Abstract. Coal is a significant energy source in Indonesia, yet it is highly susceptible to spontaneous combustion during stockpiling, which can reduce quality and cause operational losses. This study examines the causative factors, characteristics, and prevention strategies of spontaneous combustion in MTXX coal (subbituminous, 4,601 to 4,800 kcal/kg) at livestock, PT Bukit Asam Tbk, Tanjung Enim. The methodology involved field observations, temperature monitoring within the stockpile, recording wind direction and speed, rainfall measurements, and proximate laboratory analyses.
The results indicate that spontaneous combustion is triggered by several conditions, including stockpile floor design without bedding coal, suboptimal drainage systems, excessive pile height (more than 10 m), the predominance of fine particles on the pile surface, prevailing wind direction, and uneven compaction. Temperature monitoring revealed a significant increase in the central part of the stockpile, exceeding the threshold of 70 degrees Celsius.
Recommended mitigation efforts include applying a FIFO (First In First Out) system for coal handling, maintaining pile height below 10 m, routine compaction, improving drainage, and covering the pile during rainfall. These findings highlight the importance of systematic stockpile management to reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion, maintain coal quality, and minimize potential production losses.
