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Coal

Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock usually occurring in rock strata in layers or veins called coal beds or coal seams. The harder forms, such as anthracite coal, can be regarded as metamorphic rock because of later exposure to elevated temperature and pressure. Coal is composed primarily of carbon along with variable quantities of other elements, chiefly hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen.

Contributors in Coal

Coal

exploration

Mining; Coal

The work involved in searching for mineral deposits including prospecting, sampling, mapping, and drilling.

explosive

Mining; Coal

A substance with the ability to rapidly release its stored energy and expand during combustion.

extraction

Mining; Coal

The act of removing material from the mine.

face

Mining; Coal

The open area of a coal bed where extraction is currently being conducted.

face conveyor

Mining; Coal

A conveyor that works parallel to a working face.

factor of safety

Mining; Coal

1. A calculated ratio of strength divided by actual applied load. 2. The minimum ratio of safety required by law, standard or specification.

fall

Mining; Coal

A name given to any natural material in a coal mine that has fallen from the roof or walls.

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