Controlling oxidation in underground coal mines with expert void filling site services
GEM Projects methodology include proven SWMS, risk assessments and delivery of all site services
Oxidation control options include:
Dry fly ash suppression of goaf oxidation via surface borehole/s
Wet fly ash smothering of known oxidation zone in the goaf via surface borehole/s
Dry fly ash construction of a roadway seal remotely from surface via borehole/s.
Involves the use of backfill to suppress and/or control oxidation in underground coal mines. GEM Projects methodology include proven SWMS, risk assessments and delivery of all site services.
Fly ash has been used as oxidation suppression of underground coal mines at mines including Newstan, Dartbrook, Blakefield, Muswellbrook, Carborough Down and Narrabri.
Fly ash is also used as a preventative application to reduce airflow before oxidation could occur, and some applications were after tube bundle gas collection started showing signs of oxidation.
Dry fly ash seals injected from the surface are lower cost than expanding foam seals.
Our Past Oxidation Control Jobs
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Narrabri, Whitehaven
Design, delivery, and Project Management of fly ash injection UG to reduce ventilation movement through the LW109 goaf and adjacent roadways in two locations. The fly ash was injected using nitrogen to prevent oxygen ingress into the inertised coal mine. Oxygen levels downstream within the goaf reduced after fly ash injection.
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Carborough Downs, Vale
In 2012 Tim was project manager who organised design, delivery and Project Management of fly ash injection to suppress goaf fire. This involved 8 powder tankers delivering ash.
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Muswellbrook, Idemitsu
Design and delivery of fly ash injection to build UG seals in roadways to reduce oxygen movement. This included 4,500t of the fly ash as a slurry into areas of the mine which were undergoing heating’s and affecting the nearby town with sulfur pollution. This was delivered in 2011.
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Blakefield, Xstrata
Design and delivery of fly ash injection to entomb UG fire site and build UG seals in UG roadways to control ventilation movement in an inert atmosphere. Tim injected a total of 4,872t of fly ash to build seals which were pressure tested between to prove a seal was obtained. The fly ash was injected using nitrogen to prevent oxygen ingress into the inertised coal mine.
