This uses the specific-energy method common in continuous-miner and TBM cutting mechanics: the specific energy SE (MJ per m³ of rock broken) scales with the seam's unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and drag-pick cutting force scales with the depth of cut and UCS:
SE (MJ/m³) = k_se · UCS(MPa) [k_se ≈ 0.08, ×1.35 if picks worn]
advance rate v = feed(mm/rev) · RPM · 60 / 1000 [m/h]
face area A = π·(D/2)² [m²]
volumetric rate Q = v · A [m³/h]
production (t/h) = Q · ρ_ore · recovery
power P = SE · Q · 0.2778 [kW, since 1 MJ/h = 0.2778 kW]
torque τ = P / ω, ω = RPM·2π/60 [kN·m]
pick force F ≈ τ / (D/2) [kN]
Sodium/potassium chloride ore (sylvinite) is soft compared to hard rock — UCS typically 10–25 MPa versus 100+ MPa for granite — which is why potash continuous miners can advance far faster per kW than a hard-rock TBM. Raising the seam-strength slider or switching on worn picks pushes the same cutter head into much higher specific energy for the same tonnage, exactly like a real machine losing efficiency against a harder streak or blunt bits.
- Cutter head — rotates at the set RPM; radial drag picks bite the rock face on the left.
- Rock face — scrolls left at the computed advance rate, visualising the seam being consumed.
- Conveyor — broken ore chunks spawn at the cutting zone and ride the belt off to the right at a rate tied to production (t/h).