Underground Coal Mine Modelling-A Total Systems Simulation Approach

The total systems model for underground oal mining planning and design is a set of omputer programs which encompasses a realis- ic reproduction of the interaction between he geological, environmental, equipment, meth- ds and the health and safety aspects of the ining plan. The total system includes nine ajor subsystems - Geology and Reserves, Meth- ne Generator, Roof Support, Subsidence, Pro- uction, Rail Haulage, Cost, Water Generator, nd Ventilation. The subsystems themselves re divided into two categories based on the requency with which they are executed. Event riented Subsystems are executed either inde- endently, or at discrete intervals when cer- tain specific events occur. Dynamic subsystems 'unction interactively during the production :ycle. They transfer data to or request data `rom event oriented subsystems only when spe- ific events occur. Three specific areas for iodel application are in the measurement of system performance, the development of the '_ nterrelationships of the components of deep Wining process and the evaluation of new and Lnnovative mining technology.