David Marcum, manager longwall operations, GMS Mine Repair & Maintenance

Longwall mining is the most-productive underground coal mining method, but can prove costly if operations are disrupted. Equipment installation, coal extraction, and recovery methods require very specialized skill sets. Skill gaps in the industry and geological challenges of existing production faces can lead to expensive disruptions in Longwall Production. This presentation describes the evolution of specialty longwall crews and how their unique services close the mine-site manpower gap, improve safety, and can keep coal production at a maximum. Their exclusive skills sets were developed via expert leadership, job repetition, team-building, and utilizing custom-designed equipment to eliminate hazards and improve proficiency.