Improving the competitive position of Community coal
Article 4
1. Research projects shall aim to reduce the total costs of mining production, improve the quality of the products and reduce the costs of using coal. Research projects shall encompass the entire coal production chain as follows: (a) modern techniques for surveying deposits; (b) integrated mine planning; (c) highly efficient, largely automated excavation and new and existing mining technologies corresponding to the geological characteristics of European hard coal deposits; (d) appropriate support technologies; (e) transport systems; (f) power supply services, communication and information, transmission, monitoring and process control systems; (g) coal preparation techniques, oriented to the needs of the consumer markets; (h) coal conversion; (i) coal combustion. 2. Research projects shall also aim to achieve scientific and technological progress with a view to gaining a better understanding of the behaviour and control of deposits in relation to rock pressure, gas emissions, the risk of explosion, ventilation and all other factors affecting mining operations. Research projects with these objectives shall present the prospect of results applicable in the short or medium term to a substantial part of Community production. 3. Preference shall be given to projects that promote at least one of the following: (a) integration of individual techniques in systems and methods and the development of integrated mining methods; (b) substantial reduction of production costs; (c) benefits in terms of mine safety and the environment.