What must be carried out before a 'notice of intention to seal mine' is made?

• A. Risk assessment
• B. Environmental impact assessment
• C. Structural survey
• D. Gas hazard audit

Answer: (A)

Before issuing a notice of intention to seal a mine, a risk assessment must be carried out. This assessment identifies and evaluates all hazards that sealing could introduce or leave unaddressed, such as gas accumulation, potential fire or explosion risks, water ingress, and changes to ventilation or structural stability. It weighs how likely these hazards are and how severe their consequences would be, then sets out appropriate controls, sequencing, and monitoring to ensure the sealing plan can be implemented safely and without creating new dangers for workers or the environment.

Environmental impact assessment focuses on environmental effects and is not the specific pre-sealing prerequisite here. A structural survey looks at current conditions but does not by itself cover all risks associated with sealing. A gas hazard audit is important, but risk assessment encompasses gas hazards along with other risks, providing a comprehensive basis for the sealing decision.