Introduction Methane is released as a direct result of the physical process of coal extraction. Coal is extracted through mining which in turn releases methane previously trapped within the coal seam into the air supply of the mine as layers of the coal face are removed, thus creating a potential safety hazard. Methane emissions also arise from the collapse of the surrounding rock after a section of the coal seam has been mined and the artificial roof and wall supports are removed as mining progresses to another section. The debris resulting from the collapse is known as gob and also releases methane or ‘gob gas’ into the mine. Although methane is released as a direct result of coal mining, other types of mineral mining also require a monitoring regime as methane ca

Join for free to read