Reclamation after control of coal mine fire using surface sealing technique - case studies

The Indian coal mines have a chronic problem of fire since 19th century. The fire in most of the cases is recorded to be due to spontaneous heating of coal. Underground mine is associated with breathing of the air through the subsidence cracks, pot holes or ventilation leakage. Thus, to control the above phenomena of fire, the technique of surface sealing has given very good result within the limited period of time in India and aboard. The purpose of this paper is to describe the case studies of use of surface sealing technique and determination of suitable surface sealing material before application, for controlling fire and reclamation of fire areas in coal mines