Published Paper Details:

The spontaneous combustion of coal presents serious dangers in mining operations, resulting in loss of life, financial setbacks, and harm to the environment. This systematic review assesses the efficacy of different technologies designed to prevent and manage spontaneous combustion, concentrating on research published in Fuel, Energy, and Applied Energy from 2000 to 2025. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on 29 articles, focusing on various technologies including gels, gel foams, inhibitors, inert gas injection, and aqueous solutions. Notable findings reveal that gels, especially those enhanced with polymers such as konjac glucomannan (KGM) and expandable graphite (EG), demonstrate enhanced thermal stability and effective oxygen barrier properties. Gel foams, such as gel-stabilized and three-phase varieties, exhibit superior fire suppression capabilities due to their enhanced film-forming properties and water retention. However, challenges with stability persist. Methods involving inhibitors and gas injection demonstrate potential, particularly as the depth of nitrogen injection plays a crucial role in regulating temperature within coal gobs. The review emphasizes progress in material science, showcasing polymer-modified gels and high-water-retaining foams as the leading solutions. Nonetheless, the practical use and enduring reliability necessitate additional exploration. This research brings together current insights, highlights areas needing further exploration, and suggests directions for upcoming studies aimed at enhancing technologies for preventing spontaneous combustion in coal mining