Investigating Rib Brow Potential Through Monitoring in a Room-and-Pillar Coal Mine - SME Annual Meeting 2025

Rib brows present a significant safety hazard in underground coal mines in the United States. To address this issue, researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST) are developing a practical tool to assess both the potential of rib brow formation and the stability of any formed brows. As part of this effort, a monitoring study was conducted to assess the potential for rib brow formation in coal pillar ribs. This study was conducted in a room-and-pillar coal mine where coal pillar ribs are prone to developing rib brows. Although no rib brows formed in the instrumented pillar, data from monitoring and visual observations provided valuable insights into the loading mechanisms impacting the instrumented pillar. These findings helped identify factors that may reduce rib brow formation, including the cavability of the roof in mined areas, the applied rib support, the strength of rock partings, and the overall integrity of the coal seam. The scientific findings published in the case study aid in assessing the potential of brow formation, offering additional evidence for the need to improve rib control methods in underground coal mines.