METHOD FOR FALLING HIGH COAL BED

There is disclosed a process for the extraction of thick coal seams by means of which coal seams not extractable in one bank or slice and/or located at peripheral areas may also be extracted under improved mine safety conditions and with high productivity. According to the invention the thick coal seam is if required, divided horizontally and/or vertically into extraction blocks which are bounded and separated by stowing pillars arranged according to the direction of advance of the extraction. The cavity of the pillars is advanced at a level higher than the level of the roof of the extraction space, after which the cavity of the pillar is back-filled. Then the block is extracted by means of block caving in a manner known per se. In a preferred embodiment of the invention incombustible material that agglomerates under the effect of the static pressure of the rock is used for stowing. The utilization of the process for extraction according to the invention results in a considerable increase of intensity. Whether the extraction is in one or more slices and whether using individual or self-advancing supports, using track-bound or independent loading/conveyor equipment, an economic extraction of coal seams is achieved.