Abstract:
Methane explosions in underground coal mines are a major concern
across the mining industry. After the Pike River disaster, Arnot Coal
became even more aware of the explosion risk. To determine
whether Arnot has adequate precautions against a methane
explosion, such as the one that led to the Pike River disaster, a
literature survey covering the causes of the incident and what
preventative measures should have been in place was conducted.
Many different methane explosion prevention methods were
evaluated, as well as codes of practice. Based on the findings,
Arnot’s measures to prevent conditions favourable for a methane
explosion were evaluated.
