Expansion of underground coal mining activity in the Western US will increase the risk of spontaneous-combustion-caused mine fires. Such incidents in underground coal mines have, in the past, frequently led to serious financial loss or lose of life.nThe first part of this report is a state-of-the-art review and describes the mechanism of coal oxidation and its development to open fire and, based on overseas experience, the mining and geological conditions with which are associated a risk of spontaneous combustion. The precautions to minimise the risk and methods of combating active fires are also described.nThe second part of the report is specific to Western US mining conditions and provides advice for operators on how best to minimise the hazard, both in the planning and operating phase. Guidance is also provided on combating active heatings. Areas for further research are defined.
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