Promising papers on cutting edge research, Sponcom will be held from November 22-23, 2004 at the University of Queensland. The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Southern Queensland Branch and ACARP are closely affiliated with the event, which will focus on current day practices for managing the hazard of spontaneous combustion.

Papers are invited on the topics of:

Identification of coal self-heating propensity for mine planning – testing methods

Chemistry of spontaneous combustion

Detection, monitoring and risk management

Inertisation

Stockpile, bunker and shipping management

Combating coal fires in confined spaces

Ventilation control in underground coal mines

Training of personnel

Computer modelling

Organisers said papers that present case studies in the detection and management of heatings are particularly encouraged to be submitted.

Site visits to Simtars and University of Queensland testing facilities are intended to be held, with details to be announced at a later date.