GEOTECHNICAL CHALLENGES IN WORLD RECORD MAKING MINE RESCUE

Abstract

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,

Full text

Ten Worst Mining Disasters In Human History
1. Benxihu Colliery, Liaoning, China, April 1942 (1,549 Deaths)- Gas and coal dust explosion
2. Courrieres Coal Mine, Courrieres, France, March 1906 (1,099 Deaths)- Gas and coal dust explosion
3. Laobaidong Colliery, Datong, China, May 1960 (682 Deaths)- Gas and coal dust explosion
4. Sumitomo Besshi Bronze Mine, Shikoku, Japan, 1899 (512 Deaths)- Landslide of debris
5. Hawks Nest Tunnel Silica Mine, West Virginia, USA, 1931 (476 Deaths)- Silicosis
6. Mitsui Miike Coal Mine, Fukuoka, Japan, November 1963 (458 Deaths)- Gas and coal dust explosion
7. Senghenydd Colliery, Cape, Wales, UK, October 14, 1913 (440 Deaths)- Gas and coal dust explosion
8. Coalbrook Colliery, Clydesdale, South Africa, January 1960 (435 Deaths)- Mine collapse
9. Wankie Coal Mine, Hwange, Zimbabwe, June 1972 (426 Deaths)- Blast Collapse
10. Chasnala Coal Mine, Dhanbad, India, December 1975 (372 Deaths)- Pit flooding