Mining  Mining Techniques  Contour Mining

Contour Mining

The contour mining method is also known as Bench method. It is usually coupled with coal at a certain elevations through a mountain or hill. This type of mining allows for the extraction of coal from hilly areas using 'mountain top removal mining' method.

Normally, contour mining will be utilized in more than one location on the same hill or mountain. Drills are used to drill the top of the mountain and the explosives will be placed in the holes to break the hard rocks.

Then the mine is enlarged with the consecutive cuts to follow the coal mine. When the coal is pooped by contour mining, Augers are usually used to bore holes into the projection of the coal seam to take away more coal. The coal is then crushed and sent to a normal process of preparation.

Then most often, the holes are filled with the rocks which as broken with the explosives. One of the principal retrieval requirements for contour mining is that high walls must be enclosed after mining is completed. At last, in the centre of the surface, the shrubs and trees will be planted in order to improve the wildlife habitat.