Abstract: Coal can be mined from a substantially vertical or steeply inclined seam by forming a cavity in the seam and filling the cavity with a magnetite slurry having a specific gravity greater than the coal being mined therefrom.As the coal is dislodged, it will float to the top and be pumped from the cavity by the excess magnetite slurry being supplied to the cavity. A coal-magnetite slurry separator is used to separate the coal from the magnetite slurry, whereupon the magnetite slurry is reinjected into the cavity.

Abstract: A closed compartment for storing multi-conductor electric cable on an electrically powered mobile mining machine is secured to and extends laterally from a sidewall of the vehicle. The storage compartment has a slotted opening in the front portion thereof through which the cable is conveyed. A support frame is secured to the conveyor boom of the vehicle and extends outwardly therefrom and forwardly of the storage compartment. A first traction roller is rotatably mounted and fixed on the support frame between pairs of guide members that serve to direct the cable into the storage compartment. A second traction roller is rotatably mounted in spaced parallel relation above the fixed traction roller and is resiliently supported on the support frame by spring members. The cable passes between the rollers, and the springs maintain the rollers in frictional engagement with the cable.