30 YEAR SECRET REPORT INTO MOURA No 4 Chapter 3 FUEL SOURCES FOR THE MOURA EXPLOSION
CHAPTER 3
FUEL SOURCES FOR THE MOURA EXPLOSION
By
P. Golledge
3.1 Sources of Methane
3.1.1 General Body ConcZntration
The general body concentration of methane in the period between 2 July and the date of the explosion on 16 July 1986 for both the Main Dips south and Main Dips north roadways was less than 0.5% . Brady ( 1 986) in his report of the investigation, concluded that the concentrations of methane were consistent with the mining extraction activities carried out over this period of time.
Even on the morning of the explosion at 10.30 am the methane concentration in the Main Dips South was 0.30% and in the Main Dips North, 0.15%.
Prior to 16 July, regular inspections of the Main Dips Section were carried out by various mine officials, experienced miners, inspectors of mines and district and local check inspectors. No persons who had carried out these inspections reported the presence of any abnormal concentrations of methane in the goaf area.
| A Deputy inspected the workings on two occasions during shift of 16 July 1986 and reported that the goaf was very well stone dusted and that no flammable gas (methane) was detected.
There is no evidence prior to the explosion that concentration was abnormally high and nothing to suggest a of methane in the return airways from whatever cause. |
the night quiet and
methane build up |
