Mining and MineralsCoal Mining Operations
Coal is mined at low margin and high volume, which makes small losses in yield or availability decisive, and it carries hazards, methane and spontaneous combustion among them, that other commodities do not. This course covers running a coal operation. Delegates work through seam geology and quality variation, the mining methods used in coal including bord and pillar, longwall and opencast strip mining, and the equipment fleets each demands. Coal quality management and washing are covered, since the product sold is not the product mined. Methane, dust and spontaneous combustion receive full attention. The course closes on stockpile management, on contract specifications and penalties, and on rehabilitation obligations.
Course objectives
- Interpret seam geology and quality variation
- Compare bord and pillar, longwall and opencast strip methods
- Match equipment fleets to the method selected
- Manage coal quality through washing and blending
- Control methane, dust and spontaneous combustion
- Manage stockpiles against contract specification and penalties
- Meet rehabilitation obligations for coal operations
Who should attend
- Mining engineers and production supervisors on coal operations
- Coal preparation plant and quality staff
- Geologists working on coal deposits
- Safety officers on coal mines
- Commercial staff managing coal supply contracts
Course outline
- 01Low margin, high volume, distinctive hazards
- 02Seam geology and quality variation
- 03Bord and pillar and longwall methods
- 04Opencast strip mining
- 05Equipment fleets and productivity
- 06Coal washing, blending and quality management
- 07Methane, dust and spontaneous combustion
- 08Stockpiles, contract penalties and rehabilitation
Scheduled sessions
| Dates | Venue | Format | Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 September to 2 October 2026 | Maputo, Mozambique | Classroom | USD 1,325 per delegate | Register Now |
| 5 to 9 October 2026 | Johannesburg, South Africa | Classroom | R19,950 per delegate | Register Now |
| 2 to 6 November 2026 | Cape Town, South Africa | Classroom | R19,950 per delegate | Register Now |
| 9 to 13 November 2026 | Lagos, Nigeria | Classroom | USD 1,325 per delegate | Register Now |
| 4 to 8 January 2027 | Port Louis, Mauritius | Classroom | USD 1,325 per delegate | Register Now |
| 25 to 29 January 2027 | Online | Online | R8,500 per delegate | Register Now |