Outbursts - Management and Control

This paper summarises some of the development of the understanding and management of outbursts in Australia, reviews the current situation and provides some thoughts on necessary research and development. It cannot be and is not comprehensive. Outbursts are better understood, prevented or controlled than they were 20 years ago. This is partly a result of the considerable amount of research into and documentation of outbursts and gas by a relatively small group of outburst pioneers supported by the coal industry. The result has been fewer outbursts in general, and the safe mining through a few potential outburst zones without risk to personnel. It is not time to rest on our laurels. Outburst and gas investigation needs to be continued, supported by industry, so that all outburst related phenomena and advances in gas management can be documented and communicated to all players.