ADDCAR Highwall

Mining Systems

Highwall Mining Systems can be deployed wherever there is a rock face to work from. A Launch Vehicle and ancillary equipment is established on the surface while a continuous miner is deployed underground. In the case of the ADDCAR HWM System, the continuous miner is connected to the Launch Vehicle by a series of cascading conveyor cars that continuously deliver coal to a surface stockpile. Geotechical and mine plans are designed so no surface subsidence occurs.

While highwall mining is typically introduced when an open cut pit has reached the "final highwall" (where the cost of overburden removal exceeds the value of the coal), the low cost/high production profile of the ADDCAR HWM System makes a case for earlier introduction within the context of life-of-mine optimization. It is also applicable in "Trench Mining" where around 20% of the surface is disturbed relative to open cut mining and on the sides of mountains.

Highwall Mining is a hybrid of underground and surface mining.

Metrics and Goals

The ADDCAR HWM System has proven successful in a variety of mining environments. Each system is capable of producing over 100,000 tons per month and over 1 million tons per year.

Cutting height is limited by the continuous miner and typically ranges from 1.5 meters to 5 meters. Double passing is made possible through the patented navigation and guidance system that is accurate to within millimeters.

Mining or plunge depths of 500m are possible subject to dip. The ADDCAR WHM System has successfully operated in dips in excess of 20 degrees.

Safety starts with design. ADDCAR HWM Sytems are designed to keep workers away from the highwall and on a safe, protected platform. No workers go underground, and we believe that every incident or injury is preventable.

Safety

The health of our employees and those that come in contact with our operations is of critical importance. We take every step to ensure our workers remain health and fit-for-work.

Health

ADDCAR Highwall Mining is a zero subsidence mining method that doesn't disturb or impact surface features. Typically the system is set up in existing mining areas creating little to no new surface disturbance.

Environment