Room and Pillar
Room and Pillar is a common underground mining method where miners remove coal or other minerals in a pattern that leaves behind "pillars" of untouched material to support the mine's roof. Think of it like a giant underground checkerboard, where the black squares are mined out "rooms" and the red squares are the support "pillars." This is one of the oldest and most commonly used methods in coal mining, especially in areas where the ground above needs to be protected from collapse. It's safer and more structured than other mining methods, though it doesn't extract all available material since the support pillars must remain in place.
Examples in Resumes
Supervised Room and Pillar operations at underground coal mine, managing team of 25 miners
Implemented safety protocols for Room and Pillar mining sections
Experience with both continuous miner and Room and Pillar mining techniques
Typical job title: "Mining Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Mining Engineers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you design a Room and Pillar mining layout for a new section?
Expected Answer: Should discuss factors like depth of mining, rock strength, pillar size calculations, room width considerations, and ventilation planning. Should mention experience with mine planning software and regulatory requirements.
Q: What factors do you consider when determining pillar size?
Expected Answer: Should explain how depth, roof conditions, floor conditions, and mineral seam thickness affect pillar sizing. Should mention safety factors and experience with stability calculations.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the main safety considerations in Room and Pillar mining?
Expected Answer: Should discuss roof support systems, ventilation requirements, gas monitoring, escape routes, and regular safety inspections. Should mention experience with safety regulations and procedures.
Q: How do you monitor pillar stability during mining operations?
Expected Answer: Should describe visual inspection methods, monitoring equipment use, warning signs of instability, and when to implement additional support measures.
Junior Level Questions
Q: Can you explain the basic concept of Room and Pillar mining?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the checkerboard pattern, explain why pillars are left behind, and discuss basic safety considerations.
Q: What is the typical mining sequence in Room and Pillar operations?
Expected Answer: Should explain how rooms are developed, the direction of mining, and basic ventilation concepts. Should understand the importance of following the mining plan.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-3 years)
- Basic understanding of mining operations
- Knowledge of safety procedures
- Ability to read mine maps
- Familiarity with mining equipment
Mid (3-7 years)
- Supervision of mining crews
- Ventilation system management
- Production scheduling
- Safety inspection and compliance
Senior (7+ years)
- Mine planning and design
- Risk assessment and management
- Team leadership and training
- Emergency response coordination
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic mine safety principles
- Lack of required mining certifications
- No experience with underground environments
- Poor knowledge of ventilation requirements
Related Terms
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