Roughness characterization and shearing dislocation failure for rock-backfill interface

Shearing dislocation is a common failure type for rock–backfill interfaces because of backfill sedimentation and rock strata movement in backfill mining goaf.This paper designed a test method for rock–backfill shearing dislocation.Using digital image techno-logy and three-dimensional(3D)laser morphology scanning techniques,a set of 3D models with rough joint surfaces was established.Further,the mechanical behavior of rock–backfill shearing dislocation was investigated using a direct shear test.The effects of interface roughness on the shear–displacement curve and failure characteristics of rock–backfill specimens were considered.The 3D fractal dimen-sion,profile line joint roughness coefficient(JRC),profile line two-dimensional fractal dimension,and the surface curvature of the frac-tures were obtained.The correlation characterization of surface roughness was then analyzed,and the shear strength could be measured and calculated using JRC.The results showed the following:there were three failure threshold value points in rock–backfill shearing dis-location:30%–50%displacement before the peak,70%–90%displacement before the peak,and 100%displacement before the peak to post-peak,which could be a sign for rock–backfill shearing dislocation failure.The surface JRC could be used to judge the rock–backfill shearing dislocation failure,including post-peak sliding,uniform variations,and gradient change,corresponding to rock–backfill disloca-tion failure on the field site.The research reveals the damage mechanism for rock–backfill complexes based on the free joint surface,fills the gap of existing shearing theoretical systems for isomerism complexes,and provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of possible disasters in backfill mining.

Sulfate diffusion in coal pillar:experimental data and prediction model

The stability of coal pillar dams is crucial for the long-term service of underground reservoirs storing water or heat.Chemi-cal damage of coal dams induced by ions-atttacking in coal is one of the main reasons for the premature failure of coal dams.However,the diffusion process of harmful ions in coal is far from clear,limiting the reliability and durability of coal dam designs.This paper investigates sulfate diffusion in coal pillar through experimental and analytical methods.Coal specimens are prepared and exposed to sulfate solutions with different concentrations.The sulfate concentrations at different locations and time are measured.Based on experimental data and Fick's law,the time-dependent surface concentration of sulfate and diffusion coefficient are determined and formulated.Further,an analytical model for predicting sulfate diffusion in coal pillar is developed by considering dual time-dependent characteristics and Laplace transformations.Through comparisons with experimental data,the accuracy of the analytical model for predicting sulfate diffusion is verified.Further,sulfate diffusions in coal dams for different concentrations of sulfate in mine water are investigated.It has been found that the sulfate concen-tration of exposure surface and diffusion coefficient in coal are both time-dependent and increase with time.Conventional Fick's law is not able to predict the sulfate diffusion in coal pillar due to the dual time-dependent characteristics.The sulfate attacking makes the coal dam a typical heterogeneous gradient structure.For sulfate concentrations 0.01-0.20 mol/L in mine water,it takes almost 1.5 and 4 years for sulfate ions to diffuse 9.46 and 18.92 m,respectively.The experimental data and developed model provide a practical method for predicting sulfate diffusion in coal pillar,which helps the service life design of coal dams.

Technology strategies to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality for China's metal mines

Greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions related to human activities have significantly caused climate change since the Industrial Revolution.China aims to achieve its carbon emission peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060.Accordingly,this paper reviews and discusses technical strategies to achieve the“dual carbon”targets in China’s metal mines.First,global carbon emissions and emission intensities from metal mining industries are analyzed.The metal mining status and carbon emissions in China are then examined.Furthermore,advanced technologies for carbon mitigation and carbon sequestration in metal mines are reviewed.Finally,a technical roadmap for achieving carbon neutrality in China’s metal mines is proposed.Findings show that some international mining giants have already achieved their carbon reduction targets and planned to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.Moreover,improving mining efficiency by developing advanced technologies and replacing fossil fuel with renewable energy are two key approaches in reducing GHG emissions.Green mines can significantly benefit from the carbon neutrality process for metal mines through the carbon absorption of reclamation vegetations.Geothermal energy extraction from operating and abandoned metal mines is a promising technology for providing clean energy and contributing to the carbon neutrality target of China’s metal mines.Carbon sequestration in mine backfills and tailings through mineral carbonation has the potential to permanently and safely store carbon dioxide,which can eventually make the metal mining industry carbon neutral or even carbon negative.