Which mining method involves the use of continuous miners?

The mining method that involves the use of continuous miners is continuous mining. This technique relies on specialized machinery known as continuous miners, which are capable of cutting and gathering material simultaneously as they operate. Continuous miners are designed for underground mining operations, where they efficiently extract coal or minerals without the need for drilling and blasting, which are characteristic of conventional mining methods.

By employing continuous miners, the continuous mining method increases the efficiency and safety of the mining process. These machines are equipped with a rotating drum that is fitted with sharp, heavy-duty bits, allowing them to slice through rock and coal seams while also collecting the mined material to be transported further along the extraction process.

In contrast, conventional mining typically requires overhead drilling and blasting to break up the material before it can be removed, resulting in a different operational approach. Surface mining and open-pit mining focus on extracting minerals from the earth’s surface and do not use continuous miners, as they involve different methods and equipment designed for surface operations.