Following the news about the explosion in the West Virginia coal mine is a lot easier if you have a guide.

I came upon a nice explanation of how such explosions happen, where the gas and dust come from, and what is/can/might be done prevent them explosions in the future. All in well detailed but easy to understand language.

http://bittooth.blogspot.com/2010/04/more-explanations-of-coal-mine-gas-and.html

More information is available by following the labels at the end of the post and reviewing the site in general.