Occurrence, emission and ignition of combustible strata gases in Witwatersrand gold mines and Bushveld platinum mines, and means of ameliorating related ignition and explosion hazards, Part 1: literature and technical review.

Abstract

The review output of the project comprised three main sections, literature, gas incidents and accidents, and technical interviews with mine personnel. Literature covered combustible gas emissions in mining operations in South Africa and other countries, as well as the geological origins of methane. All gas emissions reported at the DME from 1987 to 1997 were reviewed, a total of 1914, as well as 32 accident reports. Technical interviews were conducted on 33 individual mines, to evaluate the approach taken by the mines and ventilation practitioners to combustible gas emissions.