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| Methane gas and dust released at the working face |
Background
The potential hazards associated with methane gas emissions in underground mines have been well researched and documented. Over the past 20+ years, researchers from the U.S. the Bureau of Mines and NIOSH have developed techniques to identify and control these gas emissions. The problem with all these results is that a single specific source of relevant information has never been compiled for individuals needing to understand how to identify the problem and implement a workable combination of controls. Researchers within NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration, working with others in the industry, have written various chapters in a handbook that will address methane problems in coal mining, metal and nonmetal mining, and tunneling. All aspects of methane control will be documented, so the reader will be provided with a comprehensive menu of approaches for controlling methane.
Potential Outcome
This work is scheduled to be published sometime late in calendar year 2005 or early in 2006. The potential impact of this publication is that it will provide the first comprehensive source of information that can specifically assist individuals who are tasked with predicting, identifying, and controlling underground methane emissions.