Document Type
Conference Paper
Publication Date
2013
Abstract
Tasman and Abel Mines are underground pillar extraction coal mines located to the west of Newcastle, NSW. Tasman mine extracts coal from the Fassifern Seam in the Upper Newcastle Coal Measures and Abel Mine operates in the Upper Donaldson Seam to the north in the Tomago Coal Measures. Each mine apply a range of partial to total pillar extraction techniques depending on allowable impact limits to a broad range of sensitive surface features such as cliff lines, Schedule 2 creeks, Hunter Water lines, public recreation areas and walking tracks, broadcasting and 132/330 kV transmission towers, highly significant aboriginal heritage sites and an operating cattle agistment business. This paper will discuss the mine management responses required to deal with delayed softening of claystone floors, optic fibre cable relocation, irregular surface cracking and how surface and subsurface monitoring techniques were applied to validate subsidence predictions and modify mine design layouts to meet the required performance measures.
Publication Details
S. Ditton and T. Sutherland, Management of subsidence at the Tasman and Abel Mines - issues and outcomes, 13th Coal Operators' Conference, University of Wollongong, The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy & Mine Managers Association of Australia, 2013, 86-98.