Overview on the application of geophysics in coal mining

Since their introduction to the coal mining industries of the United Kingdom and West Germany in the 1970s, geophysical methods are now utilised in coal mining around the world. The range of applications in both surface and underground mining is extensive. Applications include coal seam mapping and geological fault detection, lithological mapping, geotechnical evaluation, assessment of the rock mass response to mining, detection of voids, location of trapped miners and guidance of drills and mining equipment. The range of techniques that can be employed is also extensive and includes geophysical borehole logging, the potential field methods, seismic reflection (2D and 3D), resistivity, electromagnetics and microseismic monitoring using active and passive sources. This paper discusses the major applications and the geophysical methods that can be applied. It also discusses future trends and suggests that the future motives for applying geophysics will not only include the current motivations of mine safety and productivity but will also include an increased emphasis on environmental management, the monitoring of sequestration activities and the provision of sensors to enable autonomous mining.

► I review applications for geophysics in support of coal mining operations.
► I discuss techniques used for mapping coal seams and geotechnical characterisation.
► Methods for void detection and monitoring the ground response are also discussed.
► Future applications for geophysics are also considered.