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Water-related issues in permafrost mining, with special emphasis on the coal mining of Spitsbergen (Norway)

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Abstract

Aspects of mining in permafrost regions are described, with emphasis given to water issues. Most of the mines discussed are Spitsbergen coal mines. In general, when mining within the permafrost zone, problems include supplying water for the operational processes, the explosivity of the very dry coal dust and hoar frost formation due to humidity introduced by ventilation. In the non-frozen rocks below the permafrost, the technical problems are largely the same as encountered while mining elsewhere in the world. However, special care must be taken in the transition zone between the permafrost and the non-frozen rocks. Groundwater intrusions are possible and methane may accumulate below the impermeable permafrost.

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  1. Bracknerstrasse 15, D-81677, München, Germany

    Marcus Wandinger

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  1. Marcus Wandinger
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3, rue de la Source, F-75016 Paris, France (until January, 2000)

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Wandinger, M. Water-related issues in permafrost mining, with special emphasis on the coal mining of Spitsbergen (Norway). Mine Water and the Environment 18, 67–74 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02687250

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02687250

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