Submit to Applied Sciences Review for Applied Sciences Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Advances in Green Coal Mining Technologies

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Earth Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 January 2025) | Viewed by 4602

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Shengrong Xie

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Energy and Mining Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Interests: the theory and technology of resources exploitation; rock pressure and strata control; the mining disaster prevention and control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Dongdong Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Energy and Mining Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Interests: the theory of structural fracture of rock slab in quarry; control of roadway surrounding rock; coal mining and mine disaster prevention and control
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The mining industry plays an important role in ensuring global energy supply and supporting global economic development. However, the development of mineral resources has also produced various negative effects on the ecological environment. In recent years, with increasing emphasis being placed on ecological resources and the environment in various countries, the traditional mining method of mineral resources is no longer suitable for the new development situation, and green mining is the inevitable trend of mining technology development in the future, through vigorously developing green mining technology, reducing disturbance to the ecological environment as much as possible, and realizing the efficient utilization of resources. This is significant in promoting the sustainable development of resources and the coordination and unity of economic construction and ecological protection. This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for new research and make progress in green mining technology. We welcome experts and scholars to submit high-quality research papers. Research topics should be related to green mining technology, including, but not limited to, the following topics:

Mining without coal pillar;
Narrow pillar of extra-thick coal seam;
End-mining coal pillar;
Sustainable mining;
New gas extraction technology;
Grouting process control of overlying strata separation;
Mining area management and ecological restoration;
Surface crack repair;
Ecological restoration of mining damage;
Mining overlying strata repair;
Loss-reducing mining;
Multi-element solid waste high-efficiency filling mining;
Water resources protection in the mining area.

Prof. Dr. Shengrong Xie
Dr. Dongdong Chen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

green mining
non-pillar mining
narrow pillar of extra-thick coal seam
end-mining coal pillar
sustainable mining
high-efficiency gas extraction
separated strata grouting
ecological restoration
solid waste high-efficiency utilization
water resources protection

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

17 pages, 5120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Topographic and Edaphic Influences on the Spatiotemporal Soil Water Content Patterns in Underground Mining Regions

by Yaodong Jing, Yu Chen, Jason Yang, Haoxi Ding and Hongfen Zhu

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 984; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020984 - 20 Jan 2025

Viewed by 454

Abstract

Understanding the dynamics of soil water content (SWC) is essential for effective land management, particularly in regions affected by underground mining. This study investigates the spatial and temporal patterns of SWC and its interaction with topographic and edaphic factors in coal mining and non-coal mining areas of the Chenghe watershed, located in the southeast of the Chinese Loess Plateau, which is divided by a river. Our findings revealed that the capacity to retain moisture in the top layer of coal mining areas is significantly higher (25.21%) compared to non-coal mining areas, although deeper layers exhibit lower SWC, indicating altered moisture dynamics due to underground mining disturbances. Coal mining areas show greater spatial and temporal variability in SWC, suggesting increased sensitivity to moisture fluctuations, which complicates water management practices. Additionally, underground mining activities introduce more intense effects on the relationship between SWC and topographic factors (i.e., GCVR across soil profile of 0–60 cm; slope at depth of 50 cm) or edaphic factors (i.e., soil organic matter and available potassium at depth of 30 cm; pH at depth of 50 cm) compared to non-coal mining areas. This variability is evident in the temporal shifts from positive to negative correlations, particularly in coal mining areas, reflecting modifications in both soil physical and chemical properties resulting from mining activities. In contrast, non-coal mining areas maintain a more stable moisture regime, likely due to preserved natural soil structures and processes. These contrasting findings emphasize the necessity for tailored management strategies in coal mining regions to address the unique challenges posed by altered soil characteristics and water dynamics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Coal Mining Technologies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 16485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Deformation Mechanism and Surrounding Rock Strata Control in End-Mining Retracement Roadway in Closely Spaced Coal Seams

by Bin Wang, Hui Liu, Dong Liu, Jie Zhang and Haifei Lin

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010436 - 5 Jan 2025

Viewed by 642

Abstract

This paper aims to address the issue of hydraulic support crushing accidents or support failures in the retracement roadway (RR) that frequently occurs when a fully mechanized mining face is retraced during the end-mining stage. The deformation and instability mechanism of surrounding rock in the RR during the end mining of a fully mechanized mining face at the Hanjiawan Coal Mine located in the northern Shaanxi mining area is explored through field measurement, theoretical analysis, similar simulation, and numerical simulation. The results reveal that the stability of the remaining coal pillar (RCP) and the fracture position of the main roof are the main factors contributing to large-scale dynamic load pressure in the RR during the end-mining stage. The plastic zone width limit of the RCP is identified to be 5.5 m. Furthermore, the stress distribution within the RCP during the end-mining stage is determined, and the linear relationship between the load borne by the RCP and the strength of the coal pillar is quantified. A similar simulation experiment is conducted to examine the collapse and instability characteristics of the overlying rock structure during the end-mining stage. UDEC (v.5.0) software is utilized to optimize the roof support parameters of the RR. A surrounding rock control technology that integrates the anchor net cable and hydraulic chock is proposed to ensure RR stability. Meanwhile, a method involving ceasing mining operations and waiting pressure is adopted to ensure a safe and smooth connection between the working face and the RR. This study provides a reference for the surrounding rock control of the RR during end mining in shallow, closely-spaced coal seams under similar conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Coal Mining Technologies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 8164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Structural Instability Characteristics of Interlayer Rock Strata During Mining Under Interval Goaf in Shallow Coal Seams

by Bin Wang, Jie Zhang, Haifei Lin, Dong Liu and Tao Yang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11870; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411870 - 19 Dec 2024

Viewed by 457

Abstract

In order to study the instability characteristics of interlayer rock strata (IRS) in shallow buried close-distance coal seams under insufficient mining areas, based on the background of interval mining under goaf in Nanliang Coal Mine, this paper studies the instability characteristics of interlayer strata in interval mining under goaf by means of similar simulation, numerical simulation, and field measurement. The results indicated that the first weighting interval of the main roof during mining in the lower coal seam was 49 m, while small and large periodic weightings with intervals of 10–14 m and 15–19 m were identified. During periodic weighting, the support resistance ranged from 6813 to 10,935 kN, with a dynamic load factor of 1.07–1.74, and the peak abutment pressure in front of the working face was 5.85–9.85 MPa. The mining under the interval coal pillar (ICP) was the ‘stress increase zone’, and the mining under the temporary coal pillars (TCPs) and the interval goaf was the ‘stress release zone’. During the working face mining out of the ICP, the support resistance reached 10,934 kN, the dynamic load factor reached 1.74, and the abutment pressure (AP) reached 9.85 MPa, which was 60% higher than the AP mining under the “stress release zone”. Analysis suggests that the cutting instability of the IRS was the root cause of the increased AP in the working face of the lower coal seam. A numerical simulation was performed to verify the instability characteristics of the IRS in the interval goaf. The relationship between support strength and roof subsidence during the period of the working face leaving the coal pillar was established. A dynamic pressure prevention method involving pre-splitting and pressure relief of the ICP was proposed and yields superior field application performance. The findings of the study provide a reference for rock strata control during mining under the subcritical mining area in shallow and closely spaced coal seams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Coal Mining Technologies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 11465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Catastrophic Failure Mechanisms and the Prevention of Dynamic Pressure-Related Hazards During Mining Under an Interval Goaf Through an Isolated Coal Pillar in Shallow and Closely Spaced Coal Seams

by Bin Wang, Jie Zhang, Haifei Lin, Hui Liu, Shoushi Gao and Yifeng He

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10554; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210554 - 15 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 639

Abstract

Given the potential for dynamic load-induced support crushing that may occur during mining under an interval goaf through an isolated coal pillar (ICP) in shallow closely spaced coal seams, this paper systematically explored this issue through a case study of the 30,103 working face at the Nanliang Coal Mine. We employed a combined approach of similarity simulations, theoretical analyses, numerical simulations, and field measurements to investigate the catastrophic failure mechanisms and prevention strategies for dynamic pressure-related hazards encountered when mining a lower coal seam that passes through an ICP. The findings indicated that the synchronous cutting instability of the interlayer effective bearing stratum (IEBS) and double-arch bridge structure of the ICP roof were the primary causes of dynamic load-induced support crushing at the working face. A mechanical model was developed to characterize the IEBS instability during mining under an interval goaf. The sources and transmission pathways of dynamic mining pressure during mining passing through the ICP were clarified. The linked instability of the double-arch bridge structure of the ICP roof was induced by IEBS failure. The UDEC numerical model was utilized to elucidate the instability of the IEBS during mining in the lower coal seam and to analyze the vertical stress distribution patterns in the floor rock strata of the interval goaf. A comprehensive prevention and control strategy for roof dynamic pressure, which includes pre-releasing concentrated stress in the ICP, strengthening the support strength of the working face, and accelerating the advancement speed was proposed. The effectiveness of this prevention and control strategy was validated through actually monitoring the characteristics of mining pressure data from the 30,103 working face following pressure relief. The findings provide valuable insights for rock stratum control of shallow and closely spaced coal seam mining under similar conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Coal Mining Technologies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 12980 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the “Two-Zone” Heights in Lower Slice Mining Under Thick Alluvium and Thin Bedrock

by Xiaowei Lu, Jingyu Jiang, Wen Wang and Haibo Cao

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10128; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210128 - 5 Nov 2024

Viewed by 747

Abstract

The extraction of thin bedrock coal seams with thick alluvium poses a challenging issue in the realm of coal safety production in China. Especially for mining under aquifers, knowing the development height of water-conducting fracture zones above the goaf is crucial for coal mine safety and production. Taking the 11092 working face of lower slice mining in Zhaogu No. 1 Mine as an example, the failure transfer process of the overlying strata is analyzed first. On this basis, the development height of the water-conducting fracture zone is predicted using empirical formulas and the BP neural network. According to the empirical formula, the height of the roof caving zone ranges from 6.93 m to 27.72 m, while the height of the water-conducting fracture zone ranges from 22.17 m to 71.73 m. The BP neural network predicts that the development height of the water-conducting fracture zone in the working face after mining is 56.83 m. CDEM numerical simulation is employed to analyze the development height of two zones of overburden rock. The findings indicate that with a mining height of 2.5 m and a cumulative mining height of 6 m, the maximum caving ratio is 2.61. It is observed that for a cumulative mining thickness of less than 6 m, a bedrock thickness of not less than 30 m, and a clay layer thickness exceeding 5 m, the clay layer effectively obstructs the upward development of the water-conducting fracture zone. Finally, the prediction results of the development height of the two zones of overlying strata in the working face are verified by using the height observation method on the underground water-conducting fracture zone and the borehole peeping method. In conclusion, the height of the overlying strata after mining the lower slice working face in the first panel of the east can be used as a basis for determining the thickness of coal (rock) pillars for waterproofing and sand control safety during the mining of lower slice working faces in mines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Coal Mining Technologies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 12279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Surrounding Rock Control of Withdrawal Space in Fully Mechanized Caving Mining of a 19 m Extra-Thick Coal Seam

by Dongdong Chen, Zhiqiang Wang, Shuaishuai Yue, Shengrong Xie, Fulian He, Chunyang Tian, Zaisheng Jiang, Dawei Liang and Bohao Qi

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(21), 9694; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14219694 - 23 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 840

Abstract

The section span of the withdrawal space of fully mechanized top coal caving in an extra-thick coal seam is large, and with the gradual withdrawal of the hydraulic support, a series of strong dynamic pressure disasters occur in the withdrawal space, and the difficulty of surrounding rock support control increases sharply. In order to study the control mechanism of surrounding rock in the final mining withdrawal space in detail and put forward a reasonable support technology scheme, taking the large-section withdrawal space of an 8309 fully mechanized caving face in an extra-thick coal seam of a mine as the research object—through the theoretical investigation of whether the key blocks of the main roof are stably hinged under varied stopping coal caving distances and fracture locations of the main roof—the reasonable and optimal stopping coal caving distances and roadway formation time are determined. Using numerical simulation and similar simulation methods, the vertical stress and the maximum shear stress research indicators were introduced to verify the accuracy of the theoretical analysis results. The results show the following: (1) The reasonable stopping coal caving span is 1~2 times the cycle weighting interval, the best stopping coal caving distance in this geological condition is 30 m, and the best fracture position of the main roof is located above the goaf. (2) The migration of overlying strata in the withdrawal space has obvious zoning characteristics, and the zoning is as follows: a stopping coal caving area, support area of the hydraulic support, withdrawal channel area, and stopping coal pillar area. (3) According to the zoning characteristics of overlying strata movement, the asymmetric zoning support control scheme of the withdrawal space is proposed. The field monitoring results show that the maximum roof subsidence in the withdrawal space is 151 mm, the maximum internal squeezing amount of the stopping coal pillar is 82 mm, and the supporting and anchoring effect of each partition in the withdrawal space is good. The set of partition asymmetric support control schemes has been successfully applied to field practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Green Coal Mining Technologies)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in Green Coal Mining Technologies

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI