Frictional Ignitions Potentials Map for South African Coal Mines

A single float sink test destroys the sample and gives one deterministic answer, so it cannot show how washability changes with particle size distribution. Simulating washability from petrographic images and tomography allows many size distributions to be tested statistically from one sample. Running simulation alongside float sink work during exploration lets the prediction error of each be compared.

No standard technique for predicting, controlling or extinguishing spontaneous combustion emerged, and the methods in use proved expensive and not routinely successful. Because every mine differs, the work sets out a sequence of locating the fire, assessing the risk, choosing a strategy and method, then monitoring it. Separate control measures are given for old workings, exposed coal and spoil heaps.

Compaction on rehabilitated opencast land restricts effective rooting depth so severely that only a small proportion of arable and grazing areas reach their stated capability. The review sets out the causes and symptoms, argues that symptoms are usually treated without addressing the cause, and recommends site specific, resource based management, mechanisation choices weighed against compaction, and land capability standards aligned with international codes.