Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mine inundation-case histories

  • Published:
Mine Water and the Environment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Mining in the vicinity of large bodies of water, below a worked out coal seam or under a confined aquifer or abandoned water logged workings is always fraught with danger of inundation. This paper outlines, the causes of inundation in underground mining operations together with a brief account of accidental inundation in a range of mining and geological conditions. Statutory provisions to control inundation in various countries are outlined and a risk management approach to solve water danger is suggested.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Anon. (1971). Mufulira disaster prompts strict regulations in Zambia. E/M J, December, pp. 40,102.

  2. Anon. (1973). Lofthouse colliery, Colliery Guardian, July, pp. 244–248.

  3. Anon., (1982), Coal Mines Regulation Act 1982 and Regulations; Coal Mines Regulation (Methods and Systems of Working-Underground Mines), Regulations 1984, Part 3, Prevention of Inrushes, cll 6,7, pp 3 to 6.

  4. Anon., Source for 1883–1959, Historical Documentation of Major Coal Mine Disasters in the United States Not Classified as Explosiions of Gas or Dust: 1846–1962.

  5. Anon., Source for 1977–1985, Health and Safety Analysis Center Accident file from the Mine Information Systems of the Denver Safety and Health Technology Center of the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

  6. Cousens, R.R.M. and Garrett, W.S. (1969), The flooding at West Driefontein mine, South Africa, J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Met. Vol. 69, No. 8, April, pp. 421–463.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Davies, A. W. and Baird, W.K. (1976). Water dangers, The Mining Engineer, December 1976/January 1977, pp. 175–84.

  8. Duckham, H. and B., (1973) Davld & Charles Publ., North Pumfret, 1973, 227 pp.

  9. Dunn, R.B. (1982) Water problems in mines. The Mining Engineer, August, pp. 81–91.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Hunter, J.R. (1957). The shaft Water Problems in Thorne colliery, Transaction Institution of Mining Engineers, 116, 1956–57, pp. 969–83; duscussion 983–987.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Job, B. (1987). Inrushes at British collieries: 1851 to 1970. Colliery Guardian Vol. 235, Nos. 5 and 6 May and June, pp. 192–9 and 232–5.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Keenan, C.M., (1963), Burcau of Mines Information Bulletin 616, 1963, 91 pp

    Google Scholar 

  13. Moebs, N.M. and Sames, G.P. (1989). Water-A hazard and a nuisance. Coal, Vol. 26, No. 10, October, pp. 60–63.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Mattes, G. (1975). How engineers beat shaft flood at Zonguldak coal mine, World Coal, May, pp. 28–32.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Miller, H.W. and Jolley, D.H. (1964). Flooding and recovery of the Jefferson City mine, Mining Congress Journal, January, pp 16–20.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Neller, R.R., Sandy, J.D. and Oliver, V.H.R. (1973). How Mufulira has been rehabilitated. World Mining, September, pp. 42–49.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Prest, J.J. and Leggat, J. (1914) The sinking and equipment of Blackhall Colliery for the Horden Collieries Ltd. Transaction of Institution of Mining Engineers, 47, 1913–14, pp. 611–633, discussion 633–645.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Prugger, F.F. (1979). The flooding of the Cominco potash mine and its rehabilitation. CIM Bulletin, July, pp. 86–90.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Singh, R.N. (1986). Mine Inundations, Int. J. of Mine Water, vol. 5, No. 2, June Issue. pp. 1–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Sammaraco, O. (1986). Spontaneous Inrushe of Water in Underground Mines. Internation Journal of Mine Water, volume 5, No. 2, June, 1986, pp. 29–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Sammaraco, O. (1982) Flood Detection in Mines Using Gas Concentration Anamolies in the Ventilation System, International Journal of Mine Water, Vol. 1, No. 2, 1982, pp. 15–18.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Singh, R.N. (1986), The Estabilishment of a Mine Water Research Division at the Central Mining Research Institute, Dhanbad, India, UNDP Report, January 1986, pp 163

  23. Spichak, J.N. (1988), Hydrogeological Testing in Underground Holes During Grouting, The Third International Mine Water Congress, Melbourne, 1988, 649–654.

  24. Saul, H. (1970) Current Mine Drainage Problems, Transaction of The Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, London, 1970, pp A63-A80

    Google Scholar 

  25. Tress, P.W., 1972, The Flooding and Recovery of the West Driefontein Mine, October 1968 to January 1972, West Driefontein Gold Mining Company, Report, 22 September 1972, pp 619–685.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Mining Engineering, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, 2522, Wollongong, NSW, Australia

    V. S. Vutukuri (Visiting Principal Fellow) & R. N. Singh (Professor)

Authors
  1. V. S. Vutukuri
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. R. N. Singh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Vutukuri, V.S., Singh, R.N. Mine inundation-case histories. Mine Water and the Environment 14, 107–130 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02914857

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02914857

Keywords

Search

Navigation