Coal mining method with near-zero impact on the ecological environment in a high-intensity mining area of Northwest China

In order to avoid the destruction of underground aquifers in the eco-environment frangible area caused by the exploitation of coal resources, a new coal mining method with near-zero impact on aquifers (MNIA) was proposed according to the advantages of strip mining and backfill mining methods to effectively control overburden, which is coordinated with the eco-environment. First, the ecological fragile status of the high-intensity mining area is studied. This is followed by the basic principle, technical steps, and its characteristics and advantages of MNIA. Combined with specific mining conditions, theoretical analysis and physical simulation are adopted. Then, the determination principle of strip mining parameters, filling width along the strip coal pillar, width of the narrow pillar in the recovery strip residual pillar and filling rate are given. The MNIA is more effective in thin- and medium-thick coal seams. Based on the long-term stability evaluation method of the strip pillar, it is determined that the narrow coal pillar and backfill body have long-term stability. In addition, the development and utilization of the underground space is proposed, which provides a new solution for the in situ protection of aquifers, effective utilization of underground space, and coordinated development of ecological environment and coal resource exploitation in the eco-environment frangible area.

Automated summary

This paper proposes a new coal mining method with near-zero impact on underground aquifers (MNIA) to effectively control overburden and coordinate with the eco-environment. The ecological fragile status of the mining area is studied, and the parameters for strip mining and filling rate are determined. Additionally, the development and utilization of underground space is proposed, providing a new solution for aquifer protection and coal resource exploitation in eco-environmental fragile areas.