Mine Planning Back

Today's competitive mining industry requires companies to achieve the highest level of productivity possible under given conditions. Our Mine Planning and Engineering Services provide a thorough evaluation of geology, reserves, coal quality, production, productivity, labor requirements, equipment selection, scheduling, operating costs, capital expenditures and valuation.

WEIR's feasibility studies and due diligence investigations are widely considered as "bankable" documents by coal producers and lending institutions. This reputation has been gained through our unbiased experience and knowledge of all aspects of mining operations and through the practical experience and operations background of our staff.

Surface Mines

WEIR surface mining specialists have practical experience in all types of coal and lignite mines ranging from small contour stripping operations to the large Powder River Basin operations. We are familiar with multiple seam mining, dipping seams, adverse hydrologic and geotechnical conditions, and the use of supplemental systems, such as the highwall miner concept. Services that WEIR provides to the surface mining industry range from grass-root exploration through full feasibility studies, including equipment specification, contract miner selection, and quality control sequencing.

Areas of Expertise:

• Total Mine Design
• Haulage Studies and Comparisons
• Hydrologic Investigations and Remedial Design
• Highwall Stability Analysis
• Equipment and System Comparisons
• Reclamation Planning
• Environmental Compliance Programs

Underground Mines (Continuous and Longwall)

WEIR provides thorough and practical services for all aspects of underground mining. During our more than 70 years of continuous service, we have assisted numerous coal producers in identifying reserve properties, designing operational and safety elements of the mine plan, designing facility and infrastructure, obtaining financing through our bankable studies, and providing operational improvements.

WEIR engineers provide a full range of services to longwall producers and those considering longwall mining in addition to services relative to continuous mining. We can provide the solution to production problems associated with existing continuous mining and longwall systems as well as help determine if longwall mining is the best system for a particular property.

Our engineers have extensive practical experience in engineering, operations, and management of coal mines. They are familiar with all types of mining systems, equipment and design, from single-unit contract mines to state-of-the-art longwall operations.

WEIR understands the importance of safety and competitiveness in the coal industry, and we apply that knowledge to the services we provide.

Areas of Expertise:

• Feasibility Studies
• Shaft and Slope Design
• Equipment Specifications and Appraisals
• Mining System Evaluations
• Operational Assessments
• Haulage Comparisons
• Conveyor Belt and Coal Hoisting Comparisons and Design
• Site Selection and Surface Facility Design
• Maintenance Programs
• Ventilation Studies
• Strata Control
• Support Functions
• Procedures and Operations Training