K. B. Singh

Pot-hole Subsidence in Underground Coal Mining: Some Indian Experiences

Subsidence is a gradual or sudden depression of the ground on the surface due to extraction of minerals from underground. It occurs in two forms, namely, trough and pot-hole subsidence. Trough subsidence is a depression covering a large surface area, whereas pot-hole subsidence is a localized phenomenon which occurs due to sudden collapse of overburden into the underground voids. Pot hole is extremely hazardous as it does not give any prior indication before its occurrence. Several pot-holes have occurred in the recent past in the coal mines of South Eastern Coalfield Limited and therefore the study assumes great importance. This paper presents the mechanism, behaviour and critical influencing parameters concerning pot-holes. Field investigations and analysis carried out on pot-holes which occurred in some of the Indian coal mines are presented for highlighting the importance of the same.