Ground Breaking Research Supports Coal Industry Safety Standards

Kangra hosted a simulated emergency procedure in collaboration with Coaltech and the South African Colliery Managers’ Association to assess the life- sustainability of underground refuge bays.

Kangra hosted a simulated emergency procedure in collaboration with Coaltech and the South African Colliery Managers’ Association. The aim of the procedure was to assess the life- sustainability of underground refuge bays. Refuge bays serve as sanctuaries for miners during emergency situations like fires and explosions, offering temporary protection until rescue operations can be safely executed.

The exercise involved a group of 12 volunteers who spent over 30-hours underground at Kangra’s Uthingo (formerly Balgarthen) Shaft while being monitored around the clock through cameras connected to a control room. Coaltech intends to publish a comprehensive report based on the research containing findings and recommendations to be shared with industry stakeholders.