Abstract
Mining is the most hazardous peacetime profession in the world and coal mining is more so for underground fire or explosions. Mining disasters are usually accidents with 5 or more fatalities and are mostly due to roof-fall, inundation, fire, explosions, etc. Underground methane emission maximizes in late monsoon, as percolating water drives out the occluded gas from pore-spaces. In this paper, the author briefly presents a case study of a mining inundation disaster of Nov’89 with the miraculous rescue of 65 employees, through a specially designed capsule, creating a world record, in which he played a key role. Out of four-pronged strategy planned- Dewatering working pits by submersible pumps; Rescue through punctured pit no.34; Driving incline from the rise outcrop, and Rescue through a borehole. Work was going on concurrently by different teams. Ultimately rescue through borehole by special capsule became the most expedient in 4 days from 13 to 16 November 1989. The capsule went on to win first prize in the International Trade Fair, in New Delhi in 1990 and the great saga was described in a feature article in Readers Digest in June 91and in other languages. Geotechnical challenges were enormous, yet a record success was achieved. President’s award was also given for the rescue.
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Acknowledgements
The author is indebted to the Convener of ICGMTU-2021, Dr. Ramesh Bhatawdekar to present a paper at the conference. I express my Indebtedness to the then ECL authorities named in the paper to have entrusted me with the freedom to help decide on the best course of action possible. I am especially thankful to Mr. J. N. Uppal, the then CMD, ECL, who wrote to the Chairman, CIL, acknowledging my contribution. I am greatly indebted to Dr.M.A.Ramlu, who promptly accompanied me from ISM to the disaster site. The entire mining community almost participated in this world record-making rescue, in different spheres.
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Samanta, B.K. (2022). Geotechnical Challenges in World Record Making Mine Rescue. In: Verma, A.K., et al. Proceedings of Geotechnical Challenges in Mining, Tunneling and Underground Infrastructures. ICGMTU 2021. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 228. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9770-8_55
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9770-8_55
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