Some problems associated with past mining at a mine in the Witbank coalfield, South Africa |
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Authors: | S E T Bullock F G Bell |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Geology and Applied Geology, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, ZA |
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Abstract: | Mining in the Witbank Coalfield commenced at the turn of the century. Initially there was little environmental degradation
associated with mining activities; however, in the late 1930s and early 1940s a pillar-robbing programme commenced. At one
particular mine this has had marked effects on the environment. Primary effects include subsidence, the appearance of tension
cracks at the surface and crownhole development. Secondary effects include spontaneous combustion of the coal worked, as air
has been provided with ready access to the mine, accelerated subsidence due to the strength of many pillars being reduced
by burning, and a marked deterioration in groundwater quality in the area. Spoil heaps also form blemishes on the landscape.
These contain significant amounts of coal and have undergone spontaneous combustion. The deterioration in the water quality
has led to the decimation of vegetation in some areas and the eradication of aquatic flora and fauna in a nearby stream.
Received: 5 March 1997 · Accepted: 1 July 1997 |
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Keywords: | Pillar failure Void migration Burning coal seams Spoil heaps Acid mine drainage |
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