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Coal Mining and Coal Mine Fire
History - Timeline
First Indian mining operations begun in 1774.
Development of steam engine in 1850s
spurred coal demand.
World War I created another surge in demand.
National Coal Development Corporation(NCDC) 1956 formed.
Steel industry growth in 1950s and 1960s sent
coal demand to all time highs.
History
Demand from steel industry led to significantprivate investment in mining, mostly for cokingcoal.
Growth in private mining led to following commentby then Minister of Steel and Mines:
Rampant corruption, forced labour, dubious and dupl icaterecords, under reporting of production, non-payment of full
wages, extended hours of shift without payment of lead orlift, lack of safety and welfare measuresseemed to bethe guiding principles of a large num ber of privatecollieries
Nationalization of the industry. Coking Coal Mines Nationalization Act of 1972
Coal Mines Nationalization Act of 1973
Coal India Ltd
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MINING IN INDIA
600 COAL MINES
35 OIL PROJECTS
6000 METALI EROUS MINES
PRIMARY LABOUR INTENSIVE
ONE MILLION PERSONS EMPLOYED
OPENACAST COAL MINING ON INCREASE
26% IN 1972 AND 75% IN 2000
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Coal in India
Worlds largest coal mining company.
Responsible for approximately 85% of
total Indian production. 324 million tons in 2005.
1) Eastern Coalfields LTD
2) Bharat Coking Coal LTD
3) Central Coalfields LTD
4) Central Mine P lanning
5) Northern Coalfields LTD
6) South Eastern Coalfields LTD
7) Western Coalfields LTD
8) Mahanadi Coalfields LTD
9) North Eastern Coalfields
Source: Coal India LTD.
CIL :COAL PRODUCING1
8 SUBSIDIARIES5 4 3
EASTERN COALFIELDS LTD. (1)
BHARAT COKING COAL LTD. (2)
CENTRAL COALFIELD S LTD. (3)
NORTHERN COALFIELDS LTD. (4)
WESTERN COALFIELDS LTD. (5)
SOUTH EASTERN COALFIELDS LTD. (6)
MAHANADI COALFIELDS LTD. (7)
2 NORTH EASTERN COALFIELDS. (8)( A UNIT UNDER CIL(HQ) )
COAL
LIGNITE7SINGARENI COLLIERIES CO. LTD . (9)
6NEYVELI LIGNITE CORPORATION (10)
910
PRODUCTIVITY IN COAL SECTOR(CIL & SCCL) Tonnes per man shift
Co./Year 2000- 01- 02- 03- 04-01 02 03 04 05
UG 0.63 0.64 0.69 0.68 0.69
CIL OC 5.92 6.08 6.30 6.67 7.34
OVER 2.30 2.45 2.67 2.82 3.07ALL
UG 0.79 0.85 0.86 0.86 0.85
SCCL OC 5.94 6.74 7.67 7.67 8.88
OVER 1.50 1.67 1.89 1.81 1.99ALL
Indian Productivity is about 1/8th of US Productivity.
al : Prime Source of Energy in India
Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel
resources in India
CoalisthekeycontributortotheIndian
energy scenario.
55% of the current total commercial
energy needs is met by coal.
By 2024-25, the share of coal wouldcome down marginally to about 50% ofthe total energy needs.
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Coal Requirement in India
Year Coal for Power
Generation (MT)
Coal for Non Power
use (MT)
Total Coal (MT)
2006-07 337 123 460
2011-12 463 164 627
2016-17 603 221 824
2021-22 832 299 1131
2026-27 1109 408 1517
2031-32 1475 562 2037
Demand of coal as assessed by Integrated Energy Policy 2006 (IEP) based on 8% GDP growth
Fuel wise Electricity Generation Share
Nuclear, 2%Diesel, 1% Wind, 2%
Gas, 11%
Hydel, 25%
Coal, 59%
World Coal ResourcesPROVEDCOALRESOURCESOFTHEWORLD (Coal&Lignite)
Others 19%
USA 27%S.Africa 5%
Australia 9%
Russian Federation 17%India 10% China 13%
Total Proved Resources (Coal & Lignite) - 909 BT
ource: BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2005
Coal potential and possibilities
Total coal reserves 260 billion tonnes
25% mined by open cast mining
Rest must be mined by underground mining
methods
Open cast mining may reach its
peak/plateau up at 1500 MT/yr by nextdecade
Current underground mining levels 55 MT
This needs to be scaled up 10 times
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Key Players in Indian Coal SectorProductionCoal Producing Companies
(Mtes)
324Coal India Ltd (CIL)(85%)( A Govt. of India Enterprise)
Singareni Collieries Co. Ltd. 36(9%)(SCCL)
(AP St. Govt. & Govt. of India Jt. Venture)
22Captive Producers(Steel & Power) (6%)
382Total (During2004-05)
* Coking Coal mines in India were Nationalised in 1971 & NonCoking Mines in 1973
Heat value of Coal Types
Anthracite
Bituminous
Peat
Lignite
Gondwana,, Tertiary and Lignite Coal
Health & Safety Issues
Key risks faced by miners: Gas and coal dust exposure.
Mine roof and wall collapses.
Mine fires.
Fatal and serious accidents have steadily
deceased since 1972 (see table).
Between 1950-1961 the 10-yearly avg. death
rate per 1,000 people employed was 0.91.Between 1991-2000, figure dropped to 0.32. Nationalization in 1970s.
Technological advancements, specifically the
mechanization of many tasks in the m ining process
(i.e. mechanized roof bolting system, long wall
miners, etc).
Year Fatal Accidents Serious Accidents
Accidents Fatalities Accidents Injuries
1972 200 217 1534 1616
1975 222 664 2135 2211
1985 176 204 1007 1060
1993 156 176 854 903
1994 156 241 717 775
1995 137 219 757 813
1996 131 146 677 723
1997 143 165 677 725
1998 128 146 523 560
1999 127 138 595 650
2000 117 144 661 707
2001 106 141 667 720
2002 81 97 629 650
2003 83 113 563 578
2004 90 99 599 608
2005 34 35 340 344
Source: Government of India, Ministry of Coal.
Effects on Health
Black Lung
Disease
(Miners)
Respiratoryillnesses
(Public)
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Causes of mine disasters in thelast quarter of 20th century
Indundation
Explosion
Mine Fire
Causewise analysis ofmine disasters (%)
Cause 1901-23 1924-47 1948-73 1974-99
Explosion 65 76 76 11
Indundation 11 06 20 75
Fire 00 09 00 10
Roof fall 09 03 04 04
Others 15 06 00 00
Total (%) 100 100 100 100
Mine Fires
Mine Fires are consuming coal seams in major coal producingcountries including China, United States, India and Indonesia
Numerous seams have been burning for decades and some inChina for several centuries
Environmentally catastrophic effects for the coal fires include the emission of noxious gases particulate matter into the atmosphere for air pollution condensate products responsible for water and soil pollution
There are 3 major coal fires in the world Coal fires in Northern China Coal fire in Pennsylvania of USA
Coal fire in Jharia coalfields in India
In India major coal fires in Jharia and Raniganj have killed peopleforced entire communities to abandon their homes and business
Coalmine fires are caused due to spontaneouscombustion of coal and carbonaceous matter inthe rocks. All coals when exposed to air undergonatural oxidation of carbon forming CO & or CO2and producing heat. Occasionally, due to bacterial
action some heat is generated which whenreaches 350C, coal is automatically set to fire.This phenomenon is generally considered as
spontaneous combustion of coal.
Causes of Coal Fire
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Thermal capacity of coal is inversely proportional to its
ash content, that is, great the ash content lesser is the
thermal efficiency and vice-versa. In this reaction, so
long as the heat produces is dissipated, the
temperature of coal does not increases. Concentration
of heat, when dissipation does not occur, causes coal
to catch fire. Most of the fire in coalfields have taken
place due to spontaneous heating (endogenous fire)of
coal, which depends on mining, geological and coal
factor. Certain exogenous factors that have contributed
to mine fires are frictional sparks, electrical short-
circuiting, dumping of hot ash etc.
Mine disasters by Explosions
Explosion: is a sudden increase in volume & releaseof energy in an extreme manner, & generation ofhigh temperatures and release of gases.
It creates a shock wave and turns into a coal minedisaster.
Methane is main reason behind gas explosion incoal mine.
When methane is mixed with air, at 5-15% of themixture, it is highly explosive and generallyresponsible for the explosions in underground coalmines all over the world.
Mine disasters by Explosions
Other two important factors are: presence ofexplosive mixture of Methane - Oxygen and source ofignition.
Once ignited flame will self propagate throughout themixture independently and away from source ofignition.
In the case of explosion, it is normally associated with
coal-dust explosion as the temperature rises up to 700degree centigrade and it can cause explosion in theair-coal-dust mixture.
For ignition of Methane explosion, there should be aspark or heated-surface for a definite time.
Scenario of Coal Mine Disasters
Coal Mining is probably one of the most disasterprone industries
History of mining globally marked by manydisasters
Worst: Couriers Mine in France in 1906 when anexplosion took toll of 1100 precious lives
In India there were 53 disasters (10 or moredeaths) from 1901 and 2000 and 4 disastersbetween 2001 and 2008
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SAFETY PERFORMANCE OF CIL IN 2005COMPARED TO THE YEAR OF ITS INCEPTION, 1975
PARAMETER 1975 2005
FATAL ACCIDENTS 177 73
FATALITIES 233 94
SERIOUS ACCIDENTS 1456 354
SERIOUS INJURIES 1515 364
FATALITY RATE / M.TE. OF PRODUCTION 2.62 0.28
FATALITY RATE / 3,00,000 MANSHIFTS 0.52 0.27
SERIOUS INJURY RATE / M.TE. 17.03 1.08
SERIOUS INJURY RATE / 3,00,000 MANSHIFTS 3.41 1.06
Figures for 2005 are subject to reconciliation with DGMS
SAFETY IN OPERATIONS IN COAL MINES
Two of the major objectives of Nationalization of
coal mines in India in the early 70s were:
Enhancement of safety in coal mine
Conservation of coal property.
Kick start Indias drive towards energy sufficiency.
To this end Coal mines accords the first priority to
safety in operations as embodied in its mission.
FRAMEWORK FOR SAFETY IN COAL MINES
Safety in coal mines in India are regulated by
The Mines Act, 1952 & the rules/Regulations/ bye- laws framed
thereunder.
The Indian Electricity Act, 1910 & Rules thereunder. - The Indian
Explosives Act, 1984 & Rules framed thereunder.
Environmental aspects are governed by
The Environmental (Protection) Act 1986 & Rules framed thereunder
The Directorate General of Mines Safety, under the Ministry of Labour,administers the provisions of the Mines Act.
Mines Act of 1952 Key piece of Indian legislation that regulates health, safety, and
welfare of miners.
Administered by Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). Falls under control of Ministry of Labour
DGMS mission:
Reduction in risk of occupational diseases and casualty to persons
employed in mines, by drafting appropriate legislation and settingstandards, by overseeing compliance thereof and through a variety of
promotional initiatives and awareness programmes creating anenvironment where safety is given due priority.
Among issues covered by the Mines Act are the following: Appointment of Chief Inspector.
On-site medical care.
Sufficient potable water within mines.
Timely reporting of accidents to Chief Inspector.
Right of government to appoint of court of enquiry to look into accidents.
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Key Environmental Legislation
Water Prevention and Pollution Control Act, 1974 (1988)
Forest Conservation Act, 1980
Air Prevention and Pollution Control Act, 1981
Environmental Protection Act, 1986
Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1957 (1987)
Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988
Water Prevention and PollutionControl Act, 1974 (1988)
Initiated the Pollution Control Boards and the Central PollutionControl Board.
Power of entry and inspection in industrial establishments andauthority to take samples.
Empowered to set standards of effluents that may bedischarged into water sources.
Power to impose penalties for contravention of provisions.
Forrest Conservation Act, 1980
Legislation enacted to check deforestation.
Prohibits use of forest land for non-forest purposes (includingmining) without prior approval of the Central Government.
Reforestation or compensatory reforestation is primarycondition for approval of proposals for diversion of forest land.
Air Prevention and Pollution
Control Act, 1981 Act enjoins industry not to discharge emissions of any
pollutant in excess of standards established by State Board.
Establishes power to inspect and collect samples and vestspower with the Central and State Pollution Control Boards.
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Effects on Air
Greenhouse gases 3/4 sulfur dioxide
1/3 nitrogen oxides
1/2 carbon dioxide
Toxics Mercury
Uranium
Effects on Land
Coal sludgereleases
Mountaintopremoval
Huge water use Slurry pipelines
CONTROL OF ACCIDENTS(A) NEW INITIATIVES - MANAGEMENT
NINTH SAFETY CONFERENCE
RISK ASSESSMENT : SAFETY MANAGEMENT PLAN
EMBRACE ORGANISATIONAL, BEHAVIOURIAL AND
CULTURAL SYSTEMS OVER ENGINEERING INITIATIVES
ROLE OF MANAGER AS PROMOTOR AND FACILITATOR
TEAM BUILDING AND COMMUNICATION
SAFETY PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL IN BOARD
MEETINGS
SAFETY POLICY OF COAL INDIA LTD
Plan operations & systems to eliminate / reduce mininghazards Implement statutes
To improve working conditions by technology up gradation
Dedicated provision of material & money for safety Deploy safety
personnel wholly for safety Implement worker participation in safety
management Draw & implement Safety Plans
Establish Internal Safety Organisation Multi-level monitoring of safety
Senior Management to inculcate safety awareness & practice it intheir functioning
Training & retraining to promote safety oriented skills Strive to improve the living conditions & health of employees
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25-01-1994, Caused by spontaneous heating of roofcoal about 28 m thick layer in the undergroundworkings . 55 person died due to carbon monoxidepoisoning.
Kenda Coal Mine Fire MINE FIRE IN JHARIA COALFIELDS (JCF)
Most fires in JCF were caused by the spontaneouscombustionof coal subsequent to open cast and/orshallow underground mining.
Jharia Coal Fire started in the year 1916 and by 1970it spread up to an area of 17.32 sq. km. affectingaround 41 collieries and burning 37 Million Tons ofcoal.
Around 1.8 billion tons of coking coal was locked in bycoal fire.
Enormous effort and thrust was made by thenationalized coal company and Government of India todeal with the fire.
MINE FIRE IN JHARIA COALFIELDS (JCF)
Strategy adopted:
Dozing and leveling the ground to fill-up surfacecracks and prevent air/oxygen to subsurface fires
Blanketing surface fires with sand to extinguish it
Cutting trenches around fire to prevent spreading
Removal of burning coal by open cast methodwherever possible by using remote controlequipment
The Present Status of JMF Ten mine fires have been successfully dealt-with. The locations with
blazing fire is now having green forest
The fire is now contained to an area of 8.9 sq. km. and only 1.4 billion tons
of coal is locked in
Master Plan has been prepared to deal with the fire effectively/completely
which includes inter-alia:
Rehabilitation and re-settlement of the entire population and township (Jharia, Kathras,
Karkend, etc.) effected by the coal fires to non coal bearing areas.
Re-alignment of Dhanbad Sindri, Dhanbad Chandrapura and Dhanbad - Gomoh
Railway Lines.
Re-location of coal sidings.
Construction of peripheral road (ring road) and diversion of all the public road to ring road
to avoid vehicular movement to the coal fires except for the purpose of m ining.
Mining of the entire coal of affected seams by the m ethod of open cast.
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The Chasnala Mine Disaster occurred on the evening of 27December 1975, and killed 372 miners in Dhanbad, India
Explosion and Flood
On 27 December 1975, an explosion rocked the Chasnala Colliery in Dhanbad,
India. The explosion was most likely caused by sparks from equipment ignitinga pocket of flammable methane gas. Even a small spark can ignite the surges ofgas that may suddenly fill a mine. Clouds of coal dust raised by the explosionand accompanying shock wave contribute to these sorts of mine explosions,making the flames self-sustaining.
The Chasnala Colliery explosion was so severe that the mine collapsed, andmillions of gallons of water from a nearby reservoir rushed into the pits at a rateof seven million gallons per minute. Those miners who werent killed in the blast
now found themselves trapped under debris, or drowned as the water quicklyfilled the mine. Rescue workers continued their efforts to dig out bodies andsurvivors until 19 January 1976. Sadly, there were no survivors, and most of thebodies were never recovered
Coal Mine Fire: Disaster Management
Most crucial factor while managing coal fire disaster in coal mine
would be using the right life saving equipment immediately &deploying rescue personnel within the least possible time. Minersworking underground should immediately wear escape apparatus(Filter Self Rescuer-FSR) & escape from deadly CO. For survivalman need at least 17% oxygen in the air inhaled. Not less than17% O2& not more than 1% CO.
To provide complete protection to miners self-contained self-rescuers should be provided at strategic locations. Thesestrategic points are know as Rescue Chambers.
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Rescue Chambers are:
Mobile chambers having charged O2 self-rescuers.
Established at strategic points underground.
Replacement of depleted self-rescuers, healthatmosphere, safe drinking water, telephoniccommunication & first-aid facilities.
A place of safety for trapped miners
After self-rescuer miner should know where to
proceed- escape routes (Kenda disaster)
Abide Mines Rescue Rules (MMR), 1985
Establish Fresh Air Base (FAB) provided with
Doctor, Rescue Trained Officers, Breathing
Apparatus & Accessories also stand by team
Disaster Management: Basic Needs
Preparedness- Preparedness plans, drill etc
Warning/Prediction Real time monitoring,prediction of spread & depth & pollution content
Relief- Delineation of affected areas, way to arrestthe spread of fire & provide support to affected
people.
Rehabilitation
Agencies involved in Coal FireManagement in India
Coal India Ltd
Indian Schools of Mines
Geological Survey of India
Indian Space Research Organisation Central Mining Research Stations
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Self-Contained Self-Rescuer (SCSR) is of two types
Compressed Oxygen Cylinder Type- O2 isprovided from cylinder & exhaled air is recirculatedafter cleaning the CO2 in the exhaled air by CO2absorbent placed within the self rescuer.
Chemical Type: Super potassium oxide is usedwhich continuously provide O2 for about 1 hr
Technologies adopted to reducenumber of accidents
Design of support system based on Rock MassRating (RMR) studies
Increased use of roof bolting
Introduction of modern large dia drills
Introduction of mass production technologies
De-watering of old workings
Control of Jharia and Raniganj Fires
Use of computerized continuous mineEnvironmental Tele-Monitoring System (ETMS)