What are the six mandatory PHMPs?

• A. Mine ventilation; Fire protection; Water management; Emergency evacuation; Noise control; Lighting
• B. Ventilation planning; Gas detection; Methane drainage; Emergency response; Firefighting; Terrain stability
• C. Mine ventilation; Gas management; Methane drainage; Emergency response; Spontaneous combustion; Strata control
• D. Waste management; Plant maintenance; Emergency response; Spontaneous combustion; Strata control; Employee training

Answer: (C)

The six mandatory PHMPs are the plans that address the most significant hazards in underground coal mining: mine ventilation; gas management; methane drainage; emergency response; spontaneous combustion; and strata control.

Mine ventilation is essential to keep air breathable and to dilute and remove methane and coal dust. Gas management involves monitoring and controlling gas levels to prevent accumulation and ignition. Methane drainage specifically targets removing methane from the coal seams and surrounding rock to reduce the risk of explosion in working areas. Emergency response provides the structured actions and coordination needed when incidents occur, ensuring a rapid and effective rescue and containment. Spontaneous combustion plans are about detecting and preventing self-heating of coal, which can lead to fires or explosions. Strata control focuses on managing rock and roof stability to prevent collapses that could trap or injure workers.

These six areas are singled out because they cover the key gas, ventilation, fire risk, emergency readiness, and ground control hazards central to safe underground mining. Other safety topics like fire protection, water management, or lighting are important controls, but the listed six form the mandatory PHMP framework.