Subsidence Control Measures in Coalmines: a Review

An introductory overview is presented of the diverse methods that have been developed to help control problems with subsidence associated with underground coal mines in India. Two types of subsidence (a sudden depression in the ground surface) are considered in the project, namely trough and pothole subsidence. Subsidence represents a dangerous problem because it typically occurs with little or no prior warning. In working mines, subsidence can be restricted via use of partial extraction methods and stowing, along with other techniques. In abandoned underground coal mines, strategies such as backfilling and grouting have proven effective in controlling subsidence.