Detection of Buried Mine Shafts by Ground Conductivity Mapping - Two Examples from the Walloon Coalfield (Belgium)

Ground conductivity mapping effectively detects buried mine shafts, offering precise relocation and uncovering previously unknown shafts. This method proved highly successful in two Walloon coalfield sites (Sambreville and La Louvière), with results varying based on local geology and shaft abandonment conditions—backfilled or unbackfilled shafts. The study highlights its potential for future development projects, marking a significant advancement in using geophysical surveys to mitigate post-mining hazards and geotechnical risks in the region.

Dupont, N., Martin, T., & Kaufmann, O. (2018). Detection of Buried Mine Shafts by Ground Conductivity Mapping - Two Examples from the Walloon Coalfield (Belgium). 24th European Meeting of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.201802534