A combustible gas, primarily composed of methane, that naturally desorbs from coal seams and accumulates in underground workings. When mixed with air in concentrations between 5 and 15 percent, it becomes highly explosive. It is a primary driver of catastrophic mine explosions, requiring strict ventilation and continuous monitoring to manage safely.
The sensors in the return airway are picking up elevated firedamp levels, so shut down the shearer.
Also heard as
- methane
Related terms
Afterdamp
The deadly mixture of toxic and suffocating gases left in a coal mine following an explosion.
Chokedamp
A dense, suffocating mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen that pools in low mine workings.
Davy lamp
An early safety lamp designed to prevent explosions in gassy coal mines.
Fire damper
A historic mine worker who deliberately ignited methane gas pockets to clear them.