Which mining method requires the operation of five faces?

The mining method that involves the operation of five faces is longwall mining. This method is characterized by a continuous mining process that extracts a rectangular block of material as it moves along the coal seam. In longwall mining, the operation typically consists of advancing in a specific sequence, thus creating five distinct mining faces: the coal face, the tailgate, the headgate, the gob area, and the supply roadway.

The significance of managing these five faces effectively ensures a smooth extraction process while controlling ground stability and ventilation. Each face plays a crucial role in the overall efficiency and safety of the mining operation, making longwall mining uniquely suited for extensive and high-yield coal seams. This makes it distinct from other methods that may not operate with such extensive facings or that rely on different configurations and mining techniques.