Operational efficiency of equipment system drives environmental and economic performance of surface coal mining—A sustainable development approach

Abstract

AbstractImproving operational efficiency (OE) of mining processes can ensure the sustainable development of the coal mining sector. The selection of equipment systems and the adoption of efficient mining methods are critical for achieving OE in mining. Planning and simulation of mining operations is a complex and dynamic process that requires deeper domain knowledge and application of computer‐based technology. Computer‐aided simulation of mining operations can help identify the most appropriate equipment system and innovative mining methods that can achieve the highest level of OE. OE has got a direct and positive impact on environmental efficiency (EE) defined in terms of reduction in emissions of GHG, TSP, and PM10, and cost efficiency (CE) defined by a reduction in unit operating cost (₹/m3). In an Indian study for a large dragline operated surface coal mine, a 40% gain in OE in terms of mining rate (m3/hr) resulted in a gain in EE with an annual reduction of GHG, TSP, and PM10emission by 26%, 47%, and 52%, respectively, and CE improved by over 33% vis‐a‐vis the existing operation without the infusion of any additional resource.