Rock Mechanics Practices and Experiences at Xstrata Mount Isa Copper Operations

Esterhuizen, Hendrik; Slade, Nicholas; Sloane, J

doi:10.36487/acg_repo/808_148

Cited by 1 publication

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“…The mining-induced fractured zone can extend up to 145 m [ 26 ], and can become a gas flow channel for gassy coal-bearing strata [ 27 – 29 ]. Consequently, the porosity and permeability are altered as longwall mining could induce over a 1000-fold increase in permeability [ 30 ] with chances of a 50-mD (millidarcy) increase for a shear failure along the bedding plane [ 31 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Transport model for shale gas well leakage through the surrounding fractured zones of a longwall mine

Ajayi

Schatzel

2020

International Journal of Mining Science and Technology

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The environmental risks associated with casing deformation in unconventional (shale) gas wells positioned in abutment pillars of longwall mines is a concern to many in the mining and gas well industry. With the recent interest in shale exploration and the proximity to longwall mining in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the risk to mine workers could be catastrophic as fractures in surrounding strata create pathways for transport of leaked gases. Hence, this research by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) presents an analytical model of the gas transport through fractures in a low permeable stratum. The derived equations are used to conduct parametric studies of specific transport conditions to understand the influence of stratum geology, fracture lengths, and the leaked gas properties on subsurface transport. The results indicated that the prediction that the subsurface gas flux decreases with an increase in fracture length is specifically for a non-gassy stratum. The sub-transport trend could be significantly impacted by the stratum gas generation rate within specific fracture lengths, which emphasized the importance of the stratum geology. These findings provide new insights for improved understanding of subsurface gas transport to ensure mine safety.

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