Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
5.1. Geotechnical and
Environmental Problems
Laurance J. Donnelly
Fred G. Bell
Coal fire in an opencast coal mine,
Singrauli coalfield, India.
From Bell and Donnelly (2002; 2006) with modifications, reprinted with permission of Taylor & Francis. Photo by
International Mining Consultants Limited, 2000.
Introduction
W
hen coal mixes with air, it may result in the spontaneous combustion of the coal and result in a coal fire (Anon,
1999) (Figure 5.1.1). Fire is one of the principal hazards during the mining, transportation, storage, and disposal of
coal and carbonaceous-waste materials (Walker, 1999). The objectives of this chapter are to (1) provide a general
overview and information about coal fires based on the research and work undertaken by other authors and
(2) present case studies of coal fires from South Africa, India, Colombia, and England, based on the observations
Figure 5.1.1. The spontaneous combustion of coal, note how flame migration is controlled by the orientation
of the bedding and cleats (joints) in the coal, Jayant Opencast coal Mine, Singrauli coalfield, India. Photo by
Donnelly 2000.
