Conventional open cut mining methods are used at the CMJV Coal Mines. Moorvale and Moorvale South use diesel hydraulic excavators only. All mines utilize cast and dozer push operations where applicable.
Mining Process
The general sequence of open cut mining is as follows:
1. Vegetation clearance and removal (including mulching).
2. Topsoil/subsoil stripping by scrapers and/or dozers with additional loading and haulage undertaken with excavators and truck. Stripped topsoil is used directly in progressive rehabilitation or is placed in stockpiles for later re-use.
3. Drilling and blasting of overburden, with some waste rock ‘cast blast’ into the adjacent mined-out strip.
4. In appropriate pit geometries, dozer pushing of blasted overburden into the adjacent mined-out strip to expose the target seam, or removal with excavator and haul truck.
5. Where required, drilling and blasting plus ripping of coal/parting material.
6. Mining of exposed coal seams by excavator and loading into haul trucks for transport directly to the ROM dump hopper or ROM pads.
7. Interburden/parting material is then drilled and blasted, ripped, pushed, or excavated and hauled to expose the underlying working coal sections.
8. Coarse rejects and tailings from the CHPP are selectively placed within mine voids, waste rock emplacements, and approved co-disposal storage facilities.
9. Hauled overburden/interburden/parting material is pl ........