As we know, gases underground pose incredible risk to our miners. Attempts to ventilate coal mines and remove gas pre-date even the Industrial Revolution. From 200AD, evidence of sophisticated coal mining operations have been uncovered in China. By the 4th century AD, the Chinese were using coal, and by the 9th century had developed the ability to use coal in the smelting of iron.
Archaeologists in the Henan Province have uncovered a coal mine from 210 ADwith a relatively impressive technical level. The mine had 2 shafts, 50 metres deep and 2 tunnels 250 metres. Most interesting, however, were the rudimentary methods developed for dealing with gas. Before cutting coal, the miners would push a bamboo, which was hollowed and cut sharp at one end, into the coal layer to extract the gas.
Interested in learning more? Come and visit the Coalface Experience!
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