Paper Title
Coal Pillar Extraction by Continuous Miner using Fish and Tail Method – A Case Study

Abstract
Opencast mining is the most prevalent method for coal extraction in India. Since underground coal mining requires high technical expertise, higher gestation period and higher capital investments, therefore opencast mining is more preferred for extracting coal deposits at shallow to moderate depths. In the last three decades, there has been a considerable increase in the production from opencast mines fulfilling over 80% of the country’s demand for coal. As a result, underground coal mining is still contributing only 15-20% production from 70% underground coal reserves. Most of the thick coal seam is found at greater depth and use of conventional method of underground mining is proved to be less efficient in giving a large production. The government is considering a push for underground mining to extract deep-seated coal to boost coal production but is facing challenges of resources and lack of machinery. One of the ways that can boost underground coal mining is through a piece of equipment called a continuous miner. It requires less investment and can work in difficult conditions, even in the absence of a long stretch of continuous deposition. This paper discusses the Mass Production Technology used in Pinoura Mines of Johilla area of South Eastern Coalfields Limited with depillaring by Fish and Tail method using Continuous Miner. Keywords - Coal mining, Continuous miner, Depillaring, Fish and Tail