The Blue Creek Mine (BCM) is currently being developed with seam access (shaft & slope installation) underway, and construction of surface facilities including bathhouse, preparation plant, loadouts, conveyor belts, and refuse disposal areas.
Due to its coal reserve and seam characteristics, the BCM employs the longwall mining method. The mine plan presented in this TRS utilizes a single longwall supported by continuous mining units. Warrior Met is considering an alternative mine plan which would increase tonnage via production from two longwall units. However, this alternative mine plan is not considered as part of this TRS. The mine will produce coal that is suitable for export into the high volatile-A metallurgical coal markets.
Run-of-mine coal will be transported to the surface via the slope. A service shaft and hoist serve as the primary means of transportation of miners, supplies, and equipment to the coal mine. An additional fan (exhaust) shaft is used for mine ventilation, and a third shaft (primary intake) is required to support longwall production. Bleeder shafts will be installed in each longwall district as they are developed.
Production Rates
Plans include a single longwall operation which is supported by continuous mining units. Warrior Met is considering an alternative plan which would include two longwall mining units.
At a steady state, the mine produces approximately 4.4 million clean tonnes per year.
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