Surface-based radon detection to identify spontaneous combustion areas in small abandoned coal mine gobs: Case study of a small coal mine in China

In China, small coal mines refer to non-state-run coal mines with an annual production of less than 300,000 tons. The mining recovery rate of these small Chinese coal mines is low, and large amounts of coal remain in the gob. The mining seams of small coal mines are shallow, which induces extensive fissures between the gob and ground and provides easy pathways for air leakage. Consequently, long-term air leakage and oxygen supplies can result in...