Abstract: Economics of Large-Scale Surface Coal Mining--Simulation Models

Philip G. Morey

Large-scale surface coal mining will play a key role in meeting future energy needs of the United States. To aid the development of future surface coal mines, Fluor Mining & Metals, Inc., was contracted by the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) to develop, document, and test simulation models representative of the current major surface-mining techniques.

Computer models were developed which provide detailed information on mining systems and equipment to assist in mine design and equipment selection. Major surface-mining techniques selected for detailed study were: area stripping and contour stripping with drag-lines, area stripping with shovels and trucks, mountain top removal, and multiple dipping seam mining.

Mathematic models consisting of overburden removal, drilling and blasting, coal load and haul, reclamation, coal preparation, general administrative factoring, and cash-flow analysis were developed for detailed analysis of each surface-mining method. The series of simulation models demonstrates capabilities to select equipment and to generate capital and operating costs for the representative surface-mining techniques.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90962©1978 AAPG 2nd Circum-Pacific Energy and Minerals Resource Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii