Quantitative analysis of biotechnical reinforcement for a steep slope consisting of composite coal-gangue-soil medium adjacent to a mined-out area

The engineering and geological characteristics of a steep slope consisting of coal gangue, rock and soil medium in Huating coal mine have been comprehensively investigated. Owing to humid weather, heavy rainfall, vegetation and porous characteristics of the soil and rock mass, the steep slope will be destabilized and induce mud-rock flow or derive hazard easily. Firstly, based on the classical slope reinforcement theory, some regularity between the shear and displacement in the destabilized zone of the slope with or without root strength contribution is presented. Then, based on the experimental and statistical analysis of root strength, hydrological characteristics and stability status, etc., some possible biotechnical techniques for reinforcement of the steep slope have been suggested. These methods are important for quantitative analysis of destabilization of the slope and design of the biotechnical reinforcement.

Optimum location of surface wells for remote pressure relief coalbed methane drainage in mining areas

Based on engineering tests in the Huainan coal mining area,we studied alternative well location to improve the performance of surface wells for remote pressure relief of coalbed methane in mining areas.The key factors,affecting location and well gas production were analyzed by simulation tests for similar material.The exploitation results indicate that wells located in various positions on panels could achieve relatively better gas production in regions with thin Cenozoic layers,low mining heights and slow rate of longwall advancement,but their periods of gas production lasted less than 230 days,as opposed to wells in regions with thick Cenozoic layers,greater mining heights and fast rates of longwall advancement.Wells near panel margins achieved relatively better gas production and lasted longer than centerline wells.The rules of development of mining fractures in strata over panels control gas production of surface wells.Mining fractures located in areas determined by lines of compaction and the effect of mining are well developed and can be maintained for long periods of time.Placing the well at the end of panels and on the updip return airway side of panels,determined by lines of compaction and the effect of mining,would result in surface wells for remote pressure relief CBM obtaining their longest gas production periods and highest cumulative gas production.

Soil Heavy Metal Pollution and Health Risk Assessment of Abandoned Land in Coal Mining Areas in Xingren County

Total contents of heavy metals （ Pb, Cr, Cd, Hg, As, Cu, Zn, and Ni） in 68 soil samples were determined to evaluate the contamination level of soil from five coal mine areas in Xingren County, Guizhou province. The pollution levels of heavy metals were characterized by anthro- pogenic influence multiple, and the pollution of heavy metal in soil was evaluated using geo-accumulation index. Based on the health risk models recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency （ US EPA）, the health risks of heavy metals in the soils were assessed. The results showed that the abandoned land in the five coal mining areas were contaminated by heavy metals, and the order of pollution levels of eight heavy metals was As 〉 Pb 〉 Cu 〉 Hg 〉 Ni 〉 Cr 〉 Cd 〉 Zn. The soils suffered moderate-heavy pollution from As and Pb, and the contents of As and Pb in the soils were 13.16 and 4.76 times higher than the background values of Guizhou Province, followed by Cu, Hg and Ni , while soil pollution from Cr, Cd and Zn was mild. The order of non-caminogenic risks of the heavy metals in the soils was As 〉 Pb 〉 Cr 〉 Ni 〉 Cu 〉 Hg 〉 Cd 〉 Zn, and the non-carcinogenic dsk value of As was higher than that its threshold value 1, which indicated that As had a high potential health risk to adults and children. The order of carcinogen risks of the four heavy metals was As 〉 Cd 〉 Cr 〉 Ni, and the carcinogenic risk value of As was higher than its threshold value, indicating that As had a high carcinogenic risk to adults and children. The carcinogenic risk values of other three heavy metals （ Cd, Cr and Ni） were lower than the threshold value, so they had no carcinogenic risk to human health. Moreover, children were more sensitively affect- ed by heavy metals from the abandoned land. Therefore, the health of children in such areas should be paid more attention to. The HI value of the eight heavy metals to children was seven times higher than that to adults. The contribution rate of HQAs to HI was about 88%, and the contribution rate of CRA, to TCR was about 98%, so As was the most crucial factor influencing non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic dsk in the abandoned soils.

Monte-Carlo Method for Coalbed Methane Resource Assessment in Key Coal Mining Areas of China

Monte-Carlo method is used for estimating coalbed methane （CBM） resources in key coal mining areas of China. Monte-Carlo method is shown to be superior to the traditional volumetric method with constant parameters in the calculation of CBM resources. The focus of the article is to introduce the main algorithm and the realization of functions estimated by Monte-Carlo method, including selection of parameters, determination of distribution function, generation of pseudo-random numbers, and evaluation of the parameters corresponding to pseudo-random numbers. A specified software on the basis of Monte-Carlo method is developed using Visual C＋＋ for the assessment of the CBM resources. A case study shows that calculation results using Monte-Carlo method have smaller error range in comparison with those using volumetric method.

Effect of coal resources development and compensation for damage to cultivated land in mining areas

The exploitation of coal resources inevitably affects, to different degrees, arable land resources and impacts the socio-economic development in mining areas. Therefore it is of great practical importance to probe the rules of the effect from coal resource exploration on arable land. Suitable and effective measures to compensate for damaged to and loss of arable land resources should be taken on the basis of carrying out green mining and reducing damage to limited arable land resources. We have used GIS in simulating the effect of coal resource exploration on arable land. In light of our simulation of the space-time spectrum, the effect is analyzed. Given the socio-economic development conditions of a mining area, specified rational amounts and opportunities for compensation to arable land in mining areas are explored. Finally, from a policy perspective, relevant proposals for rational arable land resource compensation are proposed to facilitate the coordinated development between coal resource exploitation and socio-economy development in mining areas.

Effects of Coal Mining Subsided Water Area on Temperature Change in Huaibei Coal Mine

[Objective] The study aimed to discuss the effects of coal mining subsided water area on temperature change in Huaibei coal mine. [Method] Based on the data of monthly temperature from 1957 to 2007 recorded by Suixi （coal mining subsided water area） and Fuyang stations （control）, the effects of coal mining subsided water area on temperature change in Huaibei coal mine were discussed using linear trend estimation and comparative analysis methods. [Result] Spring, autumn, winter and annual average temperatures of coal mining subsided water area （Suixi） were increased in the last 51 years, and the increase of winter temperature was mostly significant with a tendency rate of 0.49 ℃/10 a. Meanwhile, annual temperature range of coal mining subsided water area was decreased from 1957 to 2007. Temperatures of Suixi in four seasons were lower than those of Fuyang from the 1960s to 1990s, and temperatures of coal mining subsided water area （Suixi） were higher than those of Fuyang in spring, autumn and winter but lower than those of Fuyang in summer from 2000 to 2007. [ Result] Coal mining subsided water area had certain effects on temperature change of Huaibei coal mine.

Mercury Exposures in Population from Tieling Coal Mine Area,Liaoning,China

Mercury( Hg) concentrations were determined in human hair,blood and urine samples from Tieling coal mine area,to assess the potential health risks associated with Hg due to coal mining activities. The total Hg levels in hair( average 0. 87 μg / g) and blood( average 3. 74 μg /L) of coal miners were quite low at around the same levels as the general population, but the urine Hg levels( average 12. 13 μg /L) were much higher than those from administrators and control group. This study indicated that workers mainly exposed to inorganic Hg through long-time inhalation contaminated air and dust; however other population mainly exposed to methylmercury( Me Hg).

LAND RECLAMATION IS BASIC GUARANTEE OF REGIONAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN COAL MINING AREAS IN CHINA

Necessity of land reclamation is discussed, setting out viewpoint of sustainable development and land connotation and its attribute and combining destroyed forms and characteristics of land in coal mining areas. It is pointed out that land reclamation of coal mining areas is basic guarantee of solving contradiction between coal mining areas and countryside,raising life of resident and ensuring regional sustainable development.

Landscape pattern and its restoration for coal mine subsidence area in southern part of Tangshan in China

To investigate the ecosystem damage and environment pollution resulted from coal resources exploitation,based on remote sensing image,the landscape pattern was quantitatively analyzed with GIS and landscape pattern analysis software FRAGSTATS by utilizing multiform landscape pattern indexes,such as patch area,patch circumference,patch number,fractal dimension,fragmentation index,connectivity index and so on. Results indicate that the restored landscape type occupies the control status and accounts for the majority of the whole area,and needs to be further restored and adjusted because of its internal body with smaller patches,lower fractal dimension and better connectivity. The landscape type without restoration has destroyed the ecology and beauty of the whole landscape. In addition,some suggestive instructions for restoring various kinds of patches are put forward according to the quantitative analysis.

The environment of coal mining areas and the economic evaluation of the land reclamation

The environment impact of the coal resources mining was analyzed. The method of economic evaluation for the coal mining was established to analyze land destruction. The opportunity cost method was used to quantitatively analyze and estimate the economic loss of the land destruction by coal mining. At the same time, the dump land reclamation of the Yuanbaoshan Open Pit was taken as an example to evaluate environmental and economical benefit with the method of economic evaluation for the coal mining areas land reclamation.

Surrounding Rock Failure Mechanism and Control Technology of Gob-Side Entry with Triangle Coal Pillar at Island Longwall Panel in 15 m Extra-Thick Coal Seams

Taking the return air roadway of Tashan 8204 isolated island working face as the background, the evolution law of the stress field in the surrounding rock of the widened coal pillar area roadway during the mining period of the isolated island working face is obtained through numerical simulation. The hazardous area of strong mine pressure under different coal pillar widths is determined. Through simulation, it is known that when the width of the coal pillar is less than 20 m, there is large bearing capacity on the coal side of the roadway entity. The force on the side of the coal pillar is relatively small. When the width of the coal pillar ranges from 25 m to 45 m, the vertical stress on the roadway and surrounding areas is relatively high. Pressure relief measures need to be taken during mining to reduce surrounding rock stress. When the width of the coal pillar is greater than 45 m, the peak stress of the coal pillar is located in the deep part of the surrounding rock, but it still has a certain impact on the roadway. It is necessary to take pressure relief measures to transfer the stress to a deeper depth to ensure the stability of the triangular coal pillar during the safe mining period of the working face. This provides guidance for ensuring the stability of the triangular coal pillar during the safe mining period of the working face.

Groundwater impact of open cut coal mine and an assessment methodology:A case study in NSW

Large scale open cut coal mining operations have significant impacts to groundwater in surrounding areas in both active and post-mining phases. The prediction of water inflows into a surface mine excavation is one of the many components involved in mine design phase. Groundwater performance also reacts to mining activities from the operational, economic and safety implications perspective. Under NSW planning legislation, as part of the comprehensive risk assessment, a groundwater impact assessment has to be conducted for a coal project to predict and mitigate the impacts in consideration of the government requirements. In this paper, the groundwater assessment modelling of mine pits was discussed in predicting of groundwater inflows and reviewing analytical and numerical approaches. A methodology of groundwater impact assessment for an open cut mine in NSW with a three-dimensional groundwater flow model Modflow Surfact demonstrated its functions in simulating the project's impacts on the groundwater regime. The key findings with mitigations are discussed and recommended in the paper to reduce impacts on groundwater and fulfil regulation requirements in NSW.

A Synergetic Study on Large-Scale Coal Mining and Eco-Environment Protection in Shendong Coal Mining Area

Based on the sharp contradiction between the economic benefits and adverse ecological impact of coal development in China's west,this paper establishes an evaluation model for the synergetic eco-environmental development in Shendong Coal Mining Area through using synergism of five laws and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The analysis on synergy between large-scale coal mining and the eco-environment protection in Shendong is also conducted,arriving at the conclusion that synergetics of Shendong 's eco-environment protection is"good". And thus,the result sheds light on the fact that while working to quench China's energy demand on its path towards a modernized large coal mine complex,Shendong,as part of Shenhua Group's mining operation,has applied innovative management concepts and models to improve eco-environment for harmony and win-win results between resource exploration and environmental protection.

Impact of coal mining on groundwater of Luohe Formation in Binchang mining area

Groundwater of Luohe Formation is the main water source for industrial and agricultural and residential use in Binchang mining area,which is one of the key elements to water conservation coal mining.However,few studies are available to document the enrichment characteristics and influence of underground coal mining on groundwater for the Luohe Formation.This study evaluates the changes of groundwater levels and spring flow caused by mining activities to explore the influence mechanism of coal mining on groundwater by comparatively analysing existing mining data and survey data combined with a series of mapping methods.The results show that the aquifer of Luohe Formation are gradually thinning south-eastwards,disappeared at the mining boundary.In the vertical direction,the lithological structure is distinct,due to alternative sedimentation of meandering river facies and braided river facies.According to the yielding property,the aquifer is divided into three sections,namely,strong water-rich section,medium water-rich section,and weak water-rich section,which are located in northwest and central part,southwest,and the rest part of the mining area,respectively.Mining of Tingnan Coal Mine since 2004 has caused a 3.16 to 194.87 meters drop in groundwater level of Luohe Formation.Until 2015,70.10%of the mining area undergoes a groundwater level drop larger than 10.00 meters.Another influence of underground mining is that the total flow from 34 springs in 8 southern coal mines of the area has decreased by 286.48 L/s with a rate of decrease at 46.95%from 2007 to 2017.The areas that groundwater level falls or spring flow declines are manly located in the mine gob areas.Results also indicate that the ratio of the height of water conducted fracture zone to the mining height in Binchang mining area is between 16.85 and 27.92.This may increase ground water flow in vertical direction,causing a water level in the aquifer system to drop and ultimately decreasing the flow from the springs.The research results will provide data and theoretical support for the protection of groundwater resources and water conservation coal mining of Luohe Formation in Binchang mining area.

A New Discovery on the Deformation Behavior of Shale Gas Reservoirs Affecting Pore Morphology in the Juhugeng Coal Mining Area of Qinghai Province, Northwest China

Objective The Juhugeng mining area in Qinghai Province of northwest China has attracted wide attention among geologists for it hosts typical coal measure gases.The shale gas reservoirs were reformed by intensive structural movements during geological periods,

Soil heavy metal(loid)s and risk assessment in vicinity of a coal mining area from southwest Guizhou, China

Total concentrations of arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, nickel, chromium, and copper in the soils from near a coal mine area in southwest Guizhou, China, were measured to evaluate the level of contamination, and the potential ecological risks posed by the heavy metals were quantitatively estimated. Results reveal that all heavy metals/metalloid exceeded the background values for soil environmental quality of heavy metals in Guizhou area. Geo-accumulation index(I_(geo)) showed that arsenic had the highest contamination level(I_(geo)=4) among the seven heavy metals/metalloid, and the contamination levels of mercury and lead were also relatively high(I_(geo)=3). Pearson correlation and cluster analysis identified that mercury, copper and arsenic had a relationship, and their presence might be mainly related to mining activity, coal and oil combustion, and vehicle emissions. Improved Nemerow index indicated that the overall level of heavy metal contamination in the studied area ranged from moderately–heavily contaminated to heavily contaminated level. Potential ecological risk index(R_I) analysis manifested that the whole ecological risk level ranged from high degree to very high degree(325.30≤R_I≤801.02) in the studied soil samples, and the potential ecological risk factors (E_r^i) of heavy metals/metalloid were as follows: Hg > As > Cd > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cr, and the E_r^i of Hg and As reached very high risk grade.

Exploitation technology of pressure relief coalbed methane in vertical surface wells in the Huainan coal mining area

Exploitation technology of pressure relief coalbed methane in vertical surface wells is a new method for exploration of gas and coalbed methane exploitation in mining areas with high concentrations of gas, where tectonic coal developed. Studies on vertical surface well technology in the Huainan Coal Mining area play a role in demonstration in the use of clean, new energy resources, preventing and reducing coal mine gas accidents and protecting the environment. Based on the practice of gas drainage engineering of pressure relief coalbed methane in vertical surface wells and combined with relative geological and exploration en- gineering theories, the design principles of design and structure of wells of pressure relief coalbed methane in vertical surface wells are studied. The effects of extraction and their causes are discussed and the impact of geological conditions on gas production of the vertical surface wells are analyzed. The results indicate that in mining areas with high concentrations of gas, where tectonic coal developed, a success rate of pressure relief coalbed methane in surface vertical well is high and single well production usually great. But deformation due to coal exploitation could damage boreholes and cause breaks in the connection between aquifers and bore-holes, which could induce a decrease, even a complete halt in gas production of a single well. The design of well site location and wellbore configuration are the key for technology. The development of the geological conditions for coalbed methane have a significant effect on gas production of coalbed methane wells.

Case study on the extraction of land cover information from the SAR image of a coal mining area

In this study,analyses are conducted on the information features of a construction site,a cornfield and subsidence seeper land in a coal mining area with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image of medium resolution. Based on features of land cover of the coal mining area,on texture feature extraction and a selection method of a gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) of the SAR image,we propose in this study that the optimum window size for computing the GLCM is an appropriate sized window that can effectively distinguish different types of land cover. Next,a band combination was carried out over the text feature images and the band-filtered SAR image to secure a new multi-band image. After the transformation of the new image with principal component analysis,a classification is conducted selectively on three principal component bands with the most information. Finally,through training and experimenting with the samples,a better three-layered BP neural network was established to classify the SAR image. The results show that,assisted by texture information,the neural network classification improved the accuracy of SAR image classification by 14.6%,compared with a classification by maximum likelihood estimation without texture information.