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An Integrated Automated Parameter Optimization Method Based On Fdem And Isight For Rock Mass Engineering: A Case Study Of Pillar Stability Design, Zhu Defu, Gao Bolong, Xu Jiabo, Wang Deyu, Gao Peng, Li Yalin, Hu Wenshuo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Conventional rock mass engineering design largely relies on empirical equations or numerical simulation schemes selected from a limited number of comparable cases, making it difficult to effectively balance multiple constraints such as safety, economic viability, and resource recovery. The finite-discrete element method (FDEM) based on the intrinsic cohesive zone model (ICZM) can effectively simulate the evolution of quasi-brittle materials from continuous to discontinuous behavior, rendering it particularly suitable for engineering issues involving highly discontinuous rock masses. Therefore, FDEM has become an important numerical analysis method in rock mass engineering. However, there remains an urgent need for a high-precision, integrated, …

Selection And Verification Of Optimal Key Parameters Of Ultra-Wideband Radars For Life Detection In Coal-Rock Shielding Environments In Coal Mines, Huang Yuan, Zheng Xuezhao, Wen Hu, Jin Feiyang, Xu Chengyu, Liu Yin, Ding Wen

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods Ultra-wideband (UWB) radars can transmit electromagnetic waves that penetrate coal and rock media, thereby addressing the challenge of detecting and localizing personnel trapped in shielding environments during mine collapse. However, key parameters for UWB radar detection are difficult to determine due to complex mine environments, diverse media, and unclear dispersion characteristics. To deal with this issue, this study determined the frequency-dependent dielectric properties of various coal and rock media, as well as human tissues, through experiments and fitting. In combination with actual rescue scenarios, this study established the electromagnetic equivalent model of shielding environments in coal mines. …

Factors Influencing The Build-Up Rate Of Small-Diameter Rotary Steerable Systems In Underground Coal Mines, Yang Dongdong, Li Quanxin, Zhang Youzhen, Chen Long, Chu Zhiwei, Jiang Bici, Wang Bo, Yan Wenchao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Intelligent drilling represents an important part of intelligent coal mine construction. However, measurement-while-drilling (MWD) directional drilling, the core of underground intelligent drilling operations, currently suffers from several limitations, including the high dogleg severity of wellbore trajectories, low drilling efficiency, and poor hard-rock penetration. Rotary steerable system (RSS) technology has emerged as a key approach to addressing these limitations owing to its high-precision control on drilling trajectories. Methods This study systematically analyzed the factors influencing the build-up rate of small-diameter, push-the-bit RSSs using a modified 3-point circle method and the longitudinal beam bending method. Through theoretical modeling, the coupled impacts …

Machine Learning-Based Diagnosis Of Fracture-Induced Lost Circulation And Intelligent Selection Of Lost Circulation Control Fluids, Sun Huan, Zhu Mingming, Wang Jinshu, Yao Lu, Zhou Fangfang, Tan Xuebin, Sun Yan, Qu Yanping, Chen Ning

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Method Drilling operations in the Changqing area face several challenges in lost circulation, including complex types, significantly different characteristics, and difficulty in designing plugging formulations. To address these issues, this study proposes a DSX-Hybrid coupled intelligent decision-making framework, which serves as an integrated scheme to identify lost circulation channels, perform intelligent selection of plugging formulations, and offer recommendations on construction process. In this framework, given the scarcity of labeled log data, the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) is employed to mine latent geological characteristics of unlabeled data. Then, the self-attention convolutional neural network (SACNN) is …

Key Technologies And Their Application Of Vertical Large Models For Geological Guarantee In Coal Mining, Liu Zaibin, Fan Tao, Liu Borui, Chen Changyuan, Li Guihong, Li Wei, Jing Xiaotian, Li Xiping, Du Yiming

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background General-purpose large language models (LLMs) have remarkable capabilities in natural language understanding and complex-task reasoning. However, when applied to geological guarantee in coal mining, these models still suffer from several inherent limitations, including insufficient professional geological knowledge, limited insights into industrial terminology, and inadequate integration of engineering logic and rules. Consequently, they face challenges in accurately capturing domain-specific knowledge and reasoning mechanisms required for geological interpretation, early warning of disasters, and decision-making for disaster prevention and control. These issues lead to limited applicability and reliability of general-purpose LLMs. On the other hand, geological guarantee in coal mining involves multi-source …

Microstructure Evolution Characteristics Of Coal Briquettes During Hot Pressing Carbonization And A Temperature Control Method, Gan Qingqing, Xu Jiang, Peng Shoujian, Cai Guoliang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Coal briquettes used for physical simulations of gas disasters in coal mines generally exhibit low strength and high permeability. To address this challenge, this study developed a new hot pressing process and a temperature control method to optimize the mechanical and seepage performance of coal briquettes. Methods First, an optimal mixing ratio scheme was determined based on the Horsfield close-packing theory, and coal briquettes were prepared at different temperatures using an independently developed hot pressing system. Subsequently, the microstructure evolution patterns of the hot-pressed coal briquettes were characterized using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), a …

3d Geological Modeling And Its Application For Steeply Dipping Coal Seams In The Miquan Area, Xinjiang, Wu Luofei, Li Yong, Zhang Weiqi, Han Yiyang, Zhang Jie, Cao Mingliang, Li Qiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Influenced by multi-stage compression from the North Tianshan and Bogda mountains, the southern margin of the Junggar Basin in Xinjiang exhibits the widespread development of steeply dipping coal seams. The extreme stratigraphic occurrence, combined with complex structural superimposition styles, poses significant challenges to the fine-scale characterization of these coal seams. Correspondingly, the planar and regional distribution patterns of gas content in these coal seams remain poorly understood, rendering it difficult to effectively determine the sweet spots of coalbed methane (CBM). Methods Focusing on the Miquan area, Xinjiang, this study investigated the methodology for 3D geological modeling of representative steeply …

Evolutionary Characteristics And Fine-Scale Zoning Of Overburden Fractures For Pressure-Relief Mining Of Soft Coal Seams, Wang Long, Deng Zhiliang, Zhang Zongxiang, Guo Baohua, Tan Hongchen, Zhao Pengtao, Hu Longsheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective During the mining of coal seam groups, substantial gas is prone to rush into the mining face from adjacent coal seams through interconnected mining-induced fractures. This poses a threat to safe coal mining. Under pressure-relief mining of soft coal seams, their low permeability and high stress sensitivity present challenges to the successive mining of protective and protected coal seams. Specifically, mechanisms behind the overburden fracture evolution remain poorly understood, and it is difficult to identify preferential pathways for gas migration accurately. Methods This study investigated coal seam groups in the Jiahe mining area of Hunan Province as the engineering …

Sources And Occurrence Patterns Of Hydrocarbons In The Surrounding Rocks Of Coal Seams: A Case Study Of The Jurassic Yan'an Formation In The Xinzhuang Mine Field, Longdong Area, Zhang Peng, Chen Dongdong, Zhao Junfeng, Zheng Kaige, Wang Chunxin, Zhou Xingtian

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods This study aims to ascertain abnormal hydrocarbon outflows from the surrounding rocks of coal seams in the Jurassic Yan'an Formation within the Xinzhuang mine field in the Longdong area, southwestern Ordos Basin. Based on the fundamental principles of petroleum geology, sedimentology, and coal geology, this study systematically analyzed the sources, occurrence patterns, and primary controlling factors of hydrocarbons in the surrounding rocks of coal seams using methods including core observation, sample analysis, and statistical mapping. Results and Conclusions In the Xinzhuang mine field, hydrocarbon outflows are primarily identified in the floor of the No. 8 coal seam …

Investigating Seepage In Rough Porous Media Fractures Using Fractional Brownian Motion Simulation, Liu Weitao, Kong Debin, Mao Qingfu, Zhao Jiyuan, Gu Yulong, Zhang Xiao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Natural rock fractures are often partially filled with permeable materials such as silt and minerals under long-term geological and hydraulic actions, forming complex structures containing unfilled voids. The seepage characteristics of such fractures significantly influence petroleum extraction, mine water prevention, and the stability of underground engineering projects. Methods To reveal the underlying seepage mechanisms, this study generated rough profiles of unfilled voids with different fractal dimensions based on Fractional Brownian Motion. A theoretical expression for the overall permeability of partially filled fractures was derived, and a coupled free flow–porous medium flow numerical model was established. This framework was used …

Key Technologies And Engineering Practices For Green Drainage Of The Jurassic Burnt Rock-Hosted Water In The Shenfu Mining Area, Ji Zhongkui, Mou Lin, Wang Hai, Zhu Kaipeng, Zhao Kaixing, Chen Pan, Xue Xiaoyuan, Han Qiang, He Bo, Wang Fuming

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In the northern part of Shaanxi Province, coal mining has led to a pronounced contradiction between coal mining and water conservation, along with a serious threat to China’s ecological redline. These challenges necessitate transforming the mine water drainage pattern in coal mines. Green mine water drainage represents a key approach to achieving coordinated coal-water production in areas containing burnt rocks. Methods Focusing on the conservation-oriented utilization of the Jurassic burnt rock-hosted water in a coal mine within the Shenfu mining area, this study explored a solution to coordinated coal-water production in areas affected by burnt rock-hosted water from the …

Mine Water Storage In Deep Strata: Temperature Responses And The Quantitative Identification Of Primary Permeable Intervals, Xue Jiankun, Wang Shuangming, Zhang Pingsong, Wang Xiaodong, Han Le, Wang Zhizhou, Wang Yutong, Wang Zhibo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Storage in deep strata represents an effective approach to treating high-salinity mine water in mining areas of western China. For this technology, the use of directional wells can significantly enhance water injection efficiency, while selecting primary permeable intervals with high injectivity as drilling targets is key to its successful implementation. However, the accurate identification of these intervals in deep strata remains challenging. Methods By analyzing the wellbore temperature variations in the injection well during water injection, a qualitative model was developed to evaluate primary permeable intervals based on wellbore temperature curves. Following the principles of momentum and energy conservation, …

Field Tests On The Capillary Barrier Effect Of Covers For Comprehensive Utilization Of Solid Waste In Waste Dumps, Duan Xu, Chen Chuangchuang, Qiu Xun, Wang Bo, Shi Luyu, Yan Hanyang, Zou Yu, Qu Jin, Hu Zhaojiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background In the arid and semi-arid regions of northwestern China, the open-pit waste dumps of mining areas suffer from severe water erosion and the limited water-holding capacities of shallow cover soils. This restricts the ecological restoration of abandoned mine lands. Capillary barrier covers can enhance the water-holding capacities of water storage layers due to the differential hydraulic properties at the interface between fine- and coarse-grained layers. However, both the feasibility of constructing layered covers by mixing solid waste slags from waste dumps with clay and the water regulation performance of the covers are yet to be verified in the field. …

An Experimental Study On The Compressive Shear Failure Characteristics Of Mining-Induced Fractured Rock Blocks In The Absence Of Lateral Confinement And Under Unilateral Confinement, Wang Wenxue, Zhang Shicheng, Li Linyang, Zhang Ruochen, Liang Yankun, Chang Jian, Pan Xuwei, Zhao Guizhang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Rock bridges exert a controlling influence on the deformation, fracture field evolution, and structural stability of mining-induced fractured rock masses. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate their deformation and failure characteristics, as well as the underlying controlling mechanisms, under different confinement conditions. Such investigations will provide theoretical support for the safe mining of underground coal seams and the prevention and control of mining-induced disasters. Methods Mechanical models of fractured rock blocks containing rock bridges were established. Specimens with different fracture dip angles, rock bridge widths, and material strengths were prepared using rock-like materials. Furthermore, an independently developed compressive shear …

An Image Recognition And Multi-Parameter Quantitative Characterization System For Fractures In Roadway Rocks, Xiong Yu, Jiang Lichun, Kong Dezhong, Li Jinzhu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Conventional measurement methods for rock fractures suffer from low efficiency and high subjectivity. On the other hand, simple image recognition techniques struggle to achieve high-precision multi-parameter integrated analysis of rock fractures in complex roadway environments. To address these challenges, this study aims to develop an image recognition and multi-parameter quantitative characterization system for rock fractures. Methods At the core of the system is the formulation of a combined image preprocessing strategy. Specifically, fracture segmentation is conducted based on adaptive threshold binarization, isolated noise points are removed using morphological opening, and median filtering is introduced to perform the refined polishing …

A Method Of Reflected In-Seam Wave Imaging Based On The Structural Similarity Index Of Adjacent Gathers, Wang Ji, Wei Zhongli, Ye Hongxing, Wu Guoqing, Liu Shuo, Niu Huan, Su Xiaoyun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Reflected in-seam wave detection represents a major method for exploring geological anomalies in underground coal mines. This method is well suited to detecting concealed structures (e.g., faults and collapse columns) within coal seams in the tunneling direction of roadways or along their side walls. In recent years, to meet the safety requirements of green mine construction, explosive sources have been substituted with mechanical hammer impacts in increasing reflected in-seam wave detection. However, compared to conventional explosive sources, hammer impacts exhibit significantly lower instantaneous energy intensity and consistency. These limitations lead to reduced quality of reflected in-seam wave imaging, thus …

A Seismic Prediction Technology For Coalbed Methane Sweet Spots And Its Engineering Application In The Ordos Basin, Zhang Mengbo, Li Fei, Zhang Dong, Peng Jiankang, Cui Xiaojie, Ni Na, Long Shengfang, Tao Yu, Zhu Jun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Deep coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs tend to exhibit significant tuning effects of thin interbeds, leading to challenging localization of actual coal seam boundaries, limited identification accuracy of micro-amplitude structures in the coal seam roof, and poor stability of the seismic responses of the reservoirs' gas-bearing properties. To address these challenges, this study investigated the No. 8 coal seam of the Benxi Formation in the Mizhi area, Ordos Basin. Accordingly, a method with the prediction of gas-bearing properties as the primary controlling factor was developed for the seismic prediction and comprehensive evaluation of CBM sweet spots. Methods First, the actual …

Molecular Interactions Of The Gas–Solid Interface: Svocs On Swelling Clays And San Joaquin Soil Surfaces, Liesl T. Jensen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Soil-derived mineral dust plays an important role in atmospheric chemistry by acting as a reactive interface for gas–particle interactions that influence the fate and transport of organic contaminants. Among soil components, clay minerals dominate surface reactivity due to their high surface area, structural complexity, and the presence of chemically active sites arising from cation exchange capacity and surface acidity. Environmental conditions, particularly relative humidity, further regulate these interactions by altering surface accessibility and competitive adsorption processes.

Despite the recognized importance of mineral dust, gas-phase interactions between organic compounds and clay minerals remain insufficiently understood, particularly under atmospherically relevant conditions. This …

Energy Security Strategy Empowered By Artificial Intelligence, Qiang Ji, Jiaofeng Pan, Yu Song

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Against the backdrop of unprecedented changes in a century, geopolitical restructuring has led to the fragmentation of energy game camps, climate change has impacted the resilience of energy infrastructure, and energy transformation has promoted the multidimensional and coordinated expansion of security connotations. Artificial intelligence, with its core advantages such as optimizing geopolitical risk prevention and control, enhancing infrastructure protection, improving energy system efficiency, and accelerating the integration of renewable energy, has promoted the shift of energy security strategy from experience driven to data-driven intelligence, achieving comprehensive risk identification, dynamic evaluation, collaborative response, and full chain monitoring, significantly improving the efficiency, …

Challenges, Opportunities, And Countermeasures For China’S Green Transition In Context Of Global Reallocation Of Energy Supply Chains, Yan Sun, Pu Wang, Yi Wang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The stability and resilience of energy supply chains are directly linked to an orderly economy and society, national energy security, and global governance of climate change. Tensions and strategic competition in global geopolitics have accelerated regionalization, consolidation, and localization of global energy supply chains, posing significant challenges to China as a major energy consumer. Based on the latest situation of global energy changes, the study focuses on the new challenges in China’s green transition, and highlight four key areas for China in global energy supply chains, including critical mineral resources, clean hydrogen, electric vehicles, and power batteries. Policy recommendations are …

Pathways For Coordinating High-Quality Exploitation Of Marine Resources And High-Level Protection Of Marine Ecosystems, Jianping Yin, Peimin Duan, Si Zhang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

The ocean serves as a vital strategic space and a reservoir of resources essential for human survival and development, offering robust support for socioeconomic progress. Simultaneously, as a critical component of the Earth’s ecological environment, the ocean plays a pivotal role in regulating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance. In recent years, China has continuously intensified the exploitation and utilization of marine resources, with the growth of the marine economy injecting blue momentum into the nation’s development. Nevertheless, the long-term, high-intensity exploitation of offshore resources, coupled with the ongoing advancement into deep-sea resource development, has led to frequent …

Multiple Secondary Risks Triggered By Rapid Rising Of Groundwater Level And Corresponding Tactics In The North China Plain, Yanjun Shen, Fubao Sun, Congqiang Liu, Fengchang Wu

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

In recent years, following the implementation of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project and comprehensive control of groundwater over-exploitation, coupled with natural factors such as more frequent and intensified extreme rainstorms, the groundwater level at large extent of the North China Plain has stopped declining and even started rising, with gradual recovery of groundwater storage. Nevertheless, the rapid rise in groundwater levels has disrupted the long-standing hydrological-geological-ecological balance shaped by prolonged over-extraction, triggering multiple secondary risks. The rebounding water level markedly exacerbates potential seismic liquefaction hazards at construction sites and raises risks of water seepage, anti-float failure, and structural damage for …

Analysis Of Global Carbon Neutrality Situation And Policy Insights For China, Lina Liu, Jiansheng Qu, Jingjing Zeng, Xiaoyu Song, Qin Liao, Yibo Niu, Yanfei Liu, Bingxue Qin

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Achieving the goal of “dual carbon” (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality) will bring comprehensive and profound systematic changes in China’s social economy. By analyzing the global trend of carbon neutrality, it can be seen that the topics of carbon neutrality mainly focus on four aspects: emission reduction categories, key areas, technological innovation, and carbon market construction. At present, China is steadily building a multi-level (national, regional, and enterprise) carbon-neutral policy framework system. In key areas such as energy, industry, transportation, construction, agriculture, and forestry, China not only actively takes practical and effective actions but also vigorously carries out scientific and …

Aeroradio-Spectrometric Geothermal Analysis Of Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria, Fidelis O. Ogunsanwo

Tanzania Journal of Science

Weathered basement terrains of Precambrian origin are increasingly recognized as important targets for geothermal assessment and renewable energy exploration; yet systematic assessments integrating airborne radiometric data remain limited in south-western Nigeria. This study applies an aeroradio-spectrometric approach to evaluate and quantify the radiogenic heat production, geothermal gradient, and lithospheric heat flow associated with the diverse lithological assemblages of the Abeokuta area, southwestern Nigeria. The study area comprises of six lithological units, namely; biotite–garnet gneiss and schist, porphyroblastic gneiss, migmatite, pegmatite intrusions, and sedimentary successions of sand-clay-shale and sandstone–limestone. The concentrations of uranium (238U), thorium (232Th), and potassium (40K) were extracted …

Assessment Of The Radionuclide Concentration Levels Of Water And Sediments Along The Mara River, Gasper Kachenge, Abubakary Salama, Abdalah Kileo, Furaha Chuma

Tanzania Journal of Science

For many years, several factors have impacted the water quality of the Mara River, including population growth, agricultural expansion, livestock keeping, mining, and industrial activities. These factors have intensified water pollution and climate change effects around the river. While previous studies have mainly focused on assessing heavy metal pollution risks on the Mara River, this study evaluates the concentration levels of radionuclides in boreholes, water, and sediments along the river and its tributaries. Naturally occurring radioactive materials, including 226Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K, were evaluated. A high-purity germanium radiation detector (HPGe) with a coaxial detector system coupled with Gamma Vision software …

Explaining Safety Challenges And Their Relationships Using A Qualitative-Fuzzy Dematel Approach: A Surface Mine Case Study, Neda Molamehdizadeh, Gholam Hossein Halvani, Hossein Ebrahimi, Ali Asghar Farshad, Seyedeh Melika Kharghani Moghadam, Saber Moradi Hanifi

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Safety in surface mining operations is a major organizational management challenge due to the inherently hazardous nature of mining activities. This study aimed to explain safety challenges and identify their interrelationships through a combined qualitative-fuzzy DEMATEL approach in a surface mine in Yazd Province, Iran. The research was carried out in two sequential phases: first, key safety challenges were identified through qualitative interviews with employees, supervisors, and safety experts; then, the relationships among these challenges were analyzed and prioritized using the fuzzy DEMATEL technique. The main challenges identified included insufficient specialized training, inadequate safety equipment, weak organizational safety culture, and …

The Carbon Footprint Of The Hard Coal Sector In Poland In The Context Of The Evolution Of The European Union’S Climate Neutrality Policy, Katarzyna Widera

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The topic of the article is the carbon footprint of coal as a primary source of energy. In light of climate change and the energy transition in the European Union, it is increasingly important to analyse the carbon footprint of individual economic sectors. The aim of this review article is to present an analysis of the carbon footprint of the hard coal sector in Poland against the background of the EU’s climate neutrality policy. The paper reviews EU strategic documents, such as the European Green Deal, the ”Fit for 55” package, and the REPowerEU and Clean Industrial Deal initiatives, in …

Greenovation As A Strategic Leverage For Sustainable Competitive Advantage, Amiya Kumar Mohapatra, Anil Kumar, Yiğit Kazançoğlu

Management Dynamics

Greenovation is the new currency of the global economy which focuses on ‘green and innovation’ that generates environmental benefits through reduced resource consumption, lower carbon emissions, and improved ecological performance aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Greenovation focuses on long-term value creation by integrating environmental externalities, resource circularity, and multi-stakeholder governance and accountability structures. Greenovation integrated with corporate strategies can provide greater strategic competitive advantages which is also termed as green competitive advantage. By systematically integrating product and process improvements through Greenovation, firms can attain competitive advantage for long-term value creation for both internal and external stakeholders. It is imperative …

Earthquake-Resistant Design And Base Isolation Techniques, Christian George, Jacob Sweeten, Gabriela Cotto, Savion Stewart

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Earthquake-resistant design has become a critical feature in construction near active fault lines, where seismic activity is most frequent and potentially destructive. In recent years, technological advancements have significantly improved methods for protecting buildings from earthquake damage. Among these innovations, base isolation systems have appeared as one of the most effective solutions. By decoupling a building from ground motion, base isolators reduce the transmission of seismic forces, helping to prevent structural damage and support building stability during earthquakes. In addition to improving safety, base isolation systems can also reduce long-term costs associated with earthquake-related repairs and maintenance. Base-isolated structures are …

Sustainability Challenges And Opportunities In A University Police Fleet: A Case Study Of Idling, Emissions, And Electrification Potential, Van Slusser

School of Political Science, Public Affairs, Legal and Security Studies Faculty Publications

This case study examines fleet sustainability challenges within the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Police Department, a multicampus public safety agency operating aging gasoline vehicles central to daily patrol and administrative functions. Rising maintenance costs, increased vehicle downtime, and extensive idling created both operational strain and avoidable environmental impacts. Aging internal-combustion vehicles contributed to elevated emissions and fuel consumption, particularly under high-heat conditions and equipment demands typical of campus policing. Telematics monitoring indicated that approximately 48% of total engine-on time consisted of idling, highlighting a substantial source of avoidable fuel use and emissions. The study employed a qualitative case …