FRAM – Fire Risk Assessment and Management of European coal heaps

The FRAM project tackles a significant post-mining environmental hazard: the spontaneous combustion of coal spoil heaps across Europe. These spoil heaps, containing large amounts of residual coal, present serious risks, including long-term fires, toxic gas emissions, and structural instability, all of which threaten surrounding ecosystems and communities. As Europe transitions away from coal, managing these legacies is a key scientific and societal challenge.

FRAM introduces a cutting-edge approach by integrating drone-assisted thermal imaging, real-time gas sensors, and AI-driven predictive models to detect and prevent combustion risks in spoil heaps. Unlike traditional methods, energy-independent monitoring systems powered by renewable energy provide continuous oversight of thermally active spoil heaps, allowing for early interventions that can mitigate environmental harm. A core component of FRAM is the creation of a comprehensive inventory of spoil heaps across Europe, with a focus on those at the highest risk.