Review Of Highwall Mining Experience In Australia And A Case Study

The highwall mining method was introduced in Australia in early 1991. Since then, at least 13 mines have used this method to mine coal. Abundant experience has been accumulated during the past 8 years, through some failures as well as successes. This paper presents a brief review of highwall mining experience at four Australian mines, with focus on geotechnical issues affecting mining performance. The paper also summarizes one case study, which involved major pillar/roof instabilities. The aim of the review and the case study is to assist the highwall mining industry to learn from past experience and to avoid similar instabilities in the future.