Fluidized mining and in-situ transformation of deep underground coal resources: a novel approach to ensuring safe, environmentally friendly, low-carbon, and clean utilisation

Traditional coal mining and utilisation patterns are severely detrimental to natural resources and environments and significantly impede safe, low-carbon, clean, and sustainable utilisation of coal resources. Based on the idea of in situ fluidized coal mining that aims to transform solid coal into liquid or gas and transports the fluidized resources to the ground to ensure safe mining and low-carbon and clean utilisation, in this study, we report on a novel in situ unmanned automatic mining method. This includes a flexible, earthworm-like unmanned automatic mining machine (UAMM) and a coal mine layout for in situ fluidized coal mining suitable for the UAMM. The technological and economic advantages and the carbon emission reduction of the UAMM-based in situ fluidized mining in contrast to traditional mining technologies are evaluated as well. The development trends and possible challenges to this design are also discussed. It is estimated that the proposed method costs approximately 49% of traditional coal mining costs. The UAMM-based in situ fluidized mining and transformation method will reduce CO2 emissions by at least 94.9% compared to traditional coal mining and utilisation methods. The proposed approach is expected to achieve safe and environmentally friendly coal mining as well as lowcarbon and clean utilisation of coal.

Water resources optimization and eco-environmental protection in Qaidam Basin

In order to realize sustainable development of the arid area of Northwest China, rational water resources exploitation and optimization are primary prerequisites. Based on the essential principle of sustainable development, this paper puts forward a general idea on water resources optimization and eco-environmental protection in Qaidam Basin, and identifies the competitive multiple targets of water resources optimization. By some qualitative methods such as Input-output Model & AHP Model and some quantitative methods such as System Dynamics Model & Produce Function Model, some standard plans of water resources optimization come into being. According to the Multiple Targets Decision by the Closest Value Model, the best plan of water resources optimization, eco-environmental protection and sustainable development in Qaidam Basin is finally decided.

Analysis on Typical Spatio-temporal Characteristics of Open-cast Mining and Its Countermeasures

In order to deal with the special spatio-temporal environmental changes encountered in the process of open-cast mining,taking Huolinhe No.1 Open-cast Mine as the research object,this paper studied its typical problems in river reconstruction and cultural relics protection.The study focused on eight key core aspects,including the design optimization of the spatial layout of the mining area,the accurate estimation of the mineral resources reserves,the scientific theoretical demonstration of the mining scale,the fine analysis and calculation of the stripping ratio,the comprehensive consideration of the transport distance and efficiency,the accurate judgment of the best time for the implementation of the transformation,the analysis and evaluation of the slope stability,and the overall planning of the production system.The results show that the extracted problem-solving strategies and scheme system for special mining conditions can not only provide specific and practical guidance for Huolinhe No.1 Open-cast Mine,but also serve as a valuable reference and practical reference for other open-cast mine enterprises facing similar challenges.

Discussion on Influencing Factors of Water Resources Environment and Strategies for Protecting Water Ecology

At present,the major problems facing the water resource environment worldwide include water pollution,water resource shortage,and water ecosystem degradation.The discharge of industrial wastewater,agricultural non-point source pollution,and the discharge of urban sewage lead to a serious decline in water quality,which directly affects the safety of human drinking water and the living environment of aquatic organisms.Additionally,the unbalanced distribution and excessive exploitation of water resources lead to the problem of water shortage in many areas,which then leads to social and economic contradictions and ecological crises.In terms of ecosystems,the phenomena of water ecological degradation and reduction of biodiversity are increasingly obvious,and the carrying capacity of aquatic ecosystems are gradually declining.This paper aims to analyze the natural,social,and economic factors affecting the water resource environment,and propose effective strategies to protect the water ecology.To provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the sustainable utilization of water resources and the long-term development of the water ecosystem.

Development and Utilization of Saline Lake Resources and Protection of Ecological Environment in Qaidam Basin in Qinghai Province

Qaidam basin is an important part of National Key Development Area–Lanzhou-Xining Area,is a key region of resource development in Western Development,is a National Circular Economy Pilot Zone.The focus of

Environmental Protection of Biodiversity in Macedonia and Albania under Legal Analysis View

Environmental problems in the Republic of Macedonia and Albania are similar in other countries in the region. Numerous problems and deficiencies identified through different projects. The studies and planning documents are evident for environmental media and areas. Such as lack of regional integrated systems for municipal solid waste management. The system for special waste types management, including hazardous waste, insufficient coverage of populated places and municipalities by wastewater collection and treatment systems （especially in agglomerations above 10,000 populations）. The need to establish integrated river basin management is in accordance with the new law on waters, air pollution with different intensity in different parts of the country. This paper presents the imperative reforms to protect the natural resources and biodiversity in the countries.

PROTECTION AND RATIONAL USE OF THE LAND RESOURCE IN THE MANAS RIVER BASIN OF XINJIANG

The Manas River valley, situated in the middle part of northern slope of TianshanMountains, in a geographcal position of N43°20′--45°56′, E84°57′--86°43′,composed of Manas and Shawan counties, and the 8th Agricaltural Reclamation Division,has a total area of 24328Km^2. This area belongs to the arid regions of China with a great distance to the sea. For in-

Environmental issues and countermeasures in exploiting water resources of rivers

Based on affirming the tremendous benefits that water resources of rivers can provide in their exploitation, main environmental problems and their countermeasures have been proposed and analyzed in this paper. It is argued that multiple measures should be applied to solving those problems by simultaneously carrying out engineering measures, scientific research and also programs to cultivate the society’s awareness, aimed at a sustainable development strategy for exploiting water resources.

Intelligent and ecological coal mining as well as clean utilization technology in China: Review and prospects

Coal is an essential fossil fuel in China; however, coal mining and its utilization are being under the increasing pressure from ecological and environmental protection. Therefore, the consulting project "Technical Revolution in Ecological and Efficient Coal Mining and Utilization & Intelligence and Diverse Coordination of Coal-based Energy System," initiated by Chinese Academy of Engineering, puts forward three stages(3.0, 4.0 and 5.0) of China's coal industry development strategy. Aimed at "reduced staff,ultra-low ecological damage, and emission level near to natural gas," breakthroughs should be achieved in the following three key technologies during the China Coal Industry 3.0 stage(2016–2025): including intelligent coal mining, ecological mining, ultra-low emission and environmental protection. This paper focuses on the development trends of the China Coal Industry 3.0 and its support for China Coal Industry 4.0 and 5.0 is analyzed and prospected as well, which may offer technical assistance and strategy orientation for realizing the transformation from traditional coal energy to clean energy.

Concurrent mining and reclamation for underground coal mining subsidence impacts in China

Large scale underground mining of coal resources in China using longwall mining has resulted in ecological and environment problems, including surface subsidence that is considered serious due to competing interests of prime agricultural lands, food security, and regional economic development. The subsided lands must be rehabilitated soon after mining to be agriculturally productive to minimize loss of farmland. Similarly, precious water resources must also be managed during and after mining to protect this natural resource. Toward these goals, the concept of ＂Concurrent mining and subsidence reclamation （CMR）＂ was proposed by Professor Hu of the China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing （CUMTB）. Over the last two decades CMR concepts have evolved and successfully applied in the field in different parts of China. This innovative technology has increased available farmland during the mining process, and provided better land protection and food security in mining areas even with high groundwater table. The technology has been used in 5 of the 14 large coal bases in China. This paper describes the technology concepts, design and guiding principles for planning with two case studies from different regions to enhance its application both in China and in other countries.

Evaluation and empirical research on the energy efficiency of 20 mining cities in Eastern and Central China

The gap of energy efficiency of eastern and central mining cities in China continues to expand, getting more attention from relevant departments. In this work, 20 mining cities in Eastern and Central China from 2010 to 2014 have been selected as research samples using data envelopment analysis(DEA).Research results show that the level of energy efficiency in mining cities is still low. China is in an extensive economic growth mode with high input, high consumption, low output and low efficiency. Mining cities in China have a huge potential to conserve energy and reduce emissions. China should optimize industrial structures, strengthen scientific and technological input and innovation, as well as implement energy-saving emissions reductions, and increase investment in environmental protection and ideological propaganda.

Relationship between Environmental Tax and Sustainable Development

[ Objective] The study aimed to discuss the relationship between environmental tax and sustainable development in China. E Method From the aspects of economic growth, development mode, environmental consciousness of national people, equity and efficiency, we analyzed the relationship between environmental tax and sustainable development in China, then studied the current taxation systems aiming at sustainable devel- opment. [ Result] In China, the design idea of present taxation system is not suitable for sustainable development, and a complete and scientific environmental tax system has not been established. Environmental tax indicates fairness principle, promotes equal competition and economic struc- ture adjustment, and enhances the environmental consciousness of national people. [ Conclusion] Environmental tax is not only an important sys- tem guarantee for the implementation of scientific development concept and circular economy, but also an effective method for governments to pro- tect environment and realize sustainable development.

COMPREHENSMIVE PLANNING FOR WATER RESOURCES EXPLOITATION AND WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FOR CHANGLI COUNTY--A CASE STUDY FOR SMALL TOWNS OF CHINA

One of the major characteristics about the water resources and water pollution in China is that the southem part of the country is endowed with abundant water resources with serious water pollution occurring in some areas, whereas the northem part is endowed with limited water resources with relatively more serious water pollution existing in some areas. Urban areas have been mainiy affected by point source pollution while ecological damage is most serious in rural areas and small towns. With rapid development of socio-ecomony and urbanization, many new small towns have occurred in China, and the concemed ecological problems such as water pollution and soil erosion have been gradually changed into local point source pollution. Water envirormental problems are geding more and more serious. To resolve the above mentioned problems and to provide a mode for towns in North China, the Research Center of Water Problems of Chinese Academy of Sciences undertook the research project of comprehensive planning of urban environment of Changli County, Hebei Province. Conceming the limited financial strength of the county and its relatively low level of socio-economic development, the planning is aimed to protect and to improve Changli's environment with the least cost, to promote the suitable development of socio-economy of Changli County, and to carry out effective environmental regulations, control and managemeat.

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.

Energy conservation and environment protection technologies of the blast furnace under resources deterioration conditions

In 2009,the pig iron output of China increased dramatically up to 543.75 Mt and was 15.87%higher than that in 2008,accounting for 60.53%of the world production.The processing of pig iron must consume huge amount of iron ores and coal and consequently leads to the shortage of ores and cokemaking coals supply,with prices soaring but quality worsening remarkably.How to maintain or even improve the efficiency of blast furnace production under negative conditions of constantly worsening resources of iron ore and coal has become an important scenario the Chinese ironmaking industry must face.In this paper,the production with high coal injection rate,low fuel rate and big productivity in the Wuhan Iron and Steel Corporation(Group) was introduced and revealed.The quantitative correlation between blast furnace production efficiency and diverse technical measures through combined mass-heat balances and gas-liquid counter-current flow dynamics analysis.Moreover,potential problems and countermeasures in ironmaking by feeding high Al_2O_3 and low grade iron ores were also discussed.

Comprehensive experiment and evaluation on safety due to fully-mechanized mining under the Xitian River at Linxin Mine

L3414 mechanized mining working face (No.14 coal seam) of Lingxin Mine is under the Xitian River.The mining disturbed zone where rock properties and conditions have been changed due to mining, the safety and environmental protection were con- cemed greatly. Based on engineering geological environment of L3414 working face and mining factors, the color bore-bole TV inspecting, leakage of drilling fluid monitoring, simulation experiment, numerical computing, in-situ ground stress measurement and subsidence measurement, etal, these programs contribute to the formation of a scientific basis for control water safe mining and normal mining or environmental protection in the condition of existing fully-mechanized mining.

Analysis of the Status and Rational Allocation of Water Resources in China in View of the New Era

This paper examines the current status of water resource management and conservation in China,along with strategies to address the water resource crisis.Given the current situation,the paper highlights issues such as incomplete legal mechanisms,limited environmental awareness among enterprises,and insufficient government investment.To ad-dress these challenges,the paper proposes a series of strategies,including improving the ecological environment,enhanc-ing production techniques,strengthening management systems,rationalizing water resource allocation,and implementing water-saving measures in both industrial and agricultural production.These strategies serve to achieve sustainable water resource management,reduce water pollution,and effectively tackle the pressing water resource issues faced in China currently.

Characteristics and Measurements of Ecological Compensation in Ecosystem

This research was to introduce the characteristics of and countermeasures for ecological compensation. From the analysis of the current situation of ecological compensation, a series of characteristics of ecological compensation in resource exploitation and economic development were elaborated. The principles and practical issues are complex in ecological compensation, and the corresponding object, entity, financial system of ecological compensation are the keys to set up compensation mechanism, and studying of ecosystem service function and ecological footprint calculation are important ways to quantitatively assess ecological compensation, and are also important foundations for establishing calculation system of green GDP. Advocating the benefit compensation mechanism of ecological economy and enclosing ecological compensation principle are important ways for establishing the new environmental management pattern and manifesting social justice and the ecological civilization ideas. This research proposed some views of and approaches to ecological compensation mechanism for constructing natural resource development and utilization.The establishment of ecological compensation is an important approach to prevent the imbalance of resource allocation, the system guarantee for sustainable development, and the important basis of saving resources.

Combination of drainage, water supply and environmental protection as well as rational distribution of water resource in Zhengzhou mining district

The geological condition of coalfield is much complex in China. With increasing in mining depth and drainage amount, the contradiction of drainage, water supply and environ-mental protection is becoming more and more serious. However, the contradiction can be solved by the scientific management of optimizing combination of drainage, water supply and environ-mental protection. The Philip multiple objectives simplex method used in this article has searched for a possible solution at the first step, and then it goes on searching to find out whether there is a weight number that can lead the solution to the biggest. It can reduce the randomness and diffi-culty of traditional weight method which determine the weight number artificially. Some beneficial coefficients are vague and the number is larger in the model of water resource dispatch. So the vague layer analysis method can consider these vague factors fully, combining the qualitative and quantitative analysis together. Especially, this method can quantify the experiential judge-ment of policy decider, and it will turn to be more suitable if the structure of objective factors is complex or the necessary data are absent. In the paper, the two methods above are used to solve the plans of drainage, water supply and optimizing distribution of water resource in the Zhengzhou mining district.

Technology progress and prospects of steelmaking plant at Baosteel

A brief introduction to Baosteel's steelmaking plant,the increase of its crude steel output and development of its product variety in the past 25 years is given in this paper.The technical progress in hot metal pretreatment,converter,secondary refining,continuous casting,comprehensive utilization of resources and environmental protection is also introduced.The present situation and level of the technologies,such as production of clean steel,RH vacuum refining,breakout prediction system of slab continuous casting, electromagnetic stirring and slag treatment by a rotary cylinder at Baosteel are described as well.These technologies provided good conditions for developing high value-added products and comprehensive utilization of resources at Baosteel.The future development trend of steelmaking technology of Baosteel is proposed.