Fire Risk Assessment and Management of European Coal Heaps

ongoing

The FRAM project tackles a significant post-mining environmental hazard: the spontaneous combustion of coal spoil heaps across Europe. These spoil heaps, containing large amounts of residual coal, present serious risks, including long-term fires, toxic gas emissions, and structural instability, all of which threaten surrounding ecosystems and communities. As Europe transitions away from coal, managing these legacies is a key scientific and societal challenge. FRAM introduces a cutting-edge approach by integrating drone-assisted thermal imaging, real-time gas sensors, and AI-driven predictive models to detect and prevent combustion risks in spoil heaps. Unlike traditional methods, our energy-independent monitoring systems powered by renewable energy provide continuous oversight of thermally active spoil heaps, allowing for early interventions that can mitigate environmental harm. A core component of FRAM is the creation of a comprehensive inventory of spoil heaps across Europe, with a focus on those at the highest risk. By using UAV surveys and in-situ measurements, we will classify these spoil heaps based on their combustion potential and environmental risks, providing a crucial tool for future reclamation and policy development across the EU. FRAM’s advanced methodologies will significantly contribute to the scientific understanding of spoil heap dynamics, offering practical solutions to mitigate environmental risks. This project aligns with EU climate objectives by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supports the Just Transition Mechanism by ensuring the safe rehabilitation of post-mining landscapes.