CCC/213 ISBN 978-92-9029-533-4

January 2013

copyright © IEA Clean Coal Centre

Abstract

Stockpiled coal undergoes atmospheric oxidation and desorption processes during open air storage.

These processes release gases to the environment which may effect health and safety by their toxicity

and flammability. In extreme cases, this could lead to a fire. This report discusses gaseous emissions

from coal stockpiles. It covers gas emission mechanisms, and gas sampling and testing methods,

before examining in more detail the principal gases that have been emitted. It concludes that there is

limited research in this area and more data are needed to evaluate the risks of gaseous emissions.

Some methods used to prevent coal self-heating and spontaneous combustion can be applied to reduce

emissions from coal stockpiles.