What is longwall mining?

Summary

This video highlights the environmental impact of longwall mining, specifically focusing on its threat to local water resources. The process involves extracting coal by cutting through large sections of earth, causing the roof to collapse, which fractures rock layers and drains vital water catchments. The Dendrobian mine expansion by South 32 is projected to result in a loss of 22 million liters of water daily. Despite these risks, the New South Wales government has recommended approval for the expansion. The video urges viewers to take action and voice their concerns about the project.

Takeaways

• 😀 Longwall mining involves cutting a slice up to six meters high, extracting coal while the roof above collapses.
• 😀 The collapsed roof fractures layers of rock, leading to significant water loss and damaging vital water catchment systems.
• 😀 A longwall mining panel can be 300 meters wide and up to four kilometers long, equivalent to 160 soccer fields.
• 😀 The South 32's Dendrobian mine expansion is expected to result in a daily water loss of 22 million liters.
• 😀 This mining process poses a direct threat to local drinking water sources and ecosystems.
• 😀 South 32 is seeking approval for the expansion of mining within the crucial water catchment area.
• 😀 In September 2020, the New South Wales government recommended approval for the mining expansion proposals.
• 😀 The Independent Planning Commission is set to decide on the proposed mining expansion, which could have a significant environmental impact.
• 😀 The mining technique involves hydraulic supports that temporarily hold up the roof, but once the cut is complete, the roof collapses.
• 😀 The video urges people to get involved and voice their opinions about the potential environmental consequences of the mining expansion.

Q & A

What is the size of the long wall panel mentioned in the transcript?

The long wall panel can be 300 meters wide and up to four kilometers long, which is the size of approximately 160 soccer fields.

What mining technique is discussed in the script?

The script discusses long wall mining, which involves extracting coal in slices up to six meters high.

How does the long wall mining process work?

In long wall mining, a shearer cuts the coal, and the extracted coal is moved on a conveyor. Hydraulic supports hold the roof of the coal seam, but when the mining is finished, the supports are moved, causing the roof to collapse.

Why is long wall mining a threat to water sources?

The mining process causes the roof above the sheared seam to collapse, which fractures layers of rock and drains water, killing the water catchment systems that provide drinking water.

How much water is estimated to be lost daily due to the South32's Dendrobian mine expansion?

It is estimated that 22 million liters of water are lost every single day during the expansion of South32's Dendrobian mine.

What area is at risk due to the mining operations discussed?

The mining operations pose a risk to the water catchment area, which is crucial for obtaining drinking water.

What is the significance of the September 2020 decision regarding the mining expansion?

In September 2020, the New South Wales government recommended approving the mining expansion proposals, which is a critical decision impacting the environment.

What is the purpose of the independent planning commission hearing mentioned in the script?

The independent planning commission hearing is set to decide whether the expansion of the South32 mine should be approved, based on concerns related to the environment and water supply.

How can people get involved in the decision regarding the mine expansion?

People can get involved by signing up on Power on Facebook to express their opinions about the proposed mine expansion.

What environmental concern is directly linked to the mining technique described?

The mining technique, long wall mining, is directly linked to environmental concerns regarding the loss of water from the catchment systems, which could severely affect the local water supply.