To improve the precision and reliability in predicting methane hazard in working face of coal mine, we have proposed a forecasting and forewarning model for methane hazard based on the least square support vector (LS-SVM) multi-classifier and regression machine. For the forecasting model, the methane concentration can be considered as a nonlinear time series and the time series analysis method is adopted to predict the change in methane concentration using LS-SVM regression. For the forewarning model, which is based on the forecasting results, by the multi-classification method of LS-SVM, the methane hazard was identified to four grades: normal, attention, warning and danger. According to the forewarning results, corresponding measures are taken. The model was used to forecast and forewarn the K9 working face. The results obtained by LS-SVM regression show that the forecast- ing have a high precision and forewarning results based on a LS-SVM multi-classifier are credible. Therefore, it is an effective model building method for continuous prediction of methane concentration and hazard forewarning in working face.
