Optimal layout of underground coal mining with ground development or protection: A case study of Jining, China

Coal is an essential raw material for the social development of coal-producing countries, especially in China. In the past, however, underground coal mining (UCM) has had a negative impact on urban, agricultural and ecological spaces caused by multiple separate plannings. Therefore, integrated planning of UCM and aboveground development or protection (ADP) need to be studied urgently. In this study, we proposed functional zones of UCM and ADP by spatiotemporal and technical optimization. Results indicated that (1) four functional zones in urban space were proposed to clarify the sequences of UCM and ADP, reduce occupied coal seams and increase construction land. (2) Three functional zones in agricultural space were proposed to clarify the degree and spatial distribution of farmland degradation to guide farmland protection and land reclamation. (3) Two functional zones were in ecological space proposed to optimize UCM layout to avoid mines closed, and balance UCM and ecological protection. (4) Two functional zones proposed in the central urban can realize the interval development of UCM and urban construction, and provide a safe geological basis for urban expansion. The results can coordinate UCM and ADP, and provide a case reference for the territorial spatial planning of coal resource-based cities.

Automated summary

This study proposed functional zones for underground coal mining (UCM) and aboveground development or protection (ADP) and achieved coordination and balance between the two through spatiotemporal and technical optimization. It provides important insights for territorial spatial planning of coal resource-based cities.