There are obviously similarities and differences between NSW and Queensland underground coal mines. The major differences are related to rock strengths, stress regimes, location and operational approaches. Issues relating to these factors are addressed, with some suggestions as to how underground coal miners can do some things better to improve efficiencies and returns on investment. The differences are many and varied. Some factors having a major bearing on mining efficiencies are discussed, with some examples of failures and successes being outlined.
History
Citation
This conference paper was originally published as Nicholls, B, How NSW and Queensland Coalfields Differ - What We Need To Do Better, in Aziz, N (ed), Coal 2001: Coal Operators' Geotechnology Colloquium, University of Wollongong & the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2001, 24-33.