Prospective tendencies of coal mining risk management

Abstract

Purpose. The main purpose is to identify underground coal mining risks as well as approaches for their reasonable and efficient management taking into consideration internal production reserves in order to improve technological processes' efficiency and operational efficiency. Methods.In order to achieve a target goal, the paper highlights and analyzes production processes involving the highest risk level. Methods of analogous risk characteristics, systematic approach towards developing a system of coal mining risk management as well as methods of distributed control have been applied to develop risk management innovative methods.Findings. The reasons stipulating coal mining risks based upon geologic, technologic, and economic aspects of mining practice as well as imperfection of human psychology, have been defined. Attention is drawn to the necessity to involve efficient counterweights relying upon additional bonuses for detecting violations, innovative trainings, and training of personnel to prevent safety inhibitions. A matrix structure has been demonstrated as the optimum structure for risk management, which should implement the idea of distributed control. Combination of effective operative information support with a system of open communication helps to develop conditions to change attitude of participants of underground coal mining towards risks to ensure safety. Originality.For the first time, the reasonability of combining matrix structure with distributed risk management has been demonstrated as well as substitution of unifactor discrete cumulative characteristic of explosion probability or methane ignition for analogous characteristic, dependent on several factors. Practical implications.Performance assessment throughout coal mines' operations improves reliability and safety of production processes and mining practices as well as provides for proactive risk management.

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