Jharia Mine Fire with special reference to mining at Chasnalla quarry

Coal is the main source of fuel in India and most of India’s prime coking coal comes from jharia coal belt. But in Jharia numerous coal seams are affected by mine fire, the main cause of which is spontaneous combustion. Mining factors such as selective mining of superior quality coal seams at shallow depth, poor soil cover, poor coal recovery during exploitation etc are also responsible for Jharia coal mine fire and methods to combat those fires with a few case studies. Mining at the fire area of Chasnalla western quarry are discussed in detail. How heating can be prevented with safe mining practices is also outlined. Intrinsic and extrinsic properties of coal causing spontaneous combustion are also mentioned