The effects on mine planning of an unprecedented outburst underground

In 1995, an unprecedented and unpredictable incident occurred at a large deep British coal mine owned by RJB Mining (UK) Ltd. The event was a high pressure outburst of oil, gas and water which tragically resulted in the loss of life. This paper describes the incident, the rescue operation and the lessons learnt. Aspects covered include the local geology, mining methods, pre drilling for pressurised pockets of gas or oil and the use of micro-seismic monitoring of ground movement. Research work and practical developments of on-site environmental monitoring are discussed. These are now in place at the mine and provide the main control and early warning of the risks associated with oil and gas bearing strata.