Assessing Coal Mine Gas Impacts on Workers at Yayo Conventional Underground Coal Mine, Oromia, Ethiopia

Ephrem Tilahun

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11

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Assessing Coal Mine Gas Impacts on Workers at Yayo Conventional Underground Coal Mine, Oromia, Ethiopia

Ephrem Tilahun^*

Published in International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy (Volume 13, Issue 4)

Received: 23 May 2025 Accepted: 26 June 2025 Published: 28 July 2025

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Abstract

Underground coal mining presents significant health and safety challenges, primarily due to the accumulation and emission of hazardous gases. This study investigates the occurrence, impact, and control of such gases at the Yayo Underground Coal Mine, located in the Illubabor Zone of the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The Yayo mine, being one of the few operational underground coal mines in the country, provides a relevant case for assessing gas-related risks and developing appropriate safety strategies in Ethiopia. Field investigations, interviews, and review of operational records revealed the presence of four major hazardous gases: methane (CH₄), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). These gases are released from coal seams, equipment operations, and decomposition of organic matter, and pose serious risks including fire and explosion, oxygen displacement, and respiratory illnesses. The study found that some areas of the mine experience gas concentrations that approach or exceed acceptable exposure limits, endangering both miners' health and mine product. The assessment also highlighted several limitations in the current mitigation measures at Yayo, including inadequate ventilation systems, the absence of real-time gas monitoring devices, limited use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and lack of worker training. These deficiencies significantly increase the risk of gas-related accidents and long-term health effects. To improve safety, the study recommends the implementation of modern mechanical ventilation systems, deployment of portable and fixed gas detectors, and mandatory use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in high-risk zones. Furthermore, it advocates for enhanced government regulation, periodic safety audits, and structured training programs for mine workers.

Published in	International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy (Volume 13, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11
Page(s)	69-77
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Coal Mine Gas, Methane, Carbon Monoxide, Yayo Coal Mine, Mine Safety, Occupational Health, Ventilation, Gas Detection

References

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[3]	Amos, H. M., Jacob, D. J., Streets, D. G., & Sunderland, E. M. (2013). Legacy impacts of all-time anthropogenic emissions on the global mercury cycle. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 27(2), 410-421.
[4]	Sternberg, P. A. (2000). Exhaled nitric oxide: A novel biomarker of adverse respiratory health effects in epidemiological studies. Archives of Environmental Health, 55(6), 418-423. https://doi.org/10.1080/00039890009604040
[5]	van Amsterdam, J. G., Nierkens, S., Vos, S. G., Opperhuizen, A., & van Loveren, H. (2006). Effects of environmental tobacco smoke on the immune system of children. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 17(5), 304-310.
[6]	Burger, J., & Gochfeld, M. (2005). Heavy metals in commercial fish in New Jersey. Environmental Research, 99(3), 403-412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2005.02.001
[7]	Melesse, T., & Belete, T. (2015). Environmental and social impact assessment of coal mining in Yayo area, Illubabor Zone, Oromia.
[8]	Clarkson, T. W., Magos, L., & Myers, G. J. (2003). The toxicology of mercury—Current exposures and clinical manifestations. New England Journal of Medicine, 349(18), 1731-1737.
[9]	Ali, M. M., Ali, M. L., Islam, M. S., & Rahman, M. Z. (2016). Preliminary assessment of heavy metals in water and sediment of Karnaphuli River, Bangladesh. Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, 5, 27-35.
[10]	ATSDR. (1999). Toxicological profile for mercury. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
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[12]	Rashed, M. N. (2001). Monitoring of environmental heavy metals in fish from Nasser Lake. Environment International, 27(1), 27-33.
[13]	Kumar, A., & Pastore, P. (2007). Determination of mercury in environmental and biological samples using cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Analytica Chimica Acta, 590(1), 1-14.
[14]	Duruibe, J. O., Ogwuegbu, M. O. C., & Egwurugwu, J. N. (2007). Heavy metal pollution and human biotoxic effects. International Journal of Physical Sciences, 2(5), 112-118.
[15]	Tchounwou, P. B., Yedjou, C. G., Patlolla, A. K., & Sutton, D. J. (2012). Heavy metal toxicity and the environment. EXS, 101, 133-164. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7643-8340-4_6

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APA Style

Tilahun, E. (2025). Assessing Coal Mine Gas Impacts on Workers at Yayo Conventional Underground Coal Mine, Oromia, Ethiopia. International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy, 13(4), 69-77. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11

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ACS Style

Tilahun, E. Assessing Coal Mine Gas Impacts on Workers at Yayo Conventional Underground Coal Mine, Oromia, Ethiopia. Int. J. Environ. Prot. Policy 2025, 13(4), 69-77. doi: 10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11

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AMA Style

Tilahun E. Assessing Coal Mine Gas Impacts on Workers at Yayo Conventional Underground Coal Mine, Oromia, Ethiopia. Int J Environ Prot Policy. 2025;13(4):69-77. doi: 10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11,
  author = {Ephrem Tilahun},
  title = {Assessing Coal Mine Gas Impacts on Workers at Yayo Conventional Underground Coal Mine, Oromia, Ethiopia
},
  journal = {International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy},
  volume = {13},
  number = {4},
  pages = {69-77},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijepp.20251304.11},
  abstract = {Underground coal mining presents significant health and safety challenges, primarily due to the accumulation and emission of hazardous gases. This study investigates the occurrence, impact, and control of such gases at the Yayo Underground Coal Mine, located in the Illubabor Zone of the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The Yayo mine, being one of the few operational underground coal mines in the country, provides a relevant case for assessing gas-related risks and developing appropriate safety strategies in Ethiopia. Field investigations, interviews, and review of operational records revealed the presence of four major hazardous gases: methane (CH₄), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). These gases are released from coal seams, equipment operations, and decomposition of organic matter, and pose serious risks including fire and explosion, oxygen displacement, and respiratory illnesses. The study found that some areas of the mine experience gas concentrations that approach or exceed acceptable exposure limits, endangering both miners' health and mine product. The assessment also highlighted several limitations in the current mitigation measures at Yayo, including inadequate ventilation systems, the absence of real-time gas monitoring devices, limited use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and lack of worker training. These deficiencies significantly increase the risk of gas-related accidents and long-term health effects. To improve safety, the study recommends the implementation of modern mechanical ventilation systems, deployment of portable and fixed gas detectors, and mandatory use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in high-risk zones. Furthermore, it advocates for enhanced government regulation, periodic safety audits, and structured training programs for mine workers.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Assessing Coal Mine Gas Impacts on Workers at Yayo Conventional Underground Coal Mine, Oromia, Ethiopia

AU  - Ephrem Tilahun
Y1  - 2025/07/28
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11
T2  - International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy
JF  - International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy
JO  - International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy
SP  - 69
EP  - 77
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7536
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11
AB  - Underground coal mining presents significant health and safety challenges, primarily due to the accumulation and emission of hazardous gases. This study investigates the occurrence, impact, and control of such gases at the Yayo Underground Coal Mine, located in the Illubabor Zone of the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The Yayo mine, being one of the few operational underground coal mines in the country, provides a relevant case for assessing gas-related risks and developing appropriate safety strategies in Ethiopia. Field investigations, interviews, and review of operational records revealed the presence of four major hazardous gases: methane (CH₄), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). These gases are released from coal seams, equipment operations, and decomposition of organic matter, and pose serious risks including fire and explosion, oxygen displacement, and respiratory illnesses. The study found that some areas of the mine experience gas concentrations that approach or exceed acceptable exposure limits, endangering both miners' health and mine product. The assessment also highlighted several limitations in the current mitigation measures at Yayo, including inadequate ventilation systems, the absence of real-time gas monitoring devices, limited use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and lack of worker training. These deficiencies significantly increase the risk of gas-related accidents and long-term health effects. To improve safety, the study recommends the implementation of modern mechanical ventilation systems, deployment of portable and fixed gas detectors, and mandatory use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in high-risk zones. Furthermore, it advocates for enhanced government regulation, periodic safety audits, and structured training programs for mine workers.
VL  - 13
IS  - 4
ER  -

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Author Information

Ephrem Tilahun

Department of Mining Engineering, School of Mines, Aksum University, Aksum, Ethiopia. Ministry of Mines, Mineral Industry Development Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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http://orcid.org/0009-0006-9807-3882

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APA Style

Tilahun, E. (2025). Assessing Coal Mine Gas Impacts on Workers at Yayo Conventional Underground Coal Mine, Oromia, Ethiopia. International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy, 13(4), 69-77. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11

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ACS Style

Tilahun, E. Assessing Coal Mine Gas Impacts on Workers at Yayo Conventional Underground Coal Mine, Oromia, Ethiopia. Int. J. Environ. Prot. Policy 2025, 13(4), 69-77. doi: 10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11

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AMA Style

Tilahun E. Assessing Coal Mine Gas Impacts on Workers at Yayo Conventional Underground Coal Mine, Oromia, Ethiopia. Int J Environ Prot Policy. 2025;13(4):69-77. doi: 10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11,
  author = {Ephrem Tilahun},
  title = {Assessing Coal Mine Gas Impacts on Workers at Yayo Conventional Underground Coal Mine, Oromia, Ethiopia
},
  journal = {International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy},
  volume = {13},
  number = {4},
  pages = {69-77},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijepp.20251304.11},
  abstract = {Underground coal mining presents significant health and safety challenges, primarily due to the accumulation and emission of hazardous gases. This study investigates the occurrence, impact, and control of such gases at the Yayo Underground Coal Mine, located in the Illubabor Zone of the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The Yayo mine, being one of the few operational underground coal mines in the country, provides a relevant case for assessing gas-related risks and developing appropriate safety strategies in Ethiopia. Field investigations, interviews, and review of operational records revealed the presence of four major hazardous gases: methane (CH₄), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). These gases are released from coal seams, equipment operations, and decomposition of organic matter, and pose serious risks including fire and explosion, oxygen displacement, and respiratory illnesses. The study found that some areas of the mine experience gas concentrations that approach or exceed acceptable exposure limits, endangering both miners' health and mine product. The assessment also highlighted several limitations in the current mitigation measures at Yayo, including inadequate ventilation systems, the absence of real-time gas monitoring devices, limited use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and lack of worker training. These deficiencies significantly increase the risk of gas-related accidents and long-term health effects. To improve safety, the study recommends the implementation of modern mechanical ventilation systems, deployment of portable and fixed gas detectors, and mandatory use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in high-risk zones. Furthermore, it advocates for enhanced government regulation, periodic safety audits, and structured training programs for mine workers.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Assessing Coal Mine Gas Impacts on Workers at Yayo Conventional Underground Coal Mine, Oromia, Ethiopia

AU  - Ephrem Tilahun
Y1  - 2025/07/28
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11
T2  - International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy
JF  - International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy
JO  - International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy
SP  - 69
EP  - 77
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7536
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijepp.20251304.11
AB  - Underground coal mining presents significant health and safety challenges, primarily due to the accumulation and emission of hazardous gases. This study investigates the occurrence, impact, and control of such gases at the Yayo Underground Coal Mine, located in the Illubabor Zone of the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The Yayo mine, being one of the few operational underground coal mines in the country, provides a relevant case for assessing gas-related risks and developing appropriate safety strategies in Ethiopia. Field investigations, interviews, and review of operational records revealed the presence of four major hazardous gases: methane (CH₄), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). These gases are released from coal seams, equipment operations, and decomposition of organic matter, and pose serious risks including fire and explosion, oxygen displacement, and respiratory illnesses. The study found that some areas of the mine experience gas concentrations that approach or exceed acceptable exposure limits, endangering both miners' health and mine product. The assessment also highlighted several limitations in the current mitigation measures at Yayo, including inadequate ventilation systems, the absence of real-time gas monitoring devices, limited use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and lack of worker training. These deficiencies significantly increase the risk of gas-related accidents and long-term health effects. To improve safety, the study recommends the implementation of modern mechanical ventilation systems, deployment of portable and fixed gas detectors, and mandatory use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in high-risk zones. Furthermore, it advocates for enhanced government regulation, periodic safety audits, and structured training programs for mine workers.
VL  - 13
IS  - 4
ER  -

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