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EIA-REP-325d-12 _BB_ - 201.09.14.pdf - SAHRA

EIA-REP-325d-12 _BB_ - 201.09.14.pdf - SAHRA

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having the least detrimental environmental impacts on the surrounding environment as rehabilitation is<br />

continuous with mining operations.<br />

In terms of this project various mining methods alternatives were investigated and are discussed below.<br />

11.6.1 Area Mining<br />

The most used surface mining method for coal is strip or area mining (Refer to Figure <strong>12</strong>: : An example of an open<br />

cast mine depicting the visual impact impact). ). Strip mining exposes the coal by removing the overburden (t (the earth<br />

above the coal seam(s)) in long cuts or strips. The spoil from the first strip is deposited in an area outside the<br />

planned mining area. Spoil from subsequent cuts is deposited as fill in the previous cut after coal has been<br />

removed. Usually, the process rocess is to drill the strip of overburden next to the previously mined strip. The drill holes<br />

are filled with explosives and blasted. The overburden is then removed using large eart earthmoving hmoving equipment such<br />

as draglines, shovel, excavator and trucks, or bucket-wheels and conveyors. This overburden is put into the<br />

previously mined (and now empty) strip.<br />

When all the overburden is removed removed, , the underlying coal seam is exposed as a 'block' of coal. This block of coal<br />

may be drilled and blasted (if hard) or otherwise loaded onto trucks or conveyors for transport to the coal<br />

preparation (or wash) plant. Once this strip is empty of coal, the pr process ocess is repeated with a new strip being<br />

created next to it. This method is most suitable for areas with flat terrain.<br />

The suitability of equipment is governed by geologic conditions. For example, to remove overburden that is loose<br />

or unconsolidated, a bucket wheel excavator might be most productive. The life of some area mines may be<br />

more than 50 years.<br />

Figure <strong>12</strong>: : An example of an open cast mine depicting the visual impact<br />

<strong>EIA</strong>-<strong>REP</strong>-<strong>325d</strong>-11<br />

October 20<strong>12</strong><br />

111

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