Investigation of the Jharia coalfield mine fires - India

In 1971, the Indian coal industry was nationalized and Bharat Coking Coal Limited was formed. The new company inherited about 600 poorly operated collieries, many on fire. Efforts to extinguish the fires have been partially successful. About sixty-five fires continue to burn in the 450-sq.km. coalfield. This is the largest complex of above and underground coal fires in the world. The fires have spread and grown to affect coal production, the environment and the health, safety, and well being of one million people living in the region. A 21-month long, two-part study, funded by the World Bank, began in 1994 and was completed in 1996. Part one was an analysis of the fires which included, their location, size, impact on the community, physical environment and coal reserves and possible remediation measures and their cost. Part two included an environmental and socioeconomic survey of the coalfield and environs and the impact of implementing remediation measures. The investigations included the use of satellite and airborne remote sensing platforms, a Global Positioning System for surveying, drilling, software for mine planning and development, a field reconnaissance, laboratory testing, review of colliery records and data analysis. A counterpart staff of Indian professionals worked with themore » expatriates to acquire the training, procedures and methodologies required to continue the work. Technologies for extinguishing, containing and preventing fires and their cost were identified. Recommendations were made to extinguish or contain the fires.« less