Authors: V.A. Portola, A.A. Bobrovnikova, E.A. Kirenberg

Title of the article: Assessment of the state of an endogenous fire in a mortified mine that arisen under the influence of open-mining

Year: 2026, Issue: 3, Pages: 121-130

Branch of knowledge: 2.8.6. Geomechanics, destruction of rocks by explosion, mine aerogasdynamics and mining thermophysics

Index UDK: 622.822

DOI: 10.26730/1999-4125-2026-3-121-130

Abstract: Spontaneous coal combustion occurs with a constant air flow, which is why endogenous fires are recorded in active mines ventilated by fans. This article examines the conditions for the occurrence of an endogenous fire in a mothballed mine caused by open-pit mining. The convergence of the mine field and open-pit boundaries resulted in an aerodynamic connection between the mine workings and the mined-out space of the mine and the atmosphere. Air flow into the mine was ensured by excess gas pressure generated by wind pressure on the open-pit side. Calculations showed that at a wind speed of 4 m/s, the excess air pressure on the open-pit side was 10 Pa. The article presents the results of measurements of the concentrations of oxygen and indicator gases of endogenous fire (carbon monoxide, hydrogen, ethylene, propylene, and carbon dioxide) in the mine atmosphere. The results of the measurements indicate that in recent years, the endogenous fire has stabilized, although the combustion regime experiences slight self-oscillations. In 2024, a decrease in oxygen concentration and an increase in tracer gas levels were observed, indicating intensification of the fire and an increase in the fire's temperature. In 2025, by contrast, a slight increase in oxygen concentration and a decrease in tracer gas levels were observed due to a drop in the temperature of the heated coal. To combat the fire, an insulating layer was applied to the side of the open pit, and the mine openings to the surface were sealed. However, air continues to flow to the fire. Due to the impossibility of actively extinguishing the underground fire, it is recommended to continue monitoring the spontaneous combustion source until the completion of open pit mining.

Key words: spontaneous combustion source endogenous fire coal mothballed mine open pit fire extinguishing fire indicator gases aerodynamic coupling wind pressure

Receiving date: 10.01.2026

Approval date: 15.06.2026

Publication date: 27.08.2026

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