Analysis of Accidents Due to Slope Failure in Indian Opencast Coal Mines

Abstract

Opencast mining operation involves removal of bulk quantities of overburden, dumping and backfilling in excavated areas. A phenomenal increase in the share of opencast production (93%) in Indian coal industry has resulted into significant problem of waste dumps at present with greater height of the dump constructed over minimum area and giving rise to increasing danger of dump failures. Dangerous occurrences, incidents, accidents and disasters due to dump failure in Indian opencast mines are quite common, resulting in injuries and fatalities. In 2016, a disaster due to dump failure in Rajmahal coalfield of ECL, killed 23 workers. Even though all such accidents are being analysed and recommendations made in each case, similar accidents are not prevented. Unfortunately we seem to miss the lessons each time from these past incidents or accidents. In this communication, we analyse an accident due to dump slope failure in Indian opencast coal mine, in which a giant debris flow occurred during routine mining operation. In addition, we identify the gaps in our learning system and the thrust on improving safety by analysing accidents using root cause analysis techniques and to improve the stability of the dump.