Alban d'Entremont, Professor of Economic Geography
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What is firedamp?
-firedamp is methane gas (also composed of helium, nitrogen...) which is formed on the basis of coal particles suspended in the mine atmosphere. It is formed at the same time as the coal and is normally absorbed in the coal, but it can be released and consequently create fissures. It is a very flammable gas, but the chances of it exploding without entering contact with a flame are low (10%); i.e., simply being at contact with the air it does not explode.
What are León's mining deposits like?
What are León's mining deposits like?
-They are rather old and should have been closed down years ago by decision of the European Union, but at the time it was decided to extend their drilling life (they are not worked in the open air). Most of the coal extracted from them goes to a Unión Fenosa thermal power plant located in La Robla, where it is burned to generate electricity. In these deposits neither the famous "tracking" (introducing air or water to float the gas) is practiced, nor are the tops of the mountains being exploited, which is another highly questioned system.
Could this accident have been avoided?
However, if the ventilation inside the mine is good, introducing clean air from the outside can dilute the methane, so that the condensation is very leave and when it enters contact with the air, it does not explode. In relation to general safety, there is a system that consists of cooling the coal with water or rock dust so that, in the event of an explosion, it does not spread to the rest of the mine. In addition, the shafts have a radio and telephone system and there are also alarms, sirens.... If there is an explosion, grade will be heard throughout the region because the earth trembles. When can the mine resume its activity?
Could this accident have been avoided?
However, if the ventilation inside the mine is good, introducing clean air from the outside can dilute the methane, so that the condensation is very leave and when it enters contact with the air, it does not explode. In relation to general safety, there is a system that consists of cooling the coal with water or rock dust so that, in the event of an explosion, it does not spread to the rest of the mine. In addition, the shafts have a radio and telephone system and there are also alarms, sirens.... If there is an explosion, grade will be heard throughout the region because the earth trembles. When can the mine resume its activity?