The Permo-Carboniferous Dwyka Group and Vryheid Formation of the Karoo. Sequence in the Highveld Coalfield are analysed to determine the depositional systems operative during sedimentation. The investigation involves the processing of "629" borehole cores and logs in an area of 860km2.[Abbreviated Abstract. Open document to view full version] / AC2017

This study investigates the research on current self escape practices, the need for training on emergency evacuation procedures and the use of virtual reality simulations for the purposes of training. Thus, this project focuses on the advantages of using virtual reality as an educational tool and follows the development and design aspects of the tool. It includes each phase in development of the tool, including current research on self escape practices, training needs analyses and the actual design phases of the simulation. The design phase focuses on the objects and animations required to be implemented in order to create a realistic virtual mine. The programming logic of the simulation tool is also examined. Moreover, the final simulation is evaluated and proved to be an appropriate form of assessment and efficient learning environment for the trainee. Furthermore, recommendations are made for future developments.

D. Tech. Education / Investigates the levels of awareness, knowledge and attitude of South African secondary school learners and educators about environmental pollution in a coal mining area.

the ground-water system was studied in Burnout Canyon, Northern Wasatch Plateau, Utah to provided hydrogeologic information relative to the impacts of longwall coalmining induced subsidence. The longwall panels of coal are overlain by approximately 600 feet of interbedded sand, silt, and shale. The water-bearing zones are comprised of local 1enticular sand lenses. Well analysis and locations of springs indicated that multiple ground-water systems are operating within the study area.A modular three-dimensional, finite-difference flow model (MODFLOW) was used to simulate the multiple water-bearing zones and associated hydrostratigraphy above the mine. The model was used to assess the distribution of head over space both pre- and post-subsidence, using absolute heads and measured values of mine-inflow for model calibration. Longwall retreat was simulated with two model runs, each representing a new face position. Model calibration indicated that spatial head distributions were affected by subsidence. / Department of Geology

The Nanaimo Coalfield was a major coal producer between 1852 and 1968. During this time, coal was mined extensively in the area of South Wellington. The quality of groundwater in South Wellington may be adversely affected as mine site abandonment causes a deterioration of the hydrological system. This thesis employed a case-control study and examined the quality of drinking water and geographic variations in health of residents in two communities on Vancouver Island, South Wellington and Cinnabar, The control group, situated in Cinnabar, derives its water from the City of Nanaimo. However private groundwater wells supply drinking water to the study group, South Wellington. Abandoned coal mine workings degrade groundwater and in turn may affect the public through non-point source pollution. Disease and ill health are more common in South Wellington than in Cinnabar. The analyses of well water samples in South Wellington have revealed high levels of total dissolved solids and total conform, aluminum, antimony, arsenic, cadmium, iron, lead, selenium, sodium and thallium. Each of these elements has been linked to various diseases and disorders and may be predictive of ill health in South Wellington.

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[Truncated abstract] Many soil properties are involved in supporting the growth of plants and in limiting soil degradation. The present study was carried out to provide a basis for minimising environmental impact by providing a firm understanding of the soil properties that affect plant growth for soils developed from mining waste from the Wesfarmers Premier coalmine at Collie. The purpose of this study was to provide an understanding of the soil materials and to identify the potential interactions between soil properties and plants for soils developed on coalmine materials at the Premier mine, Collie. This research was to identify the nature of the manmade soils so as to determine if soil forming processes are active, to determine soil acidity including pH buffering capacity and the lime requirement of soils, to measure water retention characteristics and soil available water for plant growth, to relate soil properties to possible effects on plant growth, and to identify management strategies to improve soil conditions and overcome plant growth constraints. Seventy-seven manmade horizons from pits in 18 constructed soils, ranging from 9 to 21-years old, were analyzed throughout this study. These samples are classified based on soil depth, layer (topsoil and subsoil), and age of soil since rehabilitation. The methods for doing most of the analyses follow the Australian Soil and Land Survey handbook by Rayment and Higginson (1992). The results are presented quantitatively and soil properties are compared to provide information on pedogenic processes, the extent of soil development, the ability of the soils to resist degradation and to provide an indication of soil parent materials