Striking an underground pocket of water during mining can cause rapid inundation of mine workings and sudden flooding hazards.
November 10, 2025
high
temporal
Describes a common hazard in underground mining when previously dry workings intersect water-bearing voids.
Failure or compromise of old or abandoned mine walls or barriers can allow water to enter active mine workings and cause flooding.
November 10, 2025
high
temporal
Old or improperly maintained mine barriers can separate flooded areas from active operations; when they fail, water can migrate into active workings.
Coal seam geometry and underground mine topography can create air pockets in higher parts of mine workings that can provide breathable voids during flooding.
November 10, 2025
medium
temporal
Variations in geology and mine layout can leave trapped air in elevated cavities within underground mines.
Mine flooding rescue operations commonly involve coordination among local, state, and federal agencies and employ specialized teams such as mining rescue, cave diving, and drilling crews to pump out water and access trapped miners; safely reentering flooded mine sections can be time-consuming due to terrain and safety constraints.
November 10, 2025
high
temporal
Rescue of trapped miners in flooded underground environments typically requires multi-agency coordination and specialized technical capabilities.