pillar system works in a combination of 2 other units namely, the shuttle car & the feeder breaker. November 2009

Bit Type Bit Attack Angle Drum Bit Lacing Drum Lateral Bit Spacing Conveyor Reversible Conveyor Speed FIG 1- Drum type continuous miner (JOY Mining Machinery) Mechanised Room And Pillar Mining methods A room and pillar can be operated as a Conventional section or a Supersection. Equipment requirements for a Conventional Section Traction/Chassis Continuous Miner:1 Nos; Shuttle Cars:2 Nos; Roof Bolters: 2 Nos; Battery Scoop :1 Nos.; Feeder Breaker: 1 Nos; District conveyor belt: 1 Nos. Track Width TABLE 2 Specifications of a JOY 12CM15-10D, 1050V/50Hz General Machine Type Dimensions Loading Rate Sump Range Machine Weight Ground Pressure Ground Clearance Cooling Cutter System Cutting Height Cutting Width Cutter Drum Dia. Drum Speed Bit Tip Speed From 2160mm up to 4600mm 3300mm 1120mm 50rpm 175m/min 24 Traction System Tram Speed

U85 KDH 50 deg attack angle Double scroll. J30 bit blocks with pressed in bit sleeves 65mm nominal

2.44 m/sec

Conveyor Chain Pitch 82mm Conveyor Width Conveyor Length Conveyor Chassis Depth 762mm 3605mm 305mm

DC Slow:4.6m/min; Intermediate :9.2m/min; High:19.8m/min 560mm

Basic Chassis Height 1487mm Dust Suppression Sprays 11 ITP directional

12CM 15 Continuous Miner Length 11,020mm x Width 2770mm x Height 1005mm 15-27 tonnes/min (15 continuous; 27 short duration) 0 7.6m/min Approximately 58 tonnes 184kPa 305mm Through dust suppression sprays Hydraulics Pump Fluid Type Tank Capacity Electrical Total Power 1 off Gear type 24130kPa (3500psi)rating 60/40 fire retardant fluid or mineral oil 636.5litres 833hp (621kW)

The scoop is a service vehicle widely used in the section. Besides material transportation, which is its major application, it can be used for cleaning the faces, hence, the use of ejector bucket. Stereotype of a Continuous Miner in a conventional section has been shown in Figure 2. Concept of a Supersection The concept of a Supersection is to have two Continuous miners in the section and to organize their cycle to ensure that at least one Continuous Miner is cutting coal at all times. This will result in the maximum utilization in the district and more efficient production. Unlike, conventional section where the mining of coal is not continuous because the Miner, being a heavy, slow moving machine, the moving time accounts for quite a considerable proportion of the total cutting cycle time for the panel (Figure 2). November 2009

Mining Engineers' Journal

Flexi Drum The Continuous Miner accommodates a wide variety of cutting options. Available in Ripperveyor or solid head models and in drum diameters ranging from 30 to 44 inches, the cutting system can be sized to match seam conditions. Rated cutting power, as high as 500 hp (373 kW) is available within this product line. Optidrive Todays Continuous Miner traction system builds on years of field-tested performance to offer an even more durable, maneuverable package. Patented OPTIDRIVE AC electronics or its precursor, the DC microprocessor drive is coupled to a compact all-gear transmission to provide smooth, reliable service. Cutter motor feedback and traction differential features optimize sump performance in even the most demanding applications. Optional track frame widths are offered to suit specific floor and entry conditions. Remote Control The Continuous Miner with remote control and flooded bed dust collector options provide deep cut capability. Deeper cuts mean fewer place changes, which in turn means increased production. Wethead Technology The wethead technology incorporates a fine spray behind each cutting bit on the cutter drums which potentially reduces frictional ignition occurrences and respirable dust levels. The water spray acts as both a cooling and a wetting agent in order to control both problems at the same time. The sprays also provide lubrication, thus improving bit life. It does all this while still consuming less water than standard miner dust sprays. The heart of the system is a back-to-back carbon face water seal designed to run dry for extended periods of time and last from rebuild to rebuild before refurbishment. It can even be replaced underground. For applications where machine-cooling water cannot be discharged onto the cut material through water sprays, the continuous miner can incorporate an onboard closed loop cooling system. The coolant is pumped through the electrical enclosures and motors, through an onboard heat exchanger, and returned to an onboard coolant reservoir. Coolant flow and temperature are monitored through JNA control system to insure proper operation. A Continuous Miner water spraying mechanism under test at the factory has been shown in Figure 3. Other Distinguishing Features Dual direct drive motors power the Continuous Miner conveying system loading arms and chain via reliable, time-tested transmissions. The conveyor chain includes universal links to prolong chain life, and the cam style adjusting mechanism automatically compensates for chain slack as the conveyor swings. Recent enhancements to the system include increased abrasion resistant material use along the chain path and loading 25 November 2009

FIG. 2- Conventional & Super section Method (Jhanjhra, ECL) Equipment requirements for a Supersection The equipment is the same, only quantities vary: Continuous Miners: 2 Nos. ; Shuttle Cars: 3 Nos. Supporting Fast moving supporting equipment is needed for facilitating rapid drivage using continuous miners. Timely installed support has a positive impact in stabilizing the mine openings more so in case of sedimentary formations like coal where layers tend to sag with time. The experience shows that production rate of these three systems will vary roughly in the ratio as below: Conventional: 100 T/hr ; Super Section: 160 T/hr CONTINUOUS MINER TECHNOLOGY SOME RECENT ADVANCES Multi-Motor Each machine employs multi-motor concept with out-board access to motors, gear cases, controllers and other major components. The philosophy calls for the isolation of major components for easier troubleshooting and maintenance. The continuous miners use individual motors with direct drive transmissions to power the cutter, traction, gathering and hydraulic systems. It permits service or repair quickly and easily, thus reducing downtime and maintenance costs. Flexi Height The continuous miner product range is segmented by mining height requirements into three machine classes for low, medium and high-seam applications. Although the features vary for each machine in order to maximize productivity and reliability in a given seam, these features have in common basic design principles that put machines on the leading edge of underground mining technology and produce the lowest cost per ton to the customer. The Continuous Miner provides the ideal combination of cutting power, proven components and reliability for lower to mid-seam applications in a variety of materials. Built to withstand the most rigorous conditions, the Continuous Miner offers optimum service life and return on investment. Mining Engineers' Journal

arms. The Continuous Miners rugged framework is unmatched in this machine class. Heavy-duty covers, rub rails and ductwork afford protection to machine components. Modular hydraulic components simplify hosing and improve maintenance. A number of available machine configurations and options give customers the needed flexibility in addressing varied mining environments.

Further reduction in respirable dust levels and increased visibility Fewer face ignitions Lower bit consumption rate Less water consumption than standard dust sprays Fewer blocked spray nozzles Installation of quiet, high efficiency scrubber fans. Limit the amount of time the conveyors run void of material. Complex gear tooth geometry to aid in the reduction of noise inside cutter head gear cases.

Continuous Miner Supporting Machines Shuttle car is the first and foremost equipment. The coal from the continuous miner machine is loaded on a shuttle car (Figure4). FACTORS INFLUENCING PERFORMANCE & SELECTION CRITERIA Roadway parameters influencing them with their mutual relationships are discussed below: Rock Parameters Intact properties Cuttability: Ease with which rock can be cut Cutting wear: Abrasivity, impact resistance, durability and thermal properties Rock mass properties Discontinuities: Volumetric intensity, orientation, shear strength and unsupported span Mixed face conditions: Strata variation along excavation line

FIG 3 - Continuous Miner with a fine spray behind each cutting bit (JOY Mining Machinery) These machines are successfully operating in trona, gyp- sum, potash and salt mines around the world. These wide-head, single pass machines offer a number of roof drill, cutter head and conveyor configurations to suit a wide variety of entry development extraction applications. The combination of continuous miners and roof drills makes an unbeatable match for reliability, availability and low operating costs. Utilizing a separate independent drill frame unit, satellite miners offer simultaneous cutting and bolting to provide maximum productivity and entry adv-ance rates. The main frame has been specially designed tominimize chassis width and fit a variety of roof bolting patterns. Drum and gathering head extensions enhance clean-up operations and maneuverability when place changing. Features Back-to-back carbon-face water seal Water spray behind each cutting bit wets suspended dust at point of creation Water spray cools sparks at point of creation Water spray lubricates cutting bits 30 gpm (114 lpm) water flow required Dedicated in-line filtration

Benefits Long life and dry-running ability 26

FIG 4 - The continuous miner loading a shuttle car (JOY Mining Machinery) November 2009

Mining Engineers' Journal

Environment Water: From within rock mass, from dust suppression Roadway geometry: Shape, gradient, size and insitu Stresses

Machine Parameters Cutter head design No. of tools, Tool type: Radial/Forward attack, tip geometry and tip carbide grade and Lacing pattern

Weight Lifting forces, Head speed, Head power, Rigidity of machine construction Operational character Profiling and Guidance Machine Selection Criteria Background of the Company Machine Specifications

PERFORMANCE PREDICTION MODELS Performance prediction is an essential part to facilitate Continuous Miner selection and use. Two important aspects of machine performance need to be assessed. Firstly, the cutting or penetration rates must be assessed and secondly, the overall system performance and reliability taking into account the machine utilization aspects must be evaluated. Prediction of cutting rates requires information on rock material properties, rock mass properties and machine characteristics. The link between these three groups of data is provided by rock-tool interaction models and the result of applying such a model is an estimate for prediction of performance. Continuous Miner performance has been predicted by many researchers by conducting laboratory based cutting rig tests. Many correlations relating various pick parameters with penetration rate, specific energy consumption etc. have been developed and are being used for estimating the performance and power rating of the Continuous miners. Performance Evaluation Criteria Cutting rate This is the rate at which rock is excavated usually expressed in m 3 /hr. Care must be taken whether quoted cutting rates refer to ICR (instantaneous cutting rate) or OCR (operational cutting rate). Cutting rates quoted under highly controlled conditions such as a research field test, in which cutting time is recorded as actual time spent in cutting determined from instrument measurements of power consumption against time are ICR. Under typical operational conditions cutting time is generally taken synonymous with utilization. Minor delays resulting from adjusting boom position at the end of each cutting traverse or reduced rate of production during final profiling are neglected. Cutting rates determined using utilization as the cutting time are referred as operational cutting rates. Clearly performance prediction based on instantaneous cutting rates without an appropriate cutting time correction will be overly optimistic. Back analysis suggests that operational cutting rates commonly have values in the range of 0.45 to 0.60 times the instantaneous cutting rates. For final profiling this value may drop to 0.3. During bulk production, an experienced operator may achieve a ratio as high as 0.85. Specific energy This is a commonly used measure of cuttability and is defined as work done to excavate a unit volume of rock. In rock cutting, specific energy should not be thought of as a fundamental property of the rock. Rather, it is a function of rock properties, cutting tool design and cutting tool interaction. Measured specific energies are many times greater than theoretically determined values, the difference being accounted for in energy lost due to frictional heating, vibration etc.. Penetration rate This is the rate of advance measured during cutting cycle normally expressed in m/hr. For practical purposes 27 November 2009

Cutting range: Determination of excavation area and roadway profile Machine weight: Adequate to offer overall stability to the machine while cutting in different formations Machine dimensions: Smaller overall dimensions imply tighter turning radius. Electric Motors: Whether the motors are water cooled or air cooled or continuously rated etc.

Production Rate Comparison Cost effectiveness Comparison of Spare Part Prices and Availability Technical Comparison Undercarriages or crawler tracks Crawler transmission Crawler drives for wet headings Turret (turn table) assemblies Cutter boom Cutter head design Cutter picks Structural design Chain conveyor and gathering assemblies Hydraulic system Operators station Stabilizer Dust collectors Conveyor and bumper assembly Mining Engineers' Journal

instantaneous and operational penetration rates are considered equal. Utilization This is the time remaining for excavation when planned and unplanned machine stoppages have been accounted for. Stoppages are required for a variety of reasons including support installation, survey work, pick replacement, routine and non routine maintenance, muck haulage delays, shift changes etc. Advance rate This is the rate of face advance usually expressed in metre/ day, metre/shift etc. and is given by, AR = (OCR/Face Area)* Utilization time Where, AR = advance rate and OCR = Operational cutting rate Rock mass cuttability index by BILGIN (1977) The rock mass cuttability index proposed by Bilgin is computed as shown below: RMCI = UCS * (RQD)2/3 / 100 OCR = 28.06* 0.997RMCI* HP/95 Where, RQD = Rock quality designation UCS = Unconfined compressive strength in kN/cm 2 RMCI = Rock mass cuttability index Instantaneous Cutting Rate (ICR) estimation by FOWELL (1986) Experimental trials conducted with the actual cutting system were anlysed and the following relations were proposed by Fowell for roadheaders: BF/SA = 41/10* (A/R) 0.49 ICR = SA* (A/R)*RPM* 60/100 Where, BF = Boom force in kN SA = Swept area in sq.m A/R = Advance per revolution RPM = Revolution per minute of cutter head Mining Engineers' Journal 28

PERFORMANCE OF CONTINUOUS MINER TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA Chirimiri Project, SECL Establishing seven individual records and exceptional production performance, the system has been operating in a room and pillar system at the Chirimiri Anjun Hill Mine in the Southern Eastern Coal Fields (Table 3). The system is comprised of a continuous miner, two shuttle cars, a Quadbolter mobile roof bolting machine, a feeder breaker and electrical distribution system. To date the de-pillaring operations have been very successful providing the only approved method of mechanized de-pillaring in India. Table 3 Continuous miner performance in Chirimiri, SECL, India Best-ever monthly development in the industry (March, 2003) Best day (December 26,2002) Best daily advance (December 26, 2002) Total first year production 44,036 tonnes

2,640 tonnes 89 m

450,705tonnes

Jhanjra Project, ECL, India After the installation of Continuous miner system in December 2007, ECL has recovered from the losses and had a steep rise in its profit not only because of an increase in production (Figure 5) but also due to a decrease in the cost of production. FUTURE TECHNOLOGY Bolting and Surge Car CSIRO is developing a new machine called Autonomous Conveying-Bolting Module (ACBM), which will insert the roof bolts concurrently with coal cutting and coal haulage systems. The machine consists of an automatic roof and rib bolting system and will be located behind the CM. A conveyor is integrated into the machine to allow the coal to pass through. From there the coal is passed over to a continuous haulage system or a shuttle car. The ACBM will convey coal at 25 tonnes per minute and insert four roof bolts and two rib bolts autonomously in less than 5 minutes. It will have 200 roof bolts and 100 rib bolts onboard [M05CUN]. It works together with a remote controlled miner (for example ABM20-S3) upfront and it can install a light pattern of bolts remotely from two 25-bolt carousels. The use of self-drilling roof and rib bolts and bulk chemicals are an integral part of this project which is also the main problem in developing this machine. The production target is to develop 12 15 m/hr. 3d drawings of the ACMB and its integration in the face cycle can be found in the Figure 6. November 2009

cycle, even during one cycle of operation is far from being continuous. Diring the up shear cycle, the material builds up in front of the machine to the angle of repose without really being loaded. When the machine sumps in at the top, the cut material loads as the machine advances into the working pile. During the down shear, all the material in front of machine is loaded, as the cutter head shears down into it. CONCLUSIONS Mechanization of roadway drivages in coal and coal measure strata is an area of key concern for the coal industry to meet its drivage needs and fulfill the production targets. Experience with high-tech system of fully-mechanized continuous miner demonstrates that a broad classification of system specifications based on geotechnical studies has to be evolved and efforts must be mounted to monitor the key elements affecting performance. The design variables such as size, shape, power can be custom built. Simplified maintenance and easier servicing practices through modular self-contained assemblies are currently available. The operational variables such as the pick cutting speed, thrust, ground pressure, additional stabilizing measures, tramming speed, gradient, high pressure water-jet assisted cutting, mode of free face generation etc. can be optimized subject, however, to sitespecific geo-mining constraints. The Continuous Miner performance is influenced by method of working (longwall or room & pillar). Machines working in room and pillar mining have averaged a performance of 80 to 100 m per day where as machines working in longwall development averaged a value between 8 to 10 m per day. Performance was found to vary depending on strength of rock. Machines working in softer coals yielded better averages than those working in hard coals. Selection of Continuous Miner based on strength would therefore result in high machine availabilities and performance. Relevant laboratory studies such as Cerchar Abrasivity index for pick consumption assessment and Cerchar Hardness Index for penetration rate prediction can be done at ISM University and similar studies for the selection and prediction of hourly performance of roadheader, tunnel boring machines, shearer, surface miner have already been done for different mining and tunneling projects. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The authors are thankful to the management of Jhanjhra, ECL for providing necessary help in collecting the data during a Project Work. The views expressed are of the authors and not necessarily of the organization to which they belong. REFERENCES
Murthy, V M S R, 1995. Roadheaders and Continuous Miners The Two Promising Options for Future Coal Production from Underground Mines, in Minetech. 2008. Coal in Power, in Power Line. Winkel, R M., 1995. Analysis of Longwall Development Systems in Australian Underground Hard Coal Mines, Benchmarking and Optimisation thesis, BGMR, Australia. Department of Energy (March,1995) a report prepared by Energy Informatics Department Longwall Mining . Joy Mining Machinery Inc, 2008. Machine specifications [online]. Available from: www.joy.com. DBT GmbH Industries, 2008. [online]. Available from: <www.dbt.de>.

FIG 5 - Bar-chart showing the production scenario of Jhanjra Project, ECL (2007-08)

FIG 6 -Autonomous Conveying & Bolting Module with Continuous Miner & Shuttle Car (BGMS, Australia) Continuous Miner Time Cycle There is no standard method of operation for the Continuous Miner cutting cycle with most mines adopting cycles to suit their own operations. The standard machine has a 13.5ft (4.054m) wide, 4.6 ft (1.381m) diameter cutting head, and cuts a height of 15 ft (4.504m). The machine sumps in at roof level for a distance dependent on the mineral, but typically to around 650 mm in salt, this takes around 40 seconds. The cutter drum shears down through the salt to floor level taking around 55 seconds. The machine backs up to create a smooth floor and tracks forward to the mineral taking around 7 seconds. The machine sumps in at the floor level a distance of around 350mm, taking 25 seconds. Finally machine shears back up to roof level in around 40 seconds.

One whole cycle gives nominally 39 inches (99.06 cm) of advance, equating to 47 tonnes. The total time for one cutting cycle is 167 seconds. This gives an instantaneous cutting rate over a single cycle of 1040 tonnes/hr. However, the loading Mining Engineers' Journal 29

November 2009

SCIENCE AND ART OF ROOF REINFORCEMENT TECHNOLOGY AND ITS EFFICACY IN INDIAN COAL MINES
N.P. Bhati 1

Abstract
There has been an apprehension in the minds of some people that roof reinforcement technology widely used in Australia, South Africa & U.S.A. is significantly costly and can not be afforded by Indian coal industry. Now with the development of almost every item indigenously, this total system has become not only more economical but providing much superior strata management. The process demands scientific analysis of the problem and there after skilful implementation of the conclusions. The roof bolting got a scientific boost in India after the publication of Paul committee report in 1990. In this paper, the author describes with a real example that the proper scientifically execution of the support plan is financially advantageous & at the same time much safer. There has been an apprehension in the minds of some people that Roof reinforcement technology widely used in Australia; South Africa & U.S.A. is significantly costly and can not be afforded by Indian coal industry. This statement was true few years back. Now with the development of almost every item indigenously, this total system has become not only more economical but providing much superior strata management. Roof bolting got scientific boost in India after the publication of Paul committee report. Therefore it is essential to briefly mention significant issues highlighted by this report. The process demands scientific analysis of the problem and there after skilful implementation of the conclusions.
SIGNIFICANT POINTS FROM PAUL COMMITTEE REPORT Paul Committee consisting of Sri. K Paul, Dr. A.K. Ghose, Dr. N.M. Raju, Dr. Venkateshwarlu, Sri A.K. Sahay, Sri K.B.Goswami, Sri K.B. Trehan & Sri A.K. Rudra submitted their expert opinion on the roof control/ management in Indian Coal Mines. The report was submitted in 1989 and it is still working like technical guide to support engineers. Many new ideas on the Roof reinforcement theory have since cropped in but underlying basics presented in the Paul Committee report hold good today also. There-fore, author proposes to make analysis based on this report only. Review by Paul Committee (Extracts on relevant issues) 1. 2. 3. A large number of accidents (about 45%) take place in freshly exposed areas. The thickness of the fall was less than 50cms in 80% of the cases. Falls occurred in all types of roof with a higher incidence in coal/shale roof. Geological disturbance was reported to be the main contributory cause in sand stone roofs. 2. 4. More than 70% of the mines were reportedly dry and only two mines attributed heavy water seepage as the cause of the roof deterioration. Where the roof falls took place, either no supports were provided or the supports provided were inadequate or installed improperly. Conventional timber supports were found to be inadequate in a majority of the cases.

5.

Recommendations of the Committee (only relevant portion) 1. The geomechanical classification developed by CMRSISM is applicable to Indian ground conditions. Any support plan should first indicate the class of roof & the rock mars rating (RMR) obtained from this approach. The experts group recommends that, in general extended use of roof bolting, as a method of support would have to become an integral part of future mining system.

The last Para of recommendations, states Cogni-zant of the above Philosophy on levels of acceptable risks, the expert group is convinced that roof bolting has much to offer as a

1. Managing Director, Spectrum Coal & Power Ltd, 202, Cyber Heights, Road no .2, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad-33 E mail: npbhati@gmail.com The paper was presented in International Conference on 'Advanced Technology in Exploration and Exploitation of Minerals' during February 14-16, 2009 at Jodhpur (Rajasthan) Mining Engineers' Journal 30 November 2009

fast and reliable primary support system for coal mining industry which can usher in a new era of technical change. The committee had at various times expressed concern for the non-availability of user-friendly roof hole drilling machine (for bolting) & also on the cost & shelf life of the resin. The Paul committee guidelines are in the use since 1990. Review of Progress by DGMS Directorate General of Mines Safety had published a centenary publication on the progression of roof bolting technique in Indian coal mines. The relevant observa-tions based on the study of the 15 Coal Mines are 1. Roof Bolting was applied in most of the mines (about 80%) without assessing the support requirement on the basis of scientific studies, leading to either under designing or over designing of the support system. 2. Monitoring of the support performance did not receive due attention. In all the cases the percentage testing of bolts for their anchorage capacity was very low. 3. No studies were conducted to monitor the Strata behaviors, which is essential to understand the mechanism of roof bolting/ roof reinforcement systems under particular Geo-Mechanical regime. Anchorage capacity observed was varying between 0 to 5.4 tonnes. Anchorage developed in a test case (using cement capsules) after 2 hrs,8 hrs, & 24 hrs setting with 22 mm diameter bolt were of the order of 1T, 2.5T and 6.0 T only. THEORY OF THE ROOF REINFORCEMENT TECHNOLOGY In this paper we would mention only the basics principle. We must accept that, due to the variable nature and complicated failure mechanism & varieties of rocks, the interaction between rock mass & reinforcing elements become complex phenomena. Objectives of support system The prime objectives of the support system are to: 1. Control deformation of the rock at earliest. 2. To reduce the long-term movement to minimum. 3. In general to help the rock mass to support itself. Therefore in general, reinforcement modifies the internal strength and deformation characteristics of a rock mass. Thus reinforcement action is linked to the interaction of reinforcing elements with rock mass discontinuities. Theoretical concept of fully encapsulated bolt Eliminating complexities, the process can be summarized in a following way: Mining Engineers' Journal 31

There is a bond between steel bolt & encapsulation and also between encapsulation & rock. The moment rock mass start movement, the bond at rockend offers resistance (limited to its shear strength). Assuming that bond strength at steel/encapsulation contact is more, the load gets transferred to steel i.e. reinforcement. Steel bolt is glued to the upper-rocks, therefore, ultimately load is transferred to stable rocks. In addition to the maximizing of residual strength, the bolt shall also manage to bring down the collar load. This is achieved by providing initial tension to the steel bolt. Determination of support resistance To determine the requirement of support resistance, broadly three approaches are in use: 1. Empirical method: using rock mass classification like Bieniawiski RMR, Bartons Q, CMRI-ISM RMR or CMRR. Analytical Method: when failure mechanism & discontinuity can be predicted easily. This can be applied. Computational method: Based on boundary element, finite element etc.

2. 3.

Without going in to the details, we would first use the empirical method as recommended by Paul Committee. As per the Geomechanics classifications system (CMRI-ISM), the roof has been classified in five categories. RMR Roof class Roof Description 0-20 V Very poor. 20-40 IV Poor 40-60 III Fair 60-80 II Good 60-100 I Very Good. An empirical formula giving rock load in tonnes/m 2 has also been specified. Load = s x d (1.7-0.037 RMR +0.0002RMR 2 ) Where S= span/width in meters. d= density in t/m 3 RMR = Rock Mass Rating as per CMRI-ISM Classification. ACTUAL IMPLEMENTATION ALL above concepts were utilized in one of the projects, where continuous miner was to be introduced. CMRI, Nagpur centre November 2009

was engaged to help the management in detailed study. Initial calculations were done using empirical methods & were also simulated on computer using FLAC3D & later on validated by actual monitoring. Site conditions Width of proposed gallery Density of roof rock RMR Load density

Fully Encapsulated Cement Support density required (t/sqm) Capacity of bolt (tonnes) No. of bolts required/m
2

Resin 11.32 19 0.59 1.68 6.73

11.32 6 1.88 0.53 2.13

: : : :

5.4m 1.34 t/m 3 33 5.4*1.34*(1.7.037*33+0.0002*33 2 ) : 5.03 t/m 2

Area supported (m 2 )/bolt Coal produced (t/bolt)

Observations Bed separation at : 1.0m above roof level Bed separation in first 48 hrs at 1.5m : 0.5mm Short encapsulation test for 30 cm lengths. : 15-18.5 tonnes (test stopped) Requirement Target Factor of safety Target Support density (t/m2) Recommendations Bolt length Actual bolt length No. of bolts per row Spacing between rows Support density provided assuming 19t bolt strength Material specifications Quality of steel for bolts Nominal Diameter of bolt Yield strength of bolt (tested) Tensile strength of bolt (tested) Fast setting Resin Slow setting resin

Cost of the support System Capital Cost for Cement Encapsulation Normally, hand held electric drill m/c is being used, though it puts lot of dust on the driller. Driller has an obvious tendency to drill 60-80 degree inclined holes. This brings down the effective support column. The capital cost of the drill, panel & one cable would be around Rs. 46000. Capital Cost for Resin Encapsulation Either hydraulic or Pneumatic roof bolting machine is required.

: 2.25 : 11.32 Capital cost of drill, compressor & accessories would be about Rs.6.5 Lakhs. An additional provision of Rs 3.2 Lakhs for air pipe line has also been considered. Operation Normally 3 persons are putting 15-bolts/shift using hand held electric drill machine with cement encapsulation. Normally 3 persons can put 30-40 bolts/shift using Pneumatic / hydraulic Bolter along with resin. Operational Elements Cement Capacity to install bolts/shift 15 Manpower required/shift 3 Earning per man shift /EMS (Rs) 900 Length of hole (mm) 1500 Diameter of Hole (mm) 43 Bolt diameter (mm) 22 Annular Volume (mm3) 1608750 Vol, of capsule (mm3) 362057 No. of Capsules Required. 5 Cost of capsules (Rs) 20 Total Material cost/bolt 301.05 Other cost (Salary, power, AO, misc, Int., Dep.) 93.08 Total cost/bolt 394.13 Coal Produced/ bolt 2.13 Support cost/tonne 185.38 Resin 35 3 900 1500 28 22 353571 181028 2 50 347.08

: : : :

minimum 1.5m encapsulation 1.8m 4 1.2m

: 11.73 t/m 2

: Fe-500 TMT : 20mm : 175 kN : 200 kN : 24* 250mm on top : 24*600mm lower part

Bolt with proper dome plate & dome washer & shear pin. Pneumatic bolter (Allied Mining Company, Nagpur) Compressors installed on surface. Cost Estimated cost/ tonne of coal Estimated cost/t with normal Cement capsule bolting

Rs 60-70

: Rs 180-190

Comparison The cement capsule system can not match with continuous Miner technology, the cost comparison has been done just to demonstrate the superiority of scientific bolting. Mining Engineers' Journal 32

69.15 416.23 6.73 61.82

(Continued on Page 35) November 2009

MEAI NEWS
I BELLARY HOSPET CHAPTER MEAI, Bellary Hospet chapter organized a technical paper meeting on August 29, 2009 at Hotel Malligi, Hospet. Shri Nagesh Shenoy, Secretary in his introductory remark invited members to present technical talks and mooted an idea of instituting awards for best presentation. As a policy, it was decided to avoid the formalities of inauguration and devote more time for presentations. Shri B. Arunachalam, Manager Mines Group Vocational Training Society, (MGVTS), Hospet presented a paper on Erosion and Sediment Control detailing the necessity of control and measures involved in different locations like mine, haul road, waste dump, ore stack yard etc. and mitigating measures. Shri Arunachalam also presented a talk on the differences between lease boundary and mine boundary. Shri Nagaraj, Director, Trade Vision informed about the various businesses carried out by their group. Shri Raghuram Rao, VP, Puzzolana, informed about new ARAI approved 5 tonne capacity totally indigenous wheel loader and highlighted the salient features of the wheel loader. Shri Prakash, Regional Manager, Kobelco displayed a video on Kobelco excavators. The meeting ended with vote of thanks proposed by Shri Madhusudhana and was followed by dinner hosted by Trade Vision / Puzzolana. II MINUTES OF MEAI FIRST COUNCIL MEETING (2009-11) The first council meeting (2009-11) of MEAI was held on 1309-2009 at 17.30 hrs. at J.N. Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru (Karnataka). The meeting was organized to coincide with the seminar organized by the Mines Safety Association of Karnataka, and was hosted by the Bangalore chapter of MEAI. Shri V.D. Rajagopal, President, MEAI was in the chair. At the outset Shri V.D. Rajagopal, President MEAI was welcomed to the first council meeting of 2009-11 by Shri T. Victor, VP-III-MEAI. This was followed by welcome to Shri V.D. Rajagopal by Shri D.R. Verranna, Secretary MEAI, Bangalore chapter, with a memento and a shawl. Shri V.D. Rajagopal welcomed all the office bearers, council members, chapter chairmen and secretaries and special invities attending to the meeting. In response to his felicitations Shri V.D. Rajagopal thanked all the office bearers, council members, past presidents and all the members of MEAI for electing him as the President for the term 2009-2011. He assured that he would try his best to take MEAI to greater heights during his tenure as President and expressed his thanks to the Bangalore chapter for felicitating him. Mining Engineers' Journal 33 The minutes of 12th council meeting (2007-09) were confirmed and some important points are covered below (A) The Secretary General informed that exemption under section 80G of Income tax has been obtained. (B) Warm farewell and congratulations were extended to Shri R.P. Gupta, President (2007-09) and his team of office bearers and council members for their rendering memorable services which were placed on record. (C) The term of Ammendments Committee for recommending the amendments on some of the existing Rules & Regulations of MEAI was extended upto 31-03-2010. (D) The following committees have been constituted for smooth running of the Association. 1) Site and Building, 2) Policy issues, 3) Public hearings, 4) Publications, 5) Membership drive, 6) Seminars and trainings, 7) Finance, 8) Search for intellectual talent and consultancy, and 9) International relations. The names under the committees will be finalized shortly.

(E) The Secretary General informed that Shri A. Bagchhi, VP-II, while participating in a seminar in South Africa, has been authorized to interact with the members of Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy South Africa in order to explore the possibility of having a tieup with SAIMM by MEAI. (F) The following names of co-opted council members were announced 1. Shri N.K. Nanda 2. Prof. A.C. Narayana 3. Shri S. Tiu 4. Shri B. Ramasubba Reddy 5. Shri B.P. Pandey

The above points are only these which do not require any confirmation. The remaining points will be covered only after confirmation in the second council meeting proposed to be held at Hyderabad on 15 November 2009. III TAMILNADU CHAPTER Dr. Lokandy Ajaykumar, Head, Department of Mining Engineering, Annamalai University, Guindy, Chennai 600 025 and Chairman of MEAI Tamilnadu chapter, has been nominated as one of the members of the Expert Appraisal Committee-2 (Mining) in the Mining sector for Environment Impact Assessment of Mining projects from the states of A.P., Chhattisgarh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamilnadu requiring environmental clearances November 2009

under Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 (vide Letter No. J-15012/1/2002-IA.11(M)) dated 09-09-2009 signed by Dr. P.L. Ahujarai, Director and Member Secretary. MEJ extends many congratulations to Dr. L. Ajay Kumar. IV HYDERABAD CHAPTER MEAI, Hyderabad Chapter organized a meeting on 20-09-2009 at 10.30 hrs. in the conference hall of APMDC, Ameerpet, Hyderabad to discuss the draft Mines and Minerals (Scientific) Development & Regulation) Act 2009 in order to form the considered opinion of MEAI and represent to the appropriate authorities in Govt. of India for their consideration. Shri V.D. Rajagopal, MEAI, President was in the chair. Other dignitaries on the dais were Shri T.V. Chowdary, Former MEAI President and Shri A. Sivasankar, Chairman, MEAI, Hyderabad Chapter. At the outset Shri V.D. Rajagopal welcomed the dignitaries and members. About 100 + members attended. Flower bouquets were presented to the dignitaries on the dais. Shri V.D. Rajagopal first introduced the objective of the meeting. Shri T.V. Chowdary and Shri A. Sivasankar also spoke to highlight the necessity of this meeting. All the sections of the draft were discussed one by one and deliberations continued for the whole day. Some of the points which could not be completed were discussed on the next day (22-09-2009) at 18.00 hrs. and the recommendations were finalized and forwarded to the Government of India for consideration. V MEAI HQ, HYDERABAD MEAI Head Office observed Gandhi Jayanti on 02-10-2009 at MEAI, Head Quarters, at F-608, Raghavaratna Towers, Hyderabad 500 001. Shri V.D. Rajagopal, President was in the chair. Other dignitaries on the dais were Shri V.S. Rao and Shri T.V. Chowdary (Former MEAI, Presidents). In the history of MEAI, Gandhi Jayanti was observed for the first time by MEAI. His teachings and ideals were remembered. All the dignitaries and many members paid glowing tributes to the Mahatma. Homage was paid to him by observing two minutes silence. VI GOA CHAPTER MEAI Goa Chapter organized a technical meeting on 04-092009 at hotel Mandovi, Goa on Recent development in loading units for mining operations At the outset Shri K.D. Kulkarni, Chairman Goa chapter welcomed the guests and the members. About 70 members attended the session. Shri L. Dongchun, President, M/s. Liugong India (P) Ltd. briefed on his company in China and India. Shri Sunil Sapru, Director, Sales, Marketing and Product Support) informed the audience the latest developments in loading units. Shri T. Victor, VP-III, MEAI appreciated the products presented by M/s. Liugong India (P) Ltd. The session ended with vote of thanks proposed by Shri Mining Engineers' Journal 34

(L-R) S/Shri Arun G. Thakur, L. Dongchun, Sunil Sapru, K.D. Kulkarni, T. Victor, R.J. Thakur & Kishore Haldankar. Kishore Haldankar, Secretary, Goa chapter and was followed by a dinner. The entire programme was sponsored by M/s. Liugong India (P) Ltd. VII SHRI A. BAGCHHI, VP-II VISITS SOUTH AFRICA Shri A. Bagchhi, MEAI Vice-President-II had gone to South Africa to attend the 7 th International Heavy Minerals Conference in Drakensberg. During his stay he had a meeting with Mr. Joshua C Ngoma, President of SAIMM on 20th & 21st Sept. 2009 at Drakensberg. A steering committee meeting was also held on 21st Sept. 2009 in the evening where representatives of SME, AUSMIN and SAIMM participated in which Shri Bagchhi was invited to attend on behalf of MEAI.

Shri A. Bagchhi meeting the President of SAIMM Shri Bagchhi emphasized in the meeting the importance of close interactions between MEAI and SAIMM and pointed out that MEAI is having similar close co-operation between SME and AUSMIN. The President and Manager were keen to forge some sort of co-operation with MEAI. VIII VERAVAL - PORBANDER CHAPTER MEAI - VP Chapter organised a technical paper meeting on 07-10-2009 at GHCL Ltd., Sanjaynagar. Shri N.K. Nuwal, Chapter Chairman welcomed the guests, members and invities. 33 members attended the meeting including representatives from mines at Kacchh. Shri S.P. Goyal, RCOM, Udaipur was also present on the occasion. November 2009

Shri P. Sarkar, Sr. GM (Mines), GHCL & Vice Chairman, VP Chapter presented a paper on 'Reclamation at Limestone mine of GHCL - A case study'. Shri Shivmoorthy Swamy, Dy. GM (Mineral Resource), Ambuja Cements Ltd. & Secretary, VP Chapter deliberated the presentation on Quarry Rehabilitation. The presentations were summarised by Shri N.K. Nuwal and appreciated by Shri S.P. Goyal, RCOM, Udaipur. IX MATTERS OF MEMBERS Prof. M.A. Ramlu gets award for excellence in teaching Prof. M.A. Ramlu (LM-62) has been awarded Prof. S.K. Bose Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching in Mining Engineering for the year 2009. It was awarded to him on 15th Sept. 2009 by The Mining, Geological and Metallurgical Institute of India, at Kolkata. Shri Parihar, C.P. of Aditya Cement, participated in EDP Course in USA. Shri Chetan Prakash Parihar (LM-2276), Vice-President (Mines), Aditya Cement, A Unit of M/s. Grasim Industries Ltd., attended Executive Development Programme for two weeks from 13-25 September 2009 at the Whar ton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelhphia, USA. His trip was sponsored by his employer 'Aditya Birla Group' under Chairman Award for Exceptional Contributor 2008. X FUND COLLECTION FOR FLOOD VICTIMS OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND KARNATAKA Consequent upon the appeal from MEAI President, Shri V.D. Rajagopal, to contribute towards 'Flood Relief Fund' of A.P. & Karnataka, the following donations have been received (Rupees)

XI (A) The Second Council Meeting (2009-11) will be held at MEAI Headquarters, Hyderabad at 17.00 hrs on 15-11-2009. (B) The Amendmend Committee meeting of MEAI will be held at MEAI office, Hyderabad on 13-11-2009 and 14-11-2009 at 10.00 hrs. on both the days. All the concerned members are requested to attend.

(Continued from Page 32) The above analysis is based on certain assumptions. Result will vary in each case. But it clearly breaks the myth that mechanized drilling along with resin is always costly. Incidentally, the support resistance offered by cement encapsulation is many times below 6 tonnes. In any mine, where the work norms for bolting crew is 10 bolts/shift, the overall cost of each bolt will become Rs 426.27, which will be more than resin system on bolt to bolt basis also. CONCLUSIONS
1. 2. Future support system is likely to move around bolting technology. Cost per tonne in under ground mines is already high. Bolting is a grey area worth attacking. It can improve safety along with economics. Take first step to scientifically examine the suppor t requirement. Never evaluate on piecemeal basis. Evaluate the economics of support system in totality, including the effect on the productivity of the district/ mine. Resin bolting along with suitable bolting machine is likely to be more economical & much safer in Fair & Poor roofs. Commission a reliable system which will give consistently designed support resistance. Monitor the performance and apply necessary corrections.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

1. 2. 3.

Hyderabad Chapter M/s. Deepu Printers Master Suhas Choudary S/o. G. Sreenivas Choudary

10,000/1000/REFERENCES
Paul committee report, 1990. Progression of roof bolting technique in Indian coal mines-by DGMS Circular -Cir. Tech. Sapicom 3/1993 and 6/1993 Report by CMRI on the referred project Design of safe cut out distance & rock reinforcement system for bord & pillar mining using continuous miner in Kumbharkhani mine Wani (north) area, WCL, Nagpur.

1000/1000/500/500/500/500/250/35

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

M/s. Sai Prateek Enterprises Shri G. Jagdeesh Shri A.S. Rao Dr. K.K. Sharma Shri K.U. Rao Shri K.S. Subbarao

CORRIGENDUM
In August 2009 MEJ on page 21 (Coloured Centre-spread) below the photographs, please read Vice-President-I for Dr. S.K. Sarangi and Vice-President-III for Shri T. Victor in place of Vice-Chairman. November 2009

Mining Engineers' Journal

21st National Convention of Mining Engineers & National Seminar

on TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN MINING INDUSTRY December 4-6, 2009 Organised By : Mining Engineering Division Board The Institution of Engineers (India) Hosted By : The Institution of Engineers (India) Udaipur Local Centre, Udaipur In Association with Mining Engineers' Association of India Rajasthan Chapter, Udaipur Venue : College of Technology and Engineering Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan)

Papers on the following subjects are invited so as to reach the convener by 15-11-2009 Mineral Exploration, Sustainable Mining Technology, Blasting Technology and Rock Fragmentation, Geotechnical Studies, Environment and Safety, and Policies and Statutes. Convener: Organising Secretary :

Er. D.S. Maru

Additional Director (Mines) DMG, Govt. of Rajasthan, Udaipur Mob: 09829230652 / 94141 65275
Mining Engineers' Journal

Dr. S.S. Rathore

Dept. of Mining Engineering, MPUAT, UDAIPUR, Mob : 09829041632 Email : ssrathore58@yahoo.co.in
36 November 2009

REQUIREMENT OF TECHNICAL PERSONS

We are in Mining & Civil construction works for last few decades and satisfactorily meeting the demands of our esteemed clients, like JSPL, JSL, IMFA, BAL, ECL, Ushamartin, Mesco etc. Our strength is in our dedicated manpower, large fleet of HEMM and utilization of modern technology. Our activities are spread over Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhatisgarh and shortly shall cover other states like Rajsthan, Madya Pradesh, U.P. etc. We want to strengthen our organization with additional technical personnel. We presently require the following personnel. For Serial number 1&2: Selected person shall be independently responsible for all operation for the Project assigned. He shall have to attend all state/Central Govt. Authorities (Labour, DGMS, P.F, Pollution control Board) associated in the Project besides attending to local/village/panchayat/Forest level issues besides adhering to the Project schedules and clients requirement. Please apply to M/S Coronation Infrastructure Ltd, N-3/27, IRC Village, Nayapally, Bhubaneswar-751015. with complete Bio data and salary presently drawn and expected salary. Remuneration is no constraint for right person. Application with complete bio data may be sent by e-mail: bbsratwalcoronation@yahoo.com also.
Sl.No 1. Post required & number G.M. (Mines) (Two posts) Stream Mining Qualification B.E. in Mining Engineering FCC ( Coal)/ 1st Class Certificate of Competency ( Restricted) B.E. in Mining Engineering FCC (Coal)/ 1st Class Certificate of Competency ( Restricted) B.E. in Mining Engineering FCC (Coal) Experience 15-20 yrs in 1 class Coal Mine (open cast) / Metalliferous mine deploying HEMM Minimum 5MBCM excavation/annum. 10 years in 1st class Coal Mine (open cast)/ Metaliferous mine deploying HEMM Minimum 5MBCM excavation/annum 5-10 years in 1st class Coal Mine (open cast) deploying HEMM Minimum 5 MBCM excavation/annum 5 years in open cast coal mine deploying HEMM 6 years (open cast mine with HEMM) 5 years experience in Bauxite mine as 1st class Manager using Ripper Dozer & other HEMM 5 years as 2nd cl. Manager deploying HEMM 5 years experience as foreman working with HEMM in open cast mine 5 years experience Proficiency in use of Total station Survey Instrument. 10 years experience in HEMM repair maintenance 200 HP and above equipments. Construction/Irrigations Project/Dam etc 10 yrs 10yrs in construction work atleast 5 yrs in Irrigation/Dam projects.
st

Age 45-60

2.

Dy G.M. (Mines) (two posts) Mining

45-50

3.

Manager 1st Class for Coal Project. (two posts)

Mining

40-50

4. 5. 6.

Manager 2nd Class (two posts) Over man (six posts) Manager 1st Class (Metalliferous Mines) (One posts) Manager 2nd Class (Metalliferous Mines) (two posts) Mine Foreman (six posts)

Mining Mining Mining

Diploma/Degree in Mining Engineering SCC (Coal) Over man certificate of competency. Degree in mining Engineer 1st Class Certificate of Competency ( Restricted) Dip / Degree with 2nd Class restricted certificate of competency. Diploma with Foreman Certificate of competency Diploma in Mining Eng./ Survey (with Surveyor certificate of competency) Degree in Mechanical Engineering

35-45 35-45 35-45

7.

Mining

35-45

8.

Mining

30-40

9.

Surveyor (two posts)

Mining

35-45

10.

Manager (Mechanical) (three posts) Manager (Civil) (two posts) Astt Engineer (Civil) (two posts)

Mechanical Civil Civil

35-45

11. 12.

Degree in Civil Engineering Diploma/Degree in civil Engineer

35-45 35-45

Mining Engineers' Journal

37

November 2009

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS ETC.,

INDIA 2009 6 - 7 November 2009 : Investor's Meet & Conference on "Development of Mineral Resources & Mineral Based Industry in North - Eastern Region" at Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, Guwahati (Assam). Contact : Conference Secretariat, Federation of Indian Mineral Industries, FIMI House, B-311, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-I, New Delhi -20. Tel.: +91-1126814596, E-mail : fimi@fedmin.com Website : www.fedmin.com 10 - 13 November 2009 : "Ninth International Mine ventilation congress" at Hotel Crown Plaza, New Delhi, India. Organised by : Department of Mining Engineering Indian School of Mines University, Dhanbad - 826 004. For further details, please contact : Prof. D.C. Panigrahi, Convenor & head, Deptt. of Mining Engineering. Indian School of Mines University, Dhanbad - 826 004. Email: dc_panigrahi@yahoo.co.in, Web : www.9thimvc.org 12 - 13 November 2009 : "14th PA Drilling & Blasting Conference" The Penn Stater Conference Center State College, PA USA. 4 - 6 December 2009 : 21st National Convention of Mining Engineers & National Seminar on 'Technological Advancements in Mining Industry' organised by Mining Engineering Division Board, The Institution of Engineers (India) in association with MEAI - Rajasthan chapter, Udaipur. Contact : Convener, Er. D.S. Maru, Additional Director (Mines), DMG, Govt. of Rajasthan, Mob: 9829230652, 94141 65275, Organising Secretary, Dr. S.S. Rathore, Dept. of Mining Engg., MPUAT Udaipur, Mob.: 98290 41632, email : ssrathore58@yahoo.co.in 18 - 19 December 2009 : Workshop on 'Strategy for Management of Economic Slowdown in Mineral Industry' organised by Society of Geoscientists and Allied Technologists, 267, Kharavela Nagar, Bhubaneswar - 751 001. Fax : 0674-2390687, Contact : Dr. S.K. Sarangi, Mobile : 09437023134, Email : geomin@satyam.net.in 15 - 17 January 2010 : International Conference on "Iron Ore Future The Next Decade" Hotel Oberoi Grand, Kolkata. Contact : Prof. A.K. Ghose, Journal of Mines, Metals & Fuels, 6/2 Madan Street, Kolkata - 700 072. Tel. : 033-22126526, Email : ghose.ajay@gmail.com 22 - 25 January 2010 : 3rd Asian Mining Congress 2010 "Resurgence of Mining in Asia : Prospects and Challenges" & International Mining Machinery Exhibition (IME 2010)" organised by MGMI Kolkata. Details can be had from MGMI website : www.mgmiindia.com or from the MGMI office GN 38/4 Salt Lake Sector - V, Kolkata - 700 091. 4 - 7 February 2010 : "STONA 2010 - 9th International Granites and Stone Fair" at Bangalore : Contact Chairman, STONA 2010 Fair Steering Committee, STONA#429/7, 12th Cross Sadashivnagar, Bangalore - 560 080. Tel. : +91-80-23612541, Fax : 23610993, Email : aigsa@vsnl.net/ aigsa@ebhasin.com/stona@stonaaigra.com, Website:www.stonaaigra.com 4 - 7 February 2010 : "6th International Dyke Conference" for further details, please contact : Prof. Rajesh K. Srivastava, Deptt. of Geology, BHU, IT, Varanasi - 221 005. 7 - 8 May 2010 : Bhubaneswar, India Mine TECH' 10 Seminar on "Mining Technology - Extraction, Beneficiation for Safe and Sustainable Development" contact : IMEJ Convener Prof. S. Jayanthu, Head, Dept. Mining Engineering, N.I.T. Rourkela. l.me.journal@hotmail.com or sjayanthu@rediffmail.com ABROAD 2009 1 - 4 November 2009 : Tailings and Mine Waste 2009, Alberta, Canada. www.ostrf.com/seminars 9 - 11 November 2009 : Rock Slope Stability 2009, Santiago, Chile. www.slopestability.cl 9 - 12 November : "Flotation 09" Capetown, South Africa, www.mineng.com/conferences/ 10 November 2009 : Mine Backfill Seminar, Ibis Hotel, Perth, Australia. www.acg.uwa.edu.au 11 - 13 November 2009 : Advanced Ground Support in Underground Mining Seminar, Ibis Hotel, Perth, Australia. www.acg.uwa.edu.au 11 - 13 November 2009 : Minex Central Asia 2009, Astana, Kazakhstan. www.minexforum.com 12 - 13 November 2009 : "14th PA Drilling & Blasting Conference" The Penn Stater Conference Center State College, PA USA 16 - 19 November 2009 : "MEPS-2009 - 18th International Symposium on Mine Planning & Equipment Selections" at Banff Alberta, Canada, Contact : Dr. Raj K. Singhal, P.O. Box 68002, Crow foot Postal Outlet, 28 Crowfoot Terrdce NW, Calgery, Alberta, T3G 1YO, Canada, Fax : (403)241-9460, Email : singhal@shaw.ca Website : http://www.mpes-camiswemp.com 21 - 23 November 2009 : "International Symposium on Mine Planning & Equipment Selection (MPES 2009)" Banff, Canada, www.mpes-camiswemp.com 23 - 24 November 2009 : NewGenGold 2009 : Case Histories of Discovery, Sheraton Hotel, Perth, Australia. www.newgengold.com 30 Nov - 4 Dec 2009 : NMA's 115th Annual Meeting, exposition and short course, John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino Resort Reno-Sparks, Nevada, USA. www.nwma.org 1 December 2009 : Practical Soil Mechanics Short Course, Sheraton Hotel, Perth, Australia. www.acg.uwa.edu.au 1 - 3 December 2009 : "7th Fennoscandian Exploration and Mining" Rovaniemi, Finland. www.lapinliitto.fi/fem2009 2 - 3 December 2009 : Tailings Management for Operators Seminar, Sheraton Hotel, Perth, Australia. www.acg.uwa.edu.au 9 - 12 May 2010 : CIM Conference and Exhibition, Vancouver, BC CANADA, www.cimorg 11 - 12 May 2010 : Sampling 2010, Perth, WA Contact : The AusIMM Events; Telephone: +61 3 9662 3166; Facsimile: +61 3 9662 3662 23 - 24 June 2010 : AusIMM International Uranium Conference 2010, Adelaide, SA Contact : The AusIMM Events Department; Telephone : +61 3 9662 3166; Facsimile: +61 3 9662 3662

Printed by A.S. Rao, Secretary General, Mining Engineers' Association of India, Published by A.S. Rao, Secretary General, on behalf of Mining Engineers' Association of India and printed at Deepu Printers at 5-8-352, Raghav Ratna Towers (Ground Floor), Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. and published at 5-8-352, Raghav Ratna Towers (Ground Floor), Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. Editor : Dr. K.K. Sharma

Mining Engineers' Journal

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November 2009