Why does open pit coal mine collapse, how should we avoid and rescue

At noon on February 22, a large area of an open-pit coal mine in the Xinjing Coal industry in the demonstration zone of the Alashan League in Inner Mongolia collapsed, according to the scene, the scene was extremely tragic, the length of the collapse was about 400 meters, the measured amount of residue was close to 10 million cubic meters, and a large number of personnel and vehicles were buried, most of them drivers.

Contrary to the stereotype that coal mines are generally underground, open-pit mines are rarely seen by the public. Open pit mines can collapse for several reasons:

Structural instability: The stability of mine structure is an important factor that may lead to collapse. If the mine is not designed or built properly, it may be prone to failure.

Natural disasters: Natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides and floods can cause open pit mines to collapse.

Removal of overburden: Removal of overburden (the layer of soil and rock above the coal seam) can cause the land to move and cause collapse.

Underground mining: Underground mining activities can also lead to the collapse of open pit mines. If the underground mine is not properly supported, it may lead to instability in the open pit.

Abandoned mines: Abandoned mines can also be a significant factor in open pit mine collapse. If the abandoned mine is not properly sealed, it can lead to ground collapse and surface mine cave-ins.

Human error: Human error such as incorrect blasting techniques or failure to follow safety procedures can also lead to mine collapse.

In general, the collapse of open-pit mines can have serious consequences, including casualties, equipment damage and environmental hazards. It is vital that coal mines are properly designed, built and maintained to prevent these accidents.

We have been taking various measures over the years to avoid the collapse of open pit mines. These efforts include:

Proper mine planning and design: Mines should be designed by qualified professionals, taking into account geological conditions, mining methods and environmental factors. The design shall ensure that the stability of the mine is maintained.

Overburden monitoring and control: Overburden (the layer of soil and rock above the coal seam) should be systematically and controlled removed. This will help prevent landslides and collapses.

Slope stability analysis: The stability of mine slopes should be analyzed regularly to determine if they are stable or if there is a risk of collapse.

Proper drainage: A proper drainage system should be installed to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to instability.

Use of support structures: The use of support structures such as steel arches or shotcrete can provide additional support for mine slopes and prevent collapse.

Regular inspections: Regular inspections should be carried out to detect any signs of instability and resolve them promptly.

Proper training and safety procedures: Workers should be trained in proper mining techniques and safety procedures to prevent human error that can lead to mine collapse.

Land rehabilitation: The land should be rehabilitated after the completion of mining activities to restore its stability and prevent future collapse.

By strictly implementing these measures, open-pit mines can operate safely and prevent the risk of collapse, thereby protecting workers and the environment.

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation, and it is still a race against the clock rescue. Rescue methods for open-pit coal mine collapses vary depending on the severity of the collapse and the location of the trapped workers, but usually include the following:

Communication: Establishing communication with trapped workers is the first step in any rescue effort. This can be done using two-way radios or other communication devices.

Search and rescue: Search and rescue teams should be deployed to locate and rescue trapped workers. This may involve using heavy equipment to remove debris or digging manually.

Medical assistance: Once workers are located and evacuated, they should receive immediate medical assistance. This may involve transporting them to a nearby medical facility or providing treatment on site.

Evacuation: If a collapse poses a threat to the surrounding community, an evacuation may be required. This will involve coordinating with local authorities and providing transport and temporary housing for displaced residents.

At present, we are still looking forward to good news, looking forward to miracles, wish the rescue smooth, safe classification of the missing.