Mining Publication: Technology News 439 - Remote Reset Systems for Continuous Mining Machines Used In Extended Cuts

The popularity of extended cut mining is increasing in U.S. coal mines. With this mining method, remote-controlled continuous miners are used to drive entries in excess of 6.1 m (20 ft) inby permanently supported roof. Industry-wide attention is focusing on safety considerations in extended cut mining. A particular problem area is the interruption of power to the continuous miner during an extended cut. Mine workers are tempted to dart under unsupported roof, disregarding regulations and personal safety, to reset circuit breakers on the continuous miner. Information was solicited from various organizations to determine the circumstances that cause power interruptions to extended cut continuous miners. The data accumulated permitted several conclusions to be drawn about why high-voltage circuit breakers trip. From this information, designs for remote reset systems were developed.