Some operational perspectives on spontaneous combustion management of a longwall goaf

In Australian underground coal mines spontaneous combustion management of the goaf environment revolves around the use of a Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP). When appropriately designed the TARP is a very effective frontline tool for spontaneous combustion hazard management. However, other supplementary management tools including a highly skilled interactive management team are needed to ensure spontaneous combustion management of the goaf is effectively controlled to minimise the risk of an event developing and subsequently escalating. This philosophy has been adopted at the Narrabri Coal Operations (NCO) in New South Wales. This paper presents a reflection on the mind set and processes adopted at NCO and shows how controls such as gas monitoring, ventilation practices and the introduction of foam has enabled the mine to successfully manage and control the longwall (LW) goaf environment.