Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Operational Hazards

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Ground Engineering - Principles and Practices for Underground Coal Mining

Abstract

Ground engineering is a risk control measure for a considerable number of operational hazards in underground coal mining. Effective management of these hazards requires consultation and collaboration across a range of disciplines and skill sets. In some cases, the knowledge base concerning the nature of the hazards and their effective control is still evolving and, therefore, it is important that risk management includes provision for monitoring and responding to research and technological developments.

This chapter addresses the operational hazards associated with Windblast; Feather Edging; Top and Bottom Coaling; Inclined Workings; Inrush; Flooding of Mine Workings in the Long Term; Bumps and Pressure Bursts; Gas Outbursts; Mining through Faults and Dykes; Frictional Ignition Involving Rock; Backfilling of Bord and Pillar Workings; Effect of Roof Falls on Pillar Strength; Recovering Roof Falls; Experimental Panels; Alternative Applications for Rock Bolts; and Mining in the Vicinity of Convergence Channels and Paleochannels.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • AMC Consultants. (2006). Monitoring systems and geological structure assessment leading to improved management of mining conditions (pp. 105). ACARP end of grant report C13015. Brisbane: Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP).

    Google Scholar 

  • ANTA. (2001). MNC U132.A implement the strata management plan. Study guide for Diploma in Coal Operational Management. Australian National Training Authority.

    Google Scholar 

  • Babcock, C. O., & Bickel, D. L. (1984). Constraint: The missing variable in the coal burst problem (pp. 639–647). Paper presented at the 25th US symposium rock mechanics, Evanston, IL, Chapter 65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baltz, R., & Hucke, A. (2008). Rockburst prevention in the German coal industry (pp. 46–50). Paper presented at the 27th international conference ground control in mining, Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barker, D. L., & McNeely, J. (2014, May 12). Report of investigation. Fatal rib burst accident (Brody Mine No. 1). Pittsburgh: MSHA – US Department of Labour. http://www.msha.gov/Fatals/2014/ftl14c04-05.asp

  • Brady, E. P., Tinney, G. R., Wu, K. K., Denning, W. G., Michalek, S. J., Stoltz, R. T., Bowman, J. F., Carico, A. D., & Epperly, H. C. (2003). Report of investigation, underground coal mine, nonfatal entrapment. July 24, 2002. Quecreek #1 Mine. Arlington: Mine Safety and Health Administration.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bräuner, G. (1994). Rockbursts in coal mines and their prevention. Rotterdam: A.A. Balkema.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bryan, A., Bryan, J. C., & Fouche, J. (1964). Some problems of strata control and support in pillar workings. The Mining Engineer, 123(41), 238–254.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, H., Stankus, J. C., Beck, K., & Chen, J. (2000). Analysis of the seam inclination effect on roof stability (pp. 341–347). Paper presented at the 19th international. conference ground control in mining, Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University.

    Google Scholar 

  • COMRO. (1988). An industry guide to methods of ameliorating the hazards of rockfalls and rockbursts. Johannesburg: Chamber of Mines of South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Connolly, B. (1990). Goaf fire at Munmorah State Coal Mine – April, 1989. Coal Journal – Australian Journal of Coal Mining Technology and Research, 27, 7–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cook, N. G. W., Fenton, C. T., Lancaster, F. H., More-O’Farrell, R. C., Nienaber, W. C., Ortlepp, W. D., van Schalkwyk, A. J. H., Steyn, R. P. G., Tyser, J. A., Wagner, H., & Waterman, D. D. (1977). Rockbursts and rockfalls: An industry guide to methods of ameliorating these hazards. Johannesburg: Chamber of Mines of South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coutts, R. J., & Payne, D. A. (2010). Headgate rehabilitation through roof fall reconsolidation at Broadmeadow Mine (pp. 333–339). Paper presented at the 29th international conference ground control in mining, Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dvorsky, P., & Konicek, P. (2005). Systems of rock blasting as a rockburst measure in the Czech part of Upper Silesian Coal Basin (pp. 493–496). Paper presented at the 6th international symposium on rockbursts and seismicity in mines, Perth, Australian Centre for Geomechanics.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forrester, D. J., Forgeron, S., & MacDonald, R. (1999). Water inflows at Lingan Colliery in the early 1990s: A case study (pp. 181–191). Paper presented at the 2nd international underground coal conference, Sydney, UNSW/ACIRL.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fowler, J. C. W. (2001). The displacement of methane from the goaf into the working place as a result of wind blasts in underground coal mines (pp. 146). ACARP end of grant report C7031. Brisbane: Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP). ACARP.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fowler, J. C. W., & Hebblewhite, B. K. (2003). Wind Blast and methane expulsion – Extension of field monitoring. UMRC research report RR 1/03. Sydney: School of Mining Engineering, University of New South Wales.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fowler, J. C. W., & Sharma, P. (2000). Dynamics of wind blasts in underground coal mines (pp. 102). ACARP end of grant report C6030. Brisbane: Australian Coal Association Research Program.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frith, R., & Creech, M. (1997). Face width optimisation in both longwall and shortwall caving environments (pp. 96). ACARP end of grant report C5015. Brisbane: Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gale, W. J. (2004). Rock fracture, caving and interaction of face supports under different geological environments. Experience from Australian coal mines (pp. 11–19). Paper presented at the 23rd international conference ground control in mining, Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galvin, J. M. (1981). The mining of South African thick coal seams – Rock mechanics and mining considerations. PhD thesis, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galvin, J. M. (1982). The significance, behaviour and influence of ashfill on South African thick seam mining operations (pp. 45). Research report no. 9/82. Johannesburg: Chamber of Mines of South Africa Research Organisation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galvin, J. M. (1996). Impact of geology on longwall mining: A 20 year case study (pp. 21). Paper presented at the symposium on geology in longwall mining. Coalfield Geology Council of New South Wales.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galvin, J. M. (1998). The Lassing mud inrush disaster, Austria (pp. 1–16). Paper presented at the emergency preparedness seminar, Belmont, N.S.W., NSW Coal Mine Managers Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galvin, J. M. (2002). Regional stability of underground mines – A core risk 6th. Kenneth Finlay Memorial Lecture. Sydney: School of Mines, University of New South Wales.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galvin, J. M., Anderson, I., & Stothard, R. (1991). Report of study tour investigation into pillar extraction at shallow cover, South Africa and United States of America (pp. 114). Sydney: NSW Coal Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gay, N. C., Ortlepp, W. D., Ryder, J. A., Steffen, O., & Wagner, H. (1982). The development of rock mechanics in the South African mineral industry (pp. 365–376). Paper presented at the 12th congress Council Mining & Metallurgy Institutions, Johannesburg, SAIMM.

    Google Scholar 

  • GeoGas Systems. (1998). Gas and ventilation workshop. Paper presented at the Coal 1998: Coal operator’s conference, Wollongong, 132. GeoGas Systems Pty Ltd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golledge, P., Gray, I., Story, R., & Davis, R. (1991). Frictional and impact ignitions of methane-coal dust mixtures. NERDDP end of grant report 0987/ACARP End of Grant Report C1222. Brisbane: Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hanson, C., Moulle, B., Strawson, C., & Laws, A. (2004). Longwall mining through faults (pp. 137–156). Paper presented at the Coal 2004: Coal operators’ conference, Wollongong, AusIMM.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hanson, C., Thomas, D., & Gallagher, B. (2005). The value of early geotechnical assessment in mine planning (pp. 17–30). Paper presented at the Coal 2005: Coal operators’ conference, Wollongong, Illawarra Branch AusIMM.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harvey, C. (2002). History of outbursts in Australia and current management controls (pp. 36–46). Paper presented at the Coal 2002: Coal operators’ conference, Wollongong, Illawarra Branch AusIMM.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, P. (2000). Moonee Colliery: Renewing the economic viability of a mine using microseismic and hydraulic fracturing techniques in massive roof conditions (pp. 38–44). Paper presented at the 19th international conference ground control in mining, Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hebblewhite, B. K. (2003). Managing the hazard of wind blast/air blast in caving operations in Australian underground mines (pp. 33–43). Paper presented at the 1st Australasian ground control in mining conference, Sydney, UNSW/AGCM.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hebblewhite, B. K., & Simpson, J. B. (1997). Wider longwall faces may not be better (pp. 201–218). Paper presented at the 11th international conference coal research. Republished 2001 Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, Section A, 110 (A11-A17), Calgary, Int. Com. Coal Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henderson, J., Jones, B., & Esler, R. (2008). Introduction to remote mining. Paper presented at the Australian roadway development improvement workshop operators’ workshop, Brisbane. Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP).

    Google Scholar 

  • Holland, C. T. (1958). Cause and occurrence of coal mine bumps. Mining Engineering, Trans AIME, X, 994-1004B.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holt, G. (1989). Hydrofracturing trials to control massive roof at Newstan Colliery. Paper presented at the Longwalling in the 90’s. ACIRL coal operators’ conference, Sydney, 16. ACIRL.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hookham, M. (2004, August 13). Mining under sandstone. International Longwall News. Aspermont.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iannacchione, A. T. (1990). The effects of roof and floor interface slip on coal pillar behavior (pp. 153–160). Paper presented at the 31 U.S. symposium rock mechanics, Golden, CO, Balkema, A.A.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iannacchione, A. T., & Zelanko, J. C. (1995). Occurrence and remediation of coal mine bumps: A historical review (pp. 27–67). Paper presented at the seminar on the mechanics and mitigation of violent failure in coal and hard-rock mines, U.S. Bureau of Mines.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jeffrey, R. G., & Mills, K. W. (2000). Hydraulic fracturing applied to inducing longwall coal mine goaf falls (pp. 423–430). Paper presented at the 4th North American rock mechanics symposium, Seattle, WA, A.A. Balkema.

    Google Scholar 

  • Job, B. (1987a). Inrushes at British Collieries: 1851 to 1970. Part 1. Colliery Guardian, 235(5), 192–199.

    Google Scholar 

  • Job, B. (1987b). Inrushes at British Collieries: 1851 to 1970. Part 2. Colliery Guardian, 235(6), 232–235.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, M. (2000). Longwall geomechanics, an Australian perspective (pp. 29–37). Paper presented at the 19th international conference ground control in mining, Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, M., & Gale, W. (1999). Ground behaviour about longwall faces and its effect on mining. ACARP end of grant report C5017. Brisbane: Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirkwood, D. T., & Wu, K. K. (1995). Technical considerations for the design and construction of mine seals to withstand hydraulic heads in underground mines. Paper presented at the SME annual meeting, Denver, CO, 8. Soc. Min. Metall. & Explor.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kotze, T. J. (1995). Some observations on the in situ performance of ‘hard rock’ pillars subject to ‘soft’ loading conditions (pp. 1407–1410). Paper presented at the 8th congress International Society Rock Mechanics, Tokyo.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kripakov, N. P., & Kneisley, R. O. (1992). Pillar design in bump-prone deep Western U.S. coal mines (pp. 72–83). Paper presented at the 11th international conference ground control in mining, Wollongong, NSW, AusIMM.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kusznir, N. J., & Farmer, I. W. (1983). Rockburst phenomena in British coal mines (pp.103–114). Paper presented at the rockburst prediction and control symposium, London, Inst. Min. Metal.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lama, R. D., & Bodziony, J. (1996). Outbursts of gas, coal and rock in underground coal mines. Wollongong: R.D. Lama and Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lasocki, S., & Idziak, A. (1998). Dominant direction of epicentre distribution of regional mining-induced seismicity in Upper Silesian Coal Basin in Poland. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 153, 21–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Latilla, J. W., & van Wijk, J. J. (2003). Shortwall facebreak beneath a dolerite sill – Learning points from a recent event at Matla Coal Mine (p. 10). Paper presented at the 10th congress International Society Rock Mechanics, Sandton, South Africa, ISRM.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lynn, K. P., Maitland, J., Jones, H., Ross, K., & Kathage, B. A. (1987). Report on an accident at Moura No. 4 Underground Mine on Wednesday, 16th July, 1986 (pp. 34). Brisbane: Queensland State Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mark, C. (2014). Coal bursts in the deep longwall mines of the United States (pp. 33–39). Paper presented at the third Australasian ground control in mining conference Sydney, AusIMM.

    Google Scholar 

  • MDG-1003. (2007). Windblast guideline. Sydney: NSW State Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • MDG-1004. (1995). Outburst mining guideline. Sydney: NSW State Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • MDG-1024. (2007). Guideline for inrush management. Sydney: NSW State Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meikle, P. G. (1965). Effect of friction on the strength of model coal pillars. Masters thesis, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mills, K. W., Jeffrey, R. G., & Jones, D. (2000). Successful application of hydraulic fracturing to control windblast hazard at Moonee Colliery, NSW, Australia (pp. 45–50). Paper presented at the 19th international conference ground control in mining, Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mills, K. W., Jeffery, R. G., & Hayes, P. (2001). Applications of hydraulic fracturing to control caving events in coal mines – The Moonie experience. Paper presented at the 3rd international underground coal conference, Sydney, 15. UNSW & ACIRL.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moerdyk, C. M. (1965). Historical and technical review of the Coalbrook disaster. GME 16/20/12A. Johannesburg: Government Mining Engineer, South African Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moodie, A. (2006, March). Managing Goonyella Seam geology. Australian Longwall Magazine.

    Google Scholar 

  • Newland, A., Campbell, R., & Macdonald, C. (2001). The development and implementation of the Moonee Colliery windblast monitoring and control system (pp. 221–230). Paper presented at the symposium on geological hazards – The impact to mining, Newcastle.

    Google Scholar 

  • Neyman, B., Szecowka, A., & Zuberek, W. (1972). Effective methods for fighting rock bursts in Polish Collieries (pp. 1–9). Paper presented at the 5th international strata control conference London.

    Google Scholar 

  • NIOSH. (2010). Research report on the coal pillar recovery under deep cover (pp. 82). http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/UserFiles/works/pdfs/Report_on_Coal_Pillar_Recovery_under_Deep_Cover_02-10.pdf

  • North Goonyella Coal. (1999). Consolidation grouting of fault zones in longwall mines (pp. 85). ACARP end of grant report C7017. Brisbane: Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP).

    Google Scholar 

  • Paul, K. (1980). Forewarning and prediction of gas outbursts in a West German coal mine (pp. 1–21). Paper presented at the symposium on occurrence, prediction and control of outbursts in coal mines, AusIMM.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peng, S. S. (2008). Coal mine ground control. West Virginia University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, H. (1995). Coal mine explosions: The South African experience (pp. 89–102). Paper presented at the 26th international conference safety in mines research institutes, Katowice, Poland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Powell, F., & Billinge, K. (1975). The frictional ignition hazard with colliery rocks. The Mining Engineer, 174(July), 527–531.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramsey, C. (2013, August 6). Report of investigation. Fatal rib rock burst 2013 (Huff Creek No. 1). Pittsburgh: MSHA, US Department of Labour. http://www.msha.gov/FATALS/2013/FTL13c12.asp

  • RiskGate. (2014a). Coal bumps and bursts. MISHC. University of Queensland www.riskgate.org

  • RiskGate. (2014b). Inrush. MISHC. University of Queensland www.riskgate.org

  • RiskGate. (2014c). Outbursts. MISHC. University of Queensland www.riskgate.org

  • Ryder, J. A., Ling, T., & Wagner, H. (1978). Slippage along a fault plane as a rockburst mechanism – Static analysis (pp. 17). Research report no. 31/78. Johannesburg: Chamber of Mines of South Africa Research Organisation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Safe Work Australia. (2011). Draft code of practice – Strata control in underground coal mines (pp. 30). Safe Work Australia, Commonwealth Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salamon, M. D. G. (1995). Modes of pillar and ribside failure – Development and longwall. advanced workshop (pp. 1–40). Paper presented at the strata control for coal mine design – Advanced workshop, Sydney, School of Mines, University of New South Wales.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salamon, M. D. G., & Wagner, H. (1979). The role of stabilising pillars in the alleviation of rockburst hazard in deep mines. Research report no. 27/79. Johannesburg: Chamber of Mines of South Africa Research Organisation. COMRO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shepherd, J., & Singh, S. K. (1998). Investigation of feather edging caving and bolted breakerlines in split and lift pillar extraction at Blue Mountains Colliery, NSW (pp. 104). UMRC research report RR6/98. Sydney: UNSW School of Mining Engineering/Joint Coal Board OH&S Trust.

    Google Scholar 

  • Song, Y. J., & Xu, L. S. (1992). Study of the impact of mining under massive roof at Datong Coal Mines, China (pp. 540–547). Paper presented at the 11th international conference ground control in mining, Wollongong, AusIMM.

    Google Scholar 

  • Staunton, J. H. (1998). Report of judicial inquiry into Gretley Colliery Inrush on 14 November 1996 (ISBN 0 7240 8869 5, pp. 750). Sydney: NSW State Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • UK Health and Safety Executive. (1993). The prevention of inrushes in mines – Approved code of practice. HSE Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Varley, F., & Whyatt, J. K. (2008). Work practices to manage bump prone ground (pp. 29–36). Paper presented at the 27th international conference ground control in mining, Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wagner, H. (1974). Determination of the complete load-deformation characteristics of coal pillars (pp. 1076–1081). Paper presented at the 3rd congress International Society Rock Mechanics, Denver, CO, U.S. National Academy of Science.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wagner, H. (1991). Strata control principals of total extraction. Paper presented at the symposium on design and extraction of underground coal reserves, Johannesburg. Chamber of Mines of South Africa Research Organisation (Internal note no. C01/92).

    Google Scholar 

  • Wagner, H. (2014). Coal bursts. Personal Communication.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ward, C. R., Crouch, A., & Cohen, D. R. (2001). Identification of potential for methane ignition by rock friction in Australian coal mines. International Journal of Coal Geology, 45(2–3), 91–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Manly, NSW, Australia

    J. M. Galvin

Authors
  1. J. M. Galvin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Galvin, J.M. (2016). Operational Hazards. In: Ground Engineering - Principles and Practices for Underground Coal Mining . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-25005-2_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-25005-2_11

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-25003-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-25005-2

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation