The Status and Achievements of Green Mines and Mining Ethics in China

The mining industry has made outstanding contributions to China＇s economic and social development, but a series of environmental problems remain. As Green Mines and ecological civilization concepts are put forward the relationship between people and nature is receiving more attention, and especially mining ethics. Present construction standards encompass legal mining, management standardization, comprehensive utilization, technological advancement, energy saving and waste reduction, environmental protection, land reclamation, harmonious community and enterprise culture. As at 2014 the Chinese Ministry of Land and Resources had published 661 Green Mines. Here, we analyze the present situation and prospects of Green Mines in China by the distribution from regional and mine type perspectives. Green Mines are nearly spread over every province and mine type, but Eastern China participated earlier than other areas. We discuss constructing Chinese mining ethics on the basis of traditional ethics and Western ecological ethics as theoretical foundations and practices. We consider that the significance of building Chinese mining ethics in Green Mine construction includes promoting social responsibility, improving environmental protection awareness and accelerating society development. Under the guidance of Chinese mining ethics we propose mining enterprise development models for the future, such as comprehensive uti-lization, circular economy and community harmony.

Non-explosive mining and waste utilization for achieving green mining in underground hard rock mine in China

Innovations of mining technologies were proposed by beneficial utilizations of unfavorable factors such as high geostress,high geotemperature and high mining depth to achieve green mining as mining depth increases inevitably.Cuttability of deep hard rock was investigated by experimental and regressed analyses to find the reasonable stress adjustment method to improve non-explosive mechanized fragmentation for hard ore-rock.A non-explosive mechanized and intellectualized mining method was proposed to continuously and precisely exploit phosphate underground,which promoted the high-recovery,low-waste and high-efficiency exploitation of phosphate with recovery rate over 90%,dilution rate near 5%and cutting efficiency about 107.7 t/h.A circular economy model and the backfill system were proposed to conduct resource utilizations of solid waste,by which the utilization amount of waste increased year after year.In 2018,the utilization amounts of phosphogypsum,yellow phosphorus slag and waste rock increased to 1853.6×10^3 t/a,291.1×10^3 t/a and 1493.8×10^3 t/a,respectively.

Green coal mining technique integrating mining-dressing-gas draining-backfilling-mining

Aiming to address the following major engineering issues faced by the Pingdingshan No. 12 mine:(1) difficulty in implementing auxiliary lifting because of its depth(i.e., beyond 1000 m);(2) highly gassy main coal seam with low permeability;(3) unstable overlying coal seam without suitable conditions for implementing conventional mining techniques for protective coal seam; and(4) predominant reliance on ‘‘under three" coal resources to ensure production output. This study proposes an integrated, closed-cycle mining-dressing-gas draining-backfilling-mining(MDGBM) technique. The proposed approach involves the mining of protective coal seam, underground dressing of coal and gangue(UDCG), pressure relief and gas drainage before extraction, and backfilling and mining of the protected coal seam. A system for draining gas and mining the protective seam in the rock stratum is designed and implemented based on the geological conditions. This system helps in realizing pressure relief and gas drainage from the protective seam before extraction. Accordingly, another system, which is connected to the existing production system, is established for the UDCG based on the dense medium-shallow trough process. The mixed mining workface is designed to accommodate both solid backfill and conventional fully mechanized coal mining, thereby facilitating coal mining, USCG, and backfilling. The results show that: The mixed mining workface length for the Ji15-31010 protected seam was 220 m with coal production capacity 1.2 million tons per year, while the backfill capacity of gangue was 0.5 million tons per year. The gas pressure decreased from 1.78 to 0.35 MPa, and the total amount of safely mined coal was 1.34 million tons. The process of simultaneously exploiting coal and draining gas was found to be safe, efficient, and green.This process also yielded significant economic benefits.

Study on Critical,Modern Technology for Mining in Gassy Deep Mines

To achieve safe and highly efficient mining in the gassy, deep mines of the Huainan collieries simultaneous coal and gas extraction, and the corresponding ventilation methods were developed. This includes a set of mining procedures and principles which help insure safe and efficient production. Furthermore, green mining, meaning the comprehensive use of emitted gas, proper treatment of the environment and appropriate mine temperature control, is now standard. The concepts of modem mining and the principles of pressure relief are described. Coal-gas simultaneous ex- traction and multi-pressure relief techniques were developed which require a combination of surface and underground gas extraction. The application of Y-ventilation systems, of roadways retained along goafs, of stress control techniques for highly fragile mine roofs and of powerful, automatic and reliable mining equipment contributes to safe operation of modem deep mines. Operating parameters for these techniques are described and the results of their use discussed.

Green Mining:the Basic Policy of China

As early as the 19th century, newly industrialized counties such as Britain and America raised the concept of ＇Green Mining＇, specifically for plant protection. After World War II, people started to realize that resources, especially energy and mineral resources, are limited; therefore, improving the utilization rate of resources has become the key content of Green Mining. Today, with the focus on the world＇s current situation of exploration in mineral resources, the Chinese government has proposed new concept： mining in accordance with law, standardized management, comprehensive utilization, innovation, energy-saving and emission reduction, environmental protection, land reclamation, and community harmony, which have been listed in the following government report. In 2010, The Ministry of Land and Resources of the People＇s Republic of China issued Work Guideline for Implementing the Development of Green Mining Industry and Building of Green Mines in the National Planning of Mineral Resources and stipulated corresponding technical specification. Specific requirements for ＇Green Mining＇ are： 1, running mining companies in accordance with the law, practicing the regulations of Land Reclamation Scheme to ensure this, and no administrative penalty within three years; 2, standardizing management, following the Green Mining Convention, and working out construction plans and production protection measures; 3, comprehensive utilization of resources, technological and economic levels stepping into an advanced rank of domestic mining with the same field, and utilization rate of resources up to an advanced level in the same field; 4, in respect of innovation, gross investment in scientific and technical innovation by mining enterprises should be no less than one percent of the enterprise＇s gross output value; 5, in terms of energy saving and emission reduction, the utilization rate of dressing wastewater should exceed 90 percent or a realized zero discharge. Comprehensive utilization rate of solid waste has reached the advanced level of mining enterprises of the same type; 6 environmental protection should focus on prevention of geohazards in mining areas. If there are no serious geohazards occurring within the recent three years, then coverage of forestation in mining areas should reach 80 percent of the whole area; 7, in terms of land reclamation, mined areas must be converted, during mining operations, into arable or agricultural lands as soon as possible; 8, in terms of construction of harmonious communities, mining companies should fulfill social responsibility and maintain a sound image for their enterprise. Negotiation and cooperation mechanisms should be built to form harmonious relations with local communities by promptly solving any conflict.

Mining the Green Gold

Ethiopian and Chinese bamboo craftsmen work to develop the untapped potential of Africa＇s largest bamboo forests.

Key theory and technology of cemented paste backfill for green mining of metal mines

To reduce or eliminate environmental damage during mining processes,green mining practices have emerged as a focal point in China's metal mining research.Cemented paste backfll technology plays a pivotal role in promoting green mining within the metal industry.The technology allows safely backflling of surface tailings into underground mining airspaces,effectively addressing the challenges associated with tailings storage and underground goaves.In this paper,we introduce the paste rheology theory system,which forms the theoretical backbone of cemented paste backfll.We delve into key technologies such as paste thickening,mixing,transportation,and the use of economical,low-carbon materials.Additionally,we analyze macro and micromechanical properties,in-situ performance monitoring,barricade construction,intelligent control,and numerical simulations of the process.We establish several demonstration projects,both domestic and international,that utilize cemented paste backfill technology to foster greener mining practices.Cemented paste backfill technology is widely used all over the world.It has evolved from its initial stages to being recognized as an advanced application by various ministries and commissions:Ultimately,we propose future research directions for cemented paste backfill technology in the context of eco-friendly metal mining.These perspectives encompass theory,technology,equipment,and mode,which can strongly contribute to the sustainability of the mining industry in China.

Advancing toward sustainability:The emergence of green mining technologies and practices

This study comprehensively evaluates the integration and effectiveness of green mining technologies within the mining sector,specifically focusing on mitigating the environmental impact of traditional mining practices.The primary goal is to establish a sustainable mining model that significantly reduces energy consumption and minimizes ecological disturbances.To achieve this,the study employs a mixed-method approach,integrating quantitative data analysis from monitored mining sites and qualitative insights from industry experts.Key parameters include energy consumption,greenhouse gas emissions,and reductions in chemical use.The findings reveal that effective integration of green mining technologies leads to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,lower energy consumption,and improved waste management compared to traditional methods.Specifically,the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources in mining operations has resulted in decreased carbon emissions and energy usage across studied sites.The research concludes that green mining practices,when supported by robust technological integration and regulatory frameworks,not only enhance environmental sustainability but also boost economic efficiency within the mining industry.This study recommends increased investment in the research and development of green technologies and calls for tighter regulatory oversight to ensure the widespread adoption and optimization of these practices.

Enhancing CO_(2)mitigation potential and mechanical properties of shotcrete in underground mining utilizing microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation

Achieving low-carbon development in the mining sector is fundamental for global carbon emissions abatement,especially considering the growing demand for mineral resources.Currently,the energy foot-print of mines emerges as the main carbon contributor.While cleaner energy sources have the potential for reducing emissions,transitioning to these sources remains challenging.This study presents a practical CO_(2)mitigation strategy for underground mining by integrating bacteria into shotcrete to enhance exca-vation.The findings demonstrate that bacteria can capture CO_(2)from the atmosphere,thereby increasing the carbonation reactions.X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscope(SEM)and energy dis-persive spectrometer(EDS)analysis shows the captured CO_(2)present in the forms of calcite,vaterite,and aragonite.The formed carbonates intermingled with the precipitated calcium-silicate-hydrate(C-S-H)at relatively low bacteria additions,densifying the cementitious matrix and improving the mechan-ical properties.However,high bacteria concentrations lead to excess carbonates that consume C-S-H pre-cipitation,counteracting the benefits of carbonation and reducing mechanical strength.Optimal results were achieved with 0.3%bacteria by mass fraction,potentially mitigating 0.34 kg/m^(2)of CO_(2),which is approximately equivalent 567 g of CO_(2)absorbed by 1 g of bacteria based on the effectiveness demon-strated in this study.These findings are crucial for advancing emissions control in mining and supporting climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Driving Factors of Green Mining in Coal Mining Enterprises in China

This study constructs a Green Mining model based on identification and analysis of the four key driving factors of Green Mining in coal mining enterprises in China. Twelve research propositions are raised and empirically tested by using Structural Equation Model.The result shows that four key factors affect the intended implementation of Green Mining by improving a corporations efficiency and reputation. The diffusion of Green Mining technology has direct positive influence on the intended Green Mining implementation; Stakeholders' green appeal has a positive influence on the decision makers' attitude and values. The empirical study provides support for the government to establish a reasonable regulation and control mechanism to improve enterprises' enthusiasm for Green Mining. Four Green Mining incentive policies are raised to regulate and motivate the coal mining enterprises to improve their environmental behaviors. The government can adopt piece(s) of them to change the enterprises' roles from traditional passive to modern initiative.

Six Ministries To Promote Qualified Green Mining Enterprises To Go Public Domestically

Recently,the Ministry of Land and Resources,the Ministry of Finance,the Ministry of Environmental Protection,the AQSIQ,the CBRC and the CSRC jointly issued the Implementation Opinions on Speeding up the Construction of Green Mines.The Opinions put forward to promote qualified green mining enterprises to go public domestically on the SME board,GEM or main board and to

Guidance and review:Advancing mining technology for enhanced production and supply of strategic minerals in China

Mineral resources,often referred to as“industrial food,”play a pivotal role in the national economic construction sector.Specifically,strategic minerals(SMs)bear a direct influence on the development of emerging strategic industries within China.This paper aims to shed light on the supply and demand dynamics,current status,and characteristics of SMs from the perspective of China's national security.We offer a comprehensive review of the current status and challenges associated with SM mining technology in China.Our analysis spans various mining methods,including open-pit mining,deep underground mining,green mining of complex underground bodies,integrated underground mining and processing,and intelligent mining.Within this framework,we delve into multiple initiatives aimed at improving the status of the mining industry,increasing production,and maintaining the adequate supply of these resources.We discuss these strategies from both a top-level policy and system design perspective,as well as detailed implementation plans.