Longwall coal mining is a highly-productive method of extracting coal from underground mines. This method involves using a machine called a "longwall shearer," which is a large machine that cuts away a rectangular panel of coal in a single pass. As the machine advances, the panel of coal is cut away and transported to the surface. Longwall mining is seen as a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional "bord-and-pillar" methods of coal mining, which involve excavating rooms in the coal seam and leaving pillars of coal to support the roof. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at longwall mining, including its history, the equipment used, and some of the innovative variations of the mining method adopted in the mining industry.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Longwall mining is a method of underground coal mining in which a long wall of coal is mined in a single slice, typically of thickness 0.5 to 1.5 meters (1.6 to 4.9 feet). The longwall panel is typically 3 to 4.5 kilometers (1.9 to 2.8 miles) long and 250 to 400 meters (820 to 1,310 feet) wide. Longwall mining is more efficient and less labour-intensive than traditional bord-and-pillar (also known as room-and-pillar) mining, in which coal is extracted in a series of blocks&nbsp;(or "pillars") separated by bords (or "rooms") of unmined coal.</p><h2>Longwall Mining Equipment &amp;&nbsp;Machinery</h2><p>To perform longwall mining, a "longwall shearer" is used to cut and extract the coal from the seam. The machine consists of a shearing blade that cuts the coal from the face of the coal seam, as well as hydraulic jacks that support the roof of the mine as the coal is extracted. The coal that is cut is then loaded onto conveyors and transported out of the mine.<br></p><h2>Advantages Over Bord-and-Pillar Mining</h2><p>Longwall mining has several advantages over bord-and-pillar mining. It is more efficient, as it allows a larger area of the coal seam to be mined in a single slice, and it is less labor-intensive, as it requires fewer workers to operate the machinery. However, it can also be more dangerous, as the longwall miner machine and the roof supports are vulnerable to collapse if the roof of the mine is not properly supported.</p><h2>Variations of Longwall Mining</h2><h3>Longwall Top Coal Caving (LTCC)</h3><p>Longwall top coal caving (LTCC) is a mining method used in underground coal mining. It involves the use of a longwall mining machine, which cuts a long, horizontal section of the coal seam. As the machine moves forward, the roof above the cut collapses into the void left behind, caving the top coal onto the conveyor system and allowing it to be extracted.</p><p>This method is typically used in thick coal seams where the roof is unstable and would collapse without the support of the longwall machine. It allows for the efficient extraction of coal and can reduce the need for additional roof support measures.</p><h3>Punch Longwall Mining</h3><p>Punch longwall mining makes use of abandoned open cut mine strips by driving gateroads directly into the seam at the base of the highwall, with no requirement for main entries. The longwall is then retreated towards the open cut and recovered just short of the highwall, leaving a safe barrier pillar.</p><p>Punch longwall mining is a simple, highly-productive, and cost-effective coal mining method which has been adopted at mine sites where structural geological features, such as&nbsp;major thrust faults, pose too great a barrier for adopting conventional longwall mining. BHP's Broadmeadow Mine near Moranbah in Central Queensland's Bowen Basin is one of the only punch longwall mines in Australia.</p>

What is Longwall Mining?

In coal mining terms, a lowwall is the up-dip face/slope which is excavated along the limit/line of oxidation (LOX line) during the boxcut mine development stage. As the boxcut and pit advances down-dip with each successive strip, overburden material (or spoil) is progressively in-pit dumped on the lowwall. In this article, we introduce some of the key concepts surrounding lowwall geotechnical and mine design.

<h2>How are Lowwalls Excavated?</h2><p>Lowwalls mine slopes are typically constructed via free-dig excavator and truck in soil and weathered rock overburden. Drilling and blasting practices&nbsp;are subsequently used to excavate through the fresh, intact overburden material until the target coal seam is reached and and the first strip's <a href="https://boxcut.blog/mining-terminology-what-is-a-highwall" target="_blank">highwall</a> is established.</p><h2>Lowwall In-Pit Spoil Dumps</h2><p><a href="https://boxcut.blog/mining-terminology-what-is-a-boxcut" target="_blank">During the initial boxcut mine development stage</a>, the overburden waste is excavated and truck-dumped in external dumps (i.e., ex-pit dumps) until the boxcut is advanced enough to accommodate in-pit dumping.</p><p>Given blasted overburden material is subject to swelling and bulking, designing and constructing optimal in-pit lowwall spoil dumps is fundamental to mining economics in open strip coal mining.</p><h2>Lowwall Geotechnical Design Considerations</h2><p>Lowwall slope stability is one of the most important considerations in geotechnical design and mine planning, owing to the fact that mining equipment and personnel are often working in the active strip, down-dip of the progressing lowwall in-pit spoil dumps.</p><p>Some of the most critical factors affecting lowwall in-pit spoil dump stability are floor dip, immediate floor lithology type, geomechanical properties (e.g., effective cohesion and friction), and the presence of water and/or mud prior to spoil emplacement.</p><p>A combination of pit floor ripping, trenching, and/or blasting may be required to adequately disrupt low strength materials before emplacement of in-pit spoil.</p>

What is a Lowwall?

In this post, we discuss the best software for 3D geological modelling, resource estimation, and exploration geology.

There are many software packages tailored for today's exploration, mine, and resource geologists. If you're just starting out in the mining industry, it can be hard to differentiate between them and make an informed technical and commercial choice.

Whether you're a junior mineral exploration company or a seasoned geological consultant, we're going to introduce some of the products that have helped mine gold in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and iron ore from the riches of Western Australia's Pilbara region. We'll also outline the key benefits of each 3D geological modelling software package.

<h2>Top 3D&nbsp;Geological Modelling Software Packages</h2>
<p></p>
<ul>
    <li><a href="#leapfrog">Leapfrog Geo</a></li>
    <li><a href="#minescape">MineScape Geology</a></li>
    <li><a href="#micromine">Micromine Origin</a></li>
    <li><a href="#surpac">GEOVIA Surpac™</a></li>
    <li><a href="#geologycore">Vulcan GeologyCore</a></li>
    <li><a href="#surfer">Surfer</a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<p></p>
<h3 id="leapfrog">
    1. Leapfrog Geo
</h3>
<figure>
    <div class="embed-responsive"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/clEJ-NjcP7U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
    
<figcaption>
        Overview of Seequent's Leapfrog Geo 6.0&nbsp;3D geological modelling software
    </figcaption></figure>
<p>
    <a href="https://www.seequent.com/products-solutions/leapfrog-geo/" target="_blank">Leapfrog Geo</a> is a 3D geological modelling software program made for geologists, by geologists. Its intuitive workflows, rapid data processing, and visualisation tools bring geology and mining teams together – and enable the discussions that drive mining decisions.
</p>
<h3>
    Benefits
</h3>
<p>
    <strong>An intuitive interface</strong><br>Leapfrog Geo offers tools crafted for the geologist and logical workflows that save time and frustration, as well as shorten training times.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Domain modelling</strong><br>Build complex geological models rapidly from drillhole data, structural data, points, polylines, and meshes in the project.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Isosurface modelling</strong><br>Easily build isosurfaces from drillholes and point data. See visual trends in the data and continuity in surfaces. Advance understanding with rapid first pass visualisation of patterns in numeric data.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Visualisation</strong><br>Being able to rapidly visualise in 3D brings clarity and understanding to even complex data.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Block modelling</strong><br>Easily build block models in 3D and keep them up-to-date.
</p>
<hr>
<h3 id="minescape">
    2. MineScape Geology
</h3>
<figure>
    <div class="embed-responsive"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/AlVw5QnJ8p0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
    
<figcaption>
        Overview of Datamine's MineScape Geology 2021 3D geological modelling software
    </figcaption></figure>
<p>
    <a href="https://www.dataminesoftware.com/geology-software/" target="_blank">MineScape Geology</a>&nbsp;is is a suite of integrated solutions designed for open cut and underground mining operations for coal and metalliferous deposits.
</p>
<p>
     MineScape Geology delivers extensive geological modelling and mine design functionality, making it a leading mine planning solution globally. It is is used at more than 200 of the world’s most complex mining operations - from nickel phosphate mining in Russia to coal mining in Indonesia.
</p>
<h3>
    Benefits
</h3>
<p>
    <strong>Input data</strong><br>Includes drill hole collar and downhole survey, detailed downhole lithology logs, geophysical and geotechnical data, sample dispatch, coal quality and washability and assay data. Standard <a href="https://www.ausimm.com/insights-and-resources/resources/codes-and-standards/coallog/" target="_blank">CoalLog</a> files import is supported.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Data validation</strong><br>Provides extensive validation tools including numeric range, dictionary code, downhole and stratigraphic and rule checking. Modification of data is checked for interval consistency and validity before being applied.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Audit trail</strong><br>provides a full audit trail that tracks database changes and edits as required.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Graphic log display</strong><br>Allows the rapid generation of graphical lithological logs and geological cross-sections and profiles in either a 2D or 3D space.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Quality compositing</strong><br>Allows compositing of ply samples across a geological unit, such as a coal seam or a user-defined working section.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>3D cross-plots</strong><br>Simultaneously displays three analytical values. Cross-plot graphics can be analysed in MineScape, plotted, or transferred to Microsoft Word or PowerPoint.
</p>
<hr>
<h3 id="micromine">
    3. Micromine Origin
</h3>
<figure>
    <div class="embed-responsive"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MHf_EM9Ld3k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
    
<figcaption>
        Overview of Micromine Origin 3D geological modelling software
    </figcaption></figure>
<p>
    <a href="https://www.micromine.com/origin/" target="_blank">Micromine Origin</a>&nbsp;equips exploration geologists with comprehensive, flexible and powerful tools to target and assess prospective regions more efficiently.&nbsp;Integrate, validate, interpret and communicate critical mineral resource data with state-of-the-art geological tools spanning from early exploration through to resource evaluation.
</p>
<h3>
    &nbsp;Benefits
</h3>
<p>
    <strong>Elevate your experience</strong><br>Advanced technology that lets you focus on geology with user-friendly, intuitive, streamlined, organised and customisable functionality.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Built for big data</strong><br>Rapidly load, edit and visualise large datasets using a powerful graphics engine that can effortlessly handle more than 15M spreadsheet rows and 10M data points.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Cut the conversion time</strong><br>Avoid the long and risky file conversion process with compatibility for 70+ file formats from over 25 common industry software solutions.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Expansive GIS capabilities</strong><br>Stay in one solution with all-inclusive GIS tools such as coordinate conversion, polygon assign, string and point utilities, connections to online imagery, contouring, and annotation.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Rapidly transform results into reports</strong><br>Impress project stakeholders with stunning 3D and 2D annotated project visuals using an easy, intelligent and flexible plotting environment, and purpose-built chart presentation tools.
</p>
<hr>
<h3 id="surpac">
    4. GEOVIA Surpac™
</h3>
<figure>
    <div class="embed-responsive"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Wpq7B2U5Ys0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
    
<figcaption>
        Dassault Systèmes' GEOVIA Surpac 3D geological modelling software
    </figcaption></figure>
<p>
    <a href="https://www.3ds.com/products-services/geovia/products/surpac/" target="_blank">GEOVIA Surpac™</a> is&nbsp;an integrated 3D geology, resource modelling, mine planning, and production software package developed by Dassault Systèmes.
</p>
<h3>
    Benefits
</h3>
<p>
    <strong>Comprehensive tools</strong><br>Including drillhole data management, geological modeling, block modeling, geostatistics, mine design, mine planning, resource estimation, and more.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Modular</strong><br>Easily customized to adapt to changing needs.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Sharing</strong><br>Ability to seamlessly share skills and project knowledge across teams and departments.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Time saving</strong><br>Increased time savings with compliance to company-specific processes.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Consistency</strong><br>Consistency of execution using task automation.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Data efficiency</strong><br>Reduced data duplication with file format support of popular GIS and CAD systems.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Integration</strong><br>Integrated production scheduling with <a href="https://www.3ds.com/products-services/geovia/products/minesched/" target="_blank">GEOVIA MineSched™ tactical mine planning software</a>.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Multilingual support</strong><br>English, Chinese, Russian, Spanish and French.
</p>
<hr>
<h3 id="geologycore">
    5. Vulcan GeologyCore
</h3>
<figure>
    <div class="embed-responsive"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wzDdlKXgtLA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
    
<figcaption>
        Overview of Maptek's Vulcan GeologyCore 3D geological modelling software
    </figcaption></figure>
<p>
    <a href="https://www.maptek.com/products/geologycore/" target="_blank">Vulcan GeologyCore</a> is Maptek's new kid on the block in the exploration and geological modelling space. Previously marketed and offered as 'Eureka', and now taking its name from Maptek's flagship product, Vulcan, Vulcan&nbsp;GeologyCore offers geologists the best features from its flagship product, Vulcan, Vulcan GeologyCore offers a much more streamlined approach to geological modelling than previously offered.
</p>
<h3>
    Benefits
</h3>
<p>
    <strong>Simple workflow from data to model</strong><br>Manage data validation across multiple files and avoid complex specification setup whenever changes are made.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Rapid model generation</strong><br>Update resource models daily or more frequently, instead of quarterly or annually, to avoid bottlenecks.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Repeatable, non-destructive process</strong><br>Test scenarios by editing domains and see dynamic model updates before committing to changes.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Improved productivity</strong><br>Rationalise the geological workflow for easier assimilation of new staff and higher focus on analysis and interpretation.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Access to cutting-edge techniques</strong><br>Take advantage of cloud-based machine learning modelling methods for rapid processing.
</p>
<p>
    <strong>Process to suit your needs</strong><br>Select the appropriate modelling method to suit databases or mining projects.
</p>
<p></p>
<hr>
<h2>
    Honourable Mention
</h2>
<h3 id="surfer">
    Surfer
</h3>
<figure>
    <div class="embed-responsive"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5tFPgWqli68" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
    
<figcaption>
        Overview of Golden Software's Surfer 3D digitisation feature
    </figcaption></figure>
<p>
    <a href="https://www.goldensoftware.com/products/surfer" target="_blank">Surfer</a>, developed by <a href="https://www.goldensoftware.com/" target="_blank">Golden Software</a>, is one of the most powerful (and sometimes underappreciated) 2D and 3D geological modelling software packages on the market. Used by geoscientists from a wide range of industries, Surfer offers mine geologists, resource geologists, and engineering geologists an invaluable set of features.
</p>
<p>
    Surfer has come along way since its humble beginnings as a data gridding package.&nbsp;While standing amongst giants here in this article, Surfer can&nbsp;confidently deliver JORC- and NI 43-101-compliant geological models and resource estimates, and is particularly suited for mineral target definition and feasibility stage exploration projects.
</p>
<p>
    Given its ease-of-use, competitive pricing (including more than generous student discount), and unmatched documentation and technical support, Surfer should be among the go-to tools for undergraduate geologists and junior mineral exploration company executives alike.
</p>
<p>
    <strong></strong>
</p>

Best Software for 3D Geological Modelling

A 'Standard 11 (S11) Mining Induction' is a required course for new starters to work on a coal or metalliferous mine in Queensland. Read on to learn more about the different types of Standard 11 Mining Inductions and where you can find a training provider near you to kick-start your career in the Australian mining industry!

<h2>
    What is a Standard 11 Mining Induction?
</h2>
<p>
    A <i>Standard 11 (S11)&nbsp;Mining Induction</i> is a safety induction course required for any individual to work on a coal or metalliferous mine site in Queensland.<a href="https://www.resources.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/240370/recognised-standard-11.pdf" target="_blank"></a>
</p>
<p>
    The 'Recognised Standard 11' is a set of nationally-accredited competencies that provides participants with entry-level skills and knowledge associated with the Australian mining industry,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.resources.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/240370/recognised-standard-11.pdf" target="_blank">Queensland Government's 'Recognised Standard 11 - Training in Coal Mines' document</a>.
</p>
<p></p>
<h2>
    What are the Different Types of Standard 11 Mining Inductions?
</h2>
<p>
    There are 4 main types of Standard 11 Mining Induction courses available for coal and metalliferous mine workers. Each course is tailored to suit different levels of mining experience, different mining environments, and validity, as outlined below.
</p>
<h3>
    1. Standard 11 Surface Mining Induction Course
</h3>
<figure>
    <img src="https://editor.blogstatic.io/web/assets/uploads/d652ed0732662de2bae33ed7352515fd4f8cddbf.jpg" id="3b8ce9e9744aff42792ee7c56b2afb4020ad9909" data-image="3b8ce9e9744aff42792ee7c56b2afb4020ad9909">
</figure>
<p>
    The Standard 11 <i>Surface</i> Mining Induction is a 2-day course that takes new starters through the 6 key competencies regarding quality, health, safety &amp; environment (QHSE) practices in the Australian mineral resources sector.&nbsp;
</p>
<p>
    The Standard 11 Surface Mining Induction is the foundation course for entry-level and experienced mine workers alike, and comprises the following nationally-accredited units of competency:
</p>
<p></p>
<ol>
    <li><b>RIICOM201E: Communicate in the Workplace;</b></li>
    <li><b>RIIGOV201E: Comply with Site Work Processes/Procedures;</b></li>
    <li><b>RIIWHS201E: Work Safely and Follow WHS Policies and Procedures;</b></li>
    <li><b>RIIRIS201E: Conduct Local Risk Control;</b></li>
    <li><b>RIIERR205D: Apply Initial Response First Aid; and</b></li>
    <li><b>RIIERR302E: Respond to Local Emergencies and Incidents.</b></li>
</ol>
<p></p>
<h3>
    2. Standard 11 Underground Mining Induction Course
</h3>
<figure>
    <img src="https://editor.blogstatic.io/web/assets/uploads/149fbf7ac8e44d3b4443478268ce9cb85fcb1dfb.jpg" id="79a31420629b2fea11aa2153a9adef6d125771b8" data-image="79a31420629b2fea11aa2153a9adef6d125771b8">
</figure>
<h3></h3>
<h3>
    3. Standard 11 Mining Induction Refresher Courses
</h3>
<figure>
    <img src="https://editor.blogstatic.io/web/assets/uploads/4dcf57b7a58d5cb1c3538ec9602430877748008b.jpg" id="46fada088523f1ddbb21e3eece9e1d2103ca6a73" data-image="46fada088523f1ddbb21e3eece9e1d2103ca6a73">
</figure>
<p>
    The Standard 11  Mining Induction <i>Refresher</i> course&nbsp;updates and refreshes the knowledge of experienced coal and metalliferous mine workers.
</p>
<p>
    The refresher course is available as a:
</p>
<ul>
    <li>1-day refresher course for the Standard 11 Surface Mining Induction; and</li>
    <li>&nbsp;0.5-day refresher course for the Standard 11 Underground Mining Induction.</li>
</ul>
<p>
    The refresher course must be completed by coal and metalliferous every 5 years in accordance with Queensland mining regulations.
</p>
<p>
    Course participants complete the same 6 competencies carried out in the foundation Standard 11 Mining Induction course outlined above.&nbsp;
</p>
<p></p>
<h3>
    4. Standard 11 Mining Induction RPL&nbsp;Course
</h3>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<h2>
    How Much Does a Standard 11 Mining Induction Course Cost?
</h2>
<p>
    As of September 2022, the typical price for Standard 11 Mining Induction courses run by RSO-accredited training providers&nbsp;are:
</p>
<p></p>
<ul>
    <li><b>$650</b> for a Standard 11 Surface Mining Induction (2&nbsp;day course);</li>
    <li><b>$350</b> for Standard 11 Underground Mining Induction (1 day course);</li>
    <li><b>$350</b> for a Standard 11 Surface Mining Induction Refresher (1 day course);</li>
    <li><b>$250</b> for a Standard 11 Underground Mining Induction Refresher (0.5 day course); and</li>
    <li><b>$400</b> for a Standard 11 Surface Mining Induction RPL (0.5 day course).</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<h2>
    Where Can I Find a Standard 11 Mining Induction  Training Provider in Queensland?
</h2>
<p></p>

What is a Standard 11 Mining Induction?

Brief descriptions of mining-related terminology

In coal mining terms, a highwall is the excavated face/slope which advances down-dip with each successive strip that is mined in an open cut strip mine. In this article, we introduce some of the key concepts surrounding highwall excavation sequence, geotechnical and mine design, and alternative mining methods to recover additional coal reserves beyond final highwalls.

<h2>
    What is a Highwall?
</h2>
<p>
    In coal mining terms, a highwall is the excavated face/slope which advances down-dip with each successive strip that is mined in an open cut strip mine.
</p>
<h2>
    How are Highwalls Excavated?
</h2>
<p>
    Following the <a href="https://boxcut.blog/mining-terminology-what-is-a-boxcut" target="_blank">excavation of a boxcut to establish the initial open cut pit for a new coal mine</a>, highwalls are typically prepared by means of drilling and blasting of the overburden material (i.e., non-coal coal measure rocks and soil which overlie the target economic coal seam(s) to be mined).
</p>
<h3>
    Excavation Sequence
</h3>
<p>
    A typical excavation sequence will include:
</p>
<ul>
    <li><b>Pre-stripping</b> and stockpiling of topsoil for future mine rehabilitation.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li><b>Free-dig</b>&nbsp;removal of soil and weathered rock overburden by means of mechanical excavation (e.g., excavators, rope shovels, etc), without requiring drilling &amp; blasting.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
    <li><b>Drilling &amp; blasting</b> the fresh overburden coal measure rocks to achieve the required geotechnical and mine design.</li>
    <li><b>Blocks</b> mined laterally along the strike of the coal seam</li>
    <li><b>Strips</b> are mined in succession down-dip (i.e., from shallowest to deepest depth of cover/lowest to highest stripping ratio) until the stripping ratio becomes uneconomic for continued open cut mining methods.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
    Machinery &amp; Equipment
</h3>
<p>
    In large strip mines, draglines are typically employed to move the blasted overburden material to expose the target/economic coal seam(s). Capital costs aside, draglines offer some of the highest production rates in terms of bank cubic metres (BCM) moved at the lowest cost.
</p>
<p>
    Truck-and-excavator fleets, with the assistance of dozer-push operations, are also extensively used where draglines are impracticable or the deposit is more structurally-complex.
</p>
<figure>
    <img src="https://www.liebherr.com/shared/media/material-handling-technology/material-handling-equipment/duty-cycle-crawler-cranes/applications/mining-dragline/slider-campaign-page/liebherr-hs-8300-mining-dragline-strip-mining-overburden-pic2-min.png" id="nsduus42tt64" data-image="nsduus42tt64">
</figure>
<p></p>
<h2>
    Highwall Geotechnical Design
</h2>
<p>
    Highwall design is governed by numerous factors, particularly relating to geotechnical and mine planning requirements. As a general rule of thumb, highwalls in Australian coal mines are often designed as follows:
</p>
<ul>
    <li><b>Strips</b> are typically orientated to avoid interaction with major geological structures (such as faults), and limit kinematic availability of planar, toppling, and wedge-type failures.</li>
    <li><b>Batters</b> (i.e., the slope face) are typically pre-split at 70° angles.</li>
    <li><b>Benches</b> may be incorporated into the highwall to reduce the overall slope angle, as well as provide an area to catch failed/rilled/eroded material.</li>
</ul>
<h2>
    Highwall Access to Underground Coal Reserves
</h2>
<p>
    Highwalls can also provide a means of access to additional underground coal reserves when the stripping ratio becomes uneconomic for continued open cut mining. In this regard, portals and drifts can be driven into final highwalls (and endwalls) to develop longwall and/or bord-and-pillar operations.
</p>
<div class="callout">
    <h2>
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    </h2>
        <a href="https://www.boxcut.io/signup">Get Started - Free</a>
</div>
<h2>
    Highwall Mining Techniques
</h2>
<p>
    Coal reserves that lie beyond final highwalls, which would otherwise be sterilised, can be recovered by means of  highwall auger mining (HWAM) and/or continuous highwall mining (HWM or CHM), if practicable. These methods are typically employed when thermal and metallurgical (i.e., steelmaking) coal prices increase during the window of opportunity&nbsp;between the final highwall being excavated and in-pit dumping and mine rehabilitation commencing.&nbsp;
</p>
<p>
    An example of <a href="https://www.coalaugering.com/" target="_blank">Coal Augering Services' highwall auger mining (HWAM)</a> operations in action at an open cut metallurgical coal mine in Queensland's Bowen Basin is shown below.
</p>
<figure>
    <div class="embed-responsive"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_029OV2c2JM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
    
<figcaption>
        An example of Coal Augering Services (CAS) carrying out highwall auger mining (HWAM) operations at an open cut metallurgical coal mine in Queensland's Bowen Basin
    </figcaption></figure>

What is a Highwall?

In mining terms, a boxcut (also written box cut, box-cut) is the first shallow excavation which serves several purposes in both open cut and underground mining operations, coal and hardrock alike.

<div class="contents">
    <h2>
    Contents
    </h2>
    <ul>
        <li><a href="#overview">Overview of Boxcuts</a></li>        
        <li><a href="#opencut">Boxcuts for Open Cut Mine Development</a></li>
        <li><a href="#underground">Boxcuts for Underground Mine Access</a></li>
    </ul>
</div>
<p></p>
<h2 id="overview">
    Overview of Boxcuts
</h2>
<p>
    Boxcuts are typically constructed for the following purposes:
</p>
<ul>
    <li>&nbsp;<b>Bulk sample pits</b> in open cut coal deposits</li>
    <li><b>Underground access</b> to coal and mineral deposits</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="opencut">
    <br>Boxcuts for Open Cut Mine Development
</h2>
<p>
    Boxcuts are optimally located along the limit of oxidation (LOX) line, where fresh, unoxidised coal can be recovered by conventional open cut methods, typically by truck and excavator. This area also often coincides with the lowest stripping ratio (i.e., amount of non-coal overburden to coal ratio), which creates critical cashflow for most start-up mines.
</p>
<p>
    As an extension of their purpose to open up a new deposit, boxcuts can also serve as a “bulk sample pit” for feasibility-stage coal projects.
</p>
<p></p>
<h2>
    Examples of Boxcuts for Open Cut Mining
</h2>
<p></p>
<h3>
    1. Alpha Coal Project
</h3>
<p>
    As part of the bankable feasibility study (BFS) phase of <a href="https://gvkhancockcoal.com/our-assets/alpha" target="_blank">GVK Hancock’s Alpha Coal Project</a>,&nbsp;a bulk sample pit boxcut was excavated for thermal coal quality testing and trial mining by Thiess in 2010-2011.
</p>
<p>
    The 'Alpha Test Pit' boxcut was excavated using truck and excavators, and the thermal coal recovered was the first coal to be mined in the previously greenfield Galilee Basin.
</p>
<figure>
    <img src="https://editor.blogstatic.io/web/assets/uploads/29bc596a61de1ddd580795ab8cff112a42d5f3c1.jpg" id="c197255d35c24152b32619d03d8ff891db17a34e" data-image="c197255d35c24152b32619d03d8ff891db17a34e" width="760" height="507" alt="Alpha Coal Project's Bulk Sample Pit Boxcut Excavation" style="width: 760px; max-width: 760px;">
    <figcaption>
        Alpha Coal Project's Bulk Sample Pit Boxcut Excavation
    </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="underground">
    <br>Boxcuts for Underground Mine Access
</h2>
<p>
    Boxcuts are also commonly used in both coal and hard rock mining operations to provide access to underground mining operations. Shallow boxcuts are excavated until fresh, competent ground conditions are met. This allows critical mine access infrastructure such as portals and drifts/declines to be constructed, providing safe passage for equipment, personnel, and other infrastructure from the mine surface to the underground development and production areas.
</p>
<h2>
    Examples of Boxcuts for Underground Mine Access
</h2>
<p>
    Examples of boxcuts excavated for underground mine access and infrastructure include:
</p>
<h3>
    1. Ironbark No. 1 Coal Mine
</h3>
<p>
    <a href="https://www.fitzroyoz.com.au/operations/" target="_blank">Fitzroy Australia Resources' Ironbark No. 1 Coal Mine</a> is located approximately 35 km northeast of Moranbah in the Bowen Basin, Central Queensland. Fitzroy plan to mine the Leichhardt Seam (Permian-aged Rangal Coal Measures)&nbsp;via longwall and bord-and-pillar methods.
</p>
<p>
    <a href="https://www.golding.com.au/" target="_blank">Golding Contractors</a> commenced development of the surface-to-underground infrastructure in early 2022, comprising a boxcut, and twin portals&nbsp;and drifts to access the hard coking metallurgical coal reserves over the next 25 years.
</p>
<figure>
    <img src="https://editor.blogstatic.io/web/assets/uploads/a0bc7594a8ae55cb15960159a55533656a2fa0a1.jpg" id="bd7bc4e1ed8d6cb900fe494e296a2d5d576e1482" data-image="bd7bc4e1ed8d6cb900fe494e296a2d5d576e1482" width="760" height="507" alt="Fitzroy Australia Resources' Ironbark No. Mine Boxcut" style="width: 760px; max-width: 760px;">
    <figcaption>
        Boxcut and Underground Mine Portal Entrances at Fitzroy Australia Resources' Ironbark No. 1 Mine in the Bowen Basin, Queensland
    </figcaption>
</figure>
<h3>
    2. Thalanga Zinc Mine
</h3>
<p>
    <a href="https://redriverresources.com.au/operations/thalanga/" target="_blank">Thalanga Zinc Mine</a> is located approximately 60 km west of Charters Towers, Queensland. Originally discovered in 1975, production commenced in 1989 via both open pit and underground operations. After several periods of inactivity and care &amp; maintenance, Red River Resources acquired Thalanga Mine in 2014.
</p>
<p>
    Contract miners, <a href="https://pybar.com.au/projects/thalanga-mine-far-west/" target="_blank">PYBAR Mining Services, fired the first blast of the boxcut at Thalanga in May 2018</a>, which facilitated construction of a portal and decline to the Far West deposit - the main source of ore for the Thalanga Mill until Red River Resources' develops the Liontown deposit.
</p>
<figure>
    <div class="embed-responsive"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cvcn9R88xRk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
    
<figcaption>
        Time-lapse video of PYBAR Mining Services constructing Red River Resources' Thalanga&nbsp;(Far West) zinc mine box cut and portal in 2018
    </figcaption></figure>

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