Roof falls: An inherent risk in underground coal mining

Citation

Oraee K & Bakhtavar E (2009) Roof falls: An inherent risk in underground coal mining. In: Peng SS, Barczak T, Mark C, Tadolini S, Finfinger G, Heasley K & Luo Y (eds.) Proceedings: 28th International Conference on Ground Control in Mining (ICGCM). Ground Control in Mining. 28th International Conference on Ground Control in Mining (ICGCM), Morgantown, West Virginia, USA, 28.07.2009-30.07.2009. Morgantown, WV: West Virginia University, Department of Mining Engineering. http://icgcm.conferenceacademy.com/CMS/publicationsdtl.aspx

Abstract
The occurrence of rock falls in underground coal mines entails detrimental effects as fatal or non-fatal injuries on workers, stoppages in mining operations and breakdown of equipment. In this paper, a risk assessment approach on the basis of a decision analysis trend is employed in order to assess the possibility of and manage roof falls. Risk is then assessed by determination of likelihood of occurrence and the cost of consequences (outcomes). In this regard, collected real roof fall data from Tabas and Kerman coal regions comprising of several underground coal mines are used. It is concluded that the annual accidents due to the roof falls occurrence in the all investigated mines are so high that it is economically feasible to improve the support systems and to implement a suitable educational program as well as an accurate supervision and other elements of safety management.

Keywords
; Coal mines and mining Risk assessment