Chapter 1 - Spontaneous Combustion in Open-Cut Coal Mines: Australian Experience and Research

Abstract

Spontaneous combustion results from self-heating caused mainly by low temperature oxidation of coal and other carbonaceous materials. In open-cut coal mines large quantities of carbonaceous waste material are disposed of in spoil piles within the mine site. Some of this material may be sufficiently reactive to begin to self-heat which can ultimately lead to spontaneous combustion in the spoil piles if not properly managed. Uncontrolled fires in spoil piles present a number of problems including safety hazards for mine personnel, the production of toxic gases, damage to rehabilitated land, and emission of greenhouse gases. Although a great deal of research into spontaneous combustion in coal has been conducted over many years, there has been comparatively little investigation of carbonaceous materials in spoil piles. In this chapter, some research aimed specifically at understanding self-heating and spontaneous combustion in spoil materials is reviewed, especially in the context of Australian open-cut coalmines. The principal conclusions of this work and resultant mine site management practices developed to minimize the occurrence of self-heating are discussed.