Abstract
Mine fires and explosions can take place in both working and inactive mines. The latter case relates mostly to spontaneous self-ignition of coal seams, which proves impossible to extinguish and may remain active for decades. Coal-seam fires are a global problem because of the release of tonnes of CO, CO2, CH4, NOx, SOx, Hg and ashes with harmful effects on both soil and water quality. They are so extensive that an estimated 2–3% of global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels come from unextinguished fires in coal mines (Zhang et al. 2004a; Kuenzer et al. 2007). In addition to the above effects, if fires arise in coal seams of any great thickness, subsidence phenomena may occur, with unfortunate consequences for surface structures above them. According to the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), in the USA, an estimated 98 coal-seam fires are still active. This chapter will focus on the role that mine ventilation can play in controlling and extinguishing active mine fires.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
