In a Longwall mining operation, where is gas monitoring required?

In a Longwall mining operation, gas monitoring is critical in specific areas to ensure the safety of miners and the overall operations. The correct choice highlights that gas monitoring is required in the Erz/Nerz bootend, maingate, tailgate, and shearer area.

This necessity arises because these locations are integral to the operational efficacy and safety of the mining process. The maingate serves as the primary access route for equipment and personnel, making it crucial to monitor gas levels here to detect any hazardous accumulations. The shearer area is where the actual cutting occurs, and because of the high interaction with geological formations, the risk of gas emissions is significant. The tailgate, which is used for coal transport away from the working face, also needs vigilant monitoring to prevent toxic gas build-up.

Additionally, monitoring in the Erz/Nerz bootend is vital, as this area is typically involved with the management of airflows and gas control, which is necessary for safe mining operations. Overall, monitoring gas levels in these specified areas helps mitigate risks associated with harmful gases such as methane, thus enhancing the safety of mining operations.