Innovative mining machinery solutions developed at Department of Mining, Dressing, and Transport Machines, AGH University of Science and Technology

Abstract

The exploitation of mineral resources with underground mining methods is becoming more and more difficult due to the mining and geological conditions in which these resources are present. This is related to the depth of retention and thickness of the exploited deposits (seams), more cohesive and durable rocks, and climatic conditions. The excavation of access and preparatory roadways as well as exploitation under such conditions require specially designed and manufactured machines. In recent years in the Department of Mining, Dressing, and Transport Machine at AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, a number of innovative solutions of machines and devices have been developed that can be used to work under difficult mining and geological conditions. This article presents selected solutions of these machines and devices - a mining head for a roadheader with asymmetrical disc tools with a complex motion trajectory, a temporary, mechanized, and walking roadway support, a unique longwall complex with a single-cutting head shearer used for thin coal seam exploitation, and an innovative mining and hauling system for mechanical shaft drilling using a shaft shearer.