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Longwall Mining and the Dangers of a Conglomerate Roof
The Great North Seam at Catherine Hill Bay had only a relatively thin layer of tuff above it but instead had very thick layers of conglomerate rock, the Teralba Conglomerate. This did not crumble easily and was relatively stable when mined using the bord and pillar method. Longwall mining however created great danger for miners.
Sketch S McDonell 2001
In the longwall mining technique, the mining machine burrows into the seam while supporting the roof above.
As the machine advances the miners are protected but the roof is allowed to collapse behind it.
This method captured more coal and was more profitable.
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