This year the colloquium will focus on two very important issues challenging the coal mining industry. The first day of the two-day colloquium will concentrate on the state of the art of outburst and gas management.

Twelve papers will be presented by invited speakers covering the history of outburst management and control, the setting of gas content threshold, the role of geological structure, and current drilling and hydrofracturing techniques. The day ends with an open forum led by Bruce Mckensey.

The second day will deal with ground control and strata management systems. Twelve papers will be presented covering a range of topics, from rib support, development of hazard plans and installing roof bolts to various case studies. The day ends with an open forum on strata management systems - geotechnical requirements to be chaired by Ian Anderson of the NSW Department of Mineral Resources.

A one-day short course preceding the colloquium is also being organised for the industry on mine gases and gas drainage. Co-ordinator of the ACARP in-seam drilling and gas research program, John Hanes, has lined up a strong group of expertise to provide the latest on mine gas drainage and outburst control on February 6. For additional information contract Hanes at hanesj@cyberelectric.net.au.

The latest program for both the colloquium and outburst short course, together with registration details, can be viewed in the "Events" section of this website. The colloquium is organised as a tribute to the late Dr Ripu Lama, who made a significant contribution to the Australian mining industry. A colloquium dinner at the University of Wollongong's function centre will include a tribute speech to Ripu's work for the industry.

It is anticipated that the participants to the colloquium will include industry personnel and colleagues from both research organisations and academia.

For further information, visit http://www.uow.edu.au/eng/conf/coal2002/index.html.