A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering. / Ignitions of methane and coal dust have caused considerable loss of life and damage to installations in South African collieries during the past century. The phenomenon of methane outbursts have also resulted in the creation of dangerous conditions underground. The dissertation examines the causes of methane outbursts and the seven main ignition sources leading to methane and coal dust explosions. These ignition sources were derived from an examination of Mines Department inquiries extending back to 1891. the date of the first known ignition of mine gas. Selected incidents were chosen from the official Inquiries for each ignition source and these are dealt with in detail. This includes an investigation into the many factors which developed prior to the individual explosions and the effects of the aftermath such incidents. Precautions to be adopted to prevent methane outbursts and minimise the risk of methane and coal dust explosions as a result of the seven ignition sources are detailed at the end of each chapter. / Andrew Chakane 2018