The Choice of Appropriate Mining Method for Western Part of Sabashak Coalmine Via Modified Nicholas Rule

Abstract

Selecting the appropriate extraction method for mines is one of the vital issues. The aim of this research is to select the appropriate extraction method for the western part of the Shabashak coal mine. In this research, in order to select the appropriate extraction method for the western part of the Shabashak coal mine, the UBC (University of British Colombia) Mining Method Selector software has been used, which operates based on the modified Nicholas rule or UBC. The Nicholas rule is such that it considers the degree of conformity of the geometric characteristics and mechanical properties of the mineral body and its surrounding rocks with various extraction methods, assigning scores of -49, -1, 0, 1-2, and 3-4. Based on geological data, the western part of the Shabashak coal mine has the following geometric characteristics: vein-like, low dip, very thin thickness, an average depth of more than 600 meters, and excellent quality. Additionally, the adjacent rocks and coal layers have a medium to weak RMR value. After applying the geometric specifications and mechanical properties of the coal layers and its adjacent rocks in the mentioned software, the longwall mining method, cutting and filling, and pillar cell methods were obtained as the most suitable extraction methods due to their highest scores.