In this method for the determination of incombustible matter, the mine roadway dust (dust containing carbonates) is incinerated at a temperature of not less than 500 degrees C and not more than 530 degrees C until it is constant in weight. This temperature is sufficient to complete the combustion of the organic matter in the dust, but is not high enough to decompose the carbonates. However, this method is unsuitable for dust containing magnesium carbonate because this substance decomposes below 500 degrees C, and therefore a low result for the incombustible matter would be obtained. The moisture content of the sample may be calculated so that an allowance can be made for the weight loss attributed to moisture.