Hydraulic Monitor mining at Solid
Energy's Spring Creek Mine has proven to be a safe and effective method of
extracting steeply dipping thick seams at production capabilities approaching
one million tonnes per annum.

This paper traces the development
of Hydraulic Monitor mining from its initial introduction into old workings at
Strongman Mine, its refinement at Strongman 2 in shallow, thick and steep
workings, through to its introduction into the deep, very thick seams at Spring
Creek Mine. This last step of the progression came with all the added
complications that come with depth, particularly flammable gas.

This paper will describe the
various changes in mining conditions that dictated the performance of the
monitor, how the mine layouts were changed to adapt, and the various operational
systems that were put in place, to allow a safe and productive
operation.