Abstract: A method of mining using a pair of continuous mining machines 12 and an auger mining machine 16. The continuous mining machines form spaced longitudinal roads 10, 11, 13 and 14. Further longitudinal roads 17 are formed by the auger mining machine 16 with subsequent transverse roads 19 being sequentially by the continuous mining machines 12.

Abstract: A method of roadway development for longwall mining The method includes using a continuous mining machine (100) from which there rearwardly extends a conveyor (102). As the machine (100) progresses to form a road, the conveyor (102) extends. At the rear extremity of the conveyor (102) a roadway development auger mining machine (103) receives mined material from the conveyor (102) and delivers it to a further conveyor (104). A transverse auger (106) also conveys material from the parallel roadway to the machine (103). Mined material is delivered to the auger (106) by a further machine (101) and conveyor (107).

Abstract: A method of highwall mining, the method includes providing a continuous miner (11) connected to a car train (12) extending to a launch vehicle (13). As the miner (11) progresses down an inclined mine tunnel (15) additional cars are added to the train (12) at the launch vehicle (13). The launch (13) applies a force to the end car so that the car adjacent the mine (11) provides a reaction force for the miner (11).