Estimating Secondary Mining Potential Of Inactive And Abandoned Appalachian Highwalls

Past surface-mining operations in Appalachia primarily followed mountain con-tours. It is estimated that about 18,000 mi. of highwalls are exposed throughout Appalachia. An evaluation procedure for determining the secondary mining potential (SMP) of these highwalls has been proposed. Sixteen parameters affecting the SMP were isolated. These are grouped in four major categories: geologic conditions, existing infrastructure, site conditions, and environmental conditions. The parameters were then ranked by their impact on SMP and assigned weighting factors. A simple mathematical procedure yields an SMP number (0 < SMP < 100), which may then be used to compare alternative sites and technologies. Determination of limits and ranges while grouping data was aided by field visits to over 40 exposed highwalls in Eastern Kentucky. An interactive program has been developed to rapidly evaluate the SMP for pre-mined sites. The mathematical procedure estimates the relative potential (i.e., techno-logical feasibility) for remining for three predominant secondary mining methods: augering, Hi-wall mining, and underground mining. Other secondary mining methods are briefly reviewed and compared.