Critical Analysis of Tandem Dragline Performance in Open Cast Coal Miness- A Case Study

Abstract

Draglines are used for overburden removal to uncover coal. Planning and designing a dragline mining operation are a complex process that requires deep understanding of dragline mining methods and the application of computer simulation technology to evaluate different scenarios to optimize productivity. In the recent past with, the expansion of mines for higher-rated outputs, the operation of a dragline in tandem has gained significance in the field. For the draglines operating in tandem, the balancing diagram is an essential tool to deploy the dragline successfully. Drawing a balancing diagram manually is normally difficult and time-consuming and requires an analytical solution. This is best suited to the application of computer-simulated graphics methods. Therefore, a balancing diagram in a three-dimensional graphics package has been developed to assist the mine planner in planning dragline operations. In this study, an attempt has been made to carry out parametric studies (in terms of quantity of overburden removed, percentage rehandle, rate of coal exposure and linear advancement (m/year), etc.) of draglines as well as field studies by varying dragline annual production capacities and came out with suggestions which would increase the productivity with optimum cost of overburden handling. The study contains field data pertaining to the dragline operations from prestigious mines of Northern Coalfields Limited, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited. © 2022, The Institution of Engineers (India).