Engineering Commons^™

Key Technologies For Artificial Intelligence-Based Inversion Of The Borehole Transient Electromagnetic Method In Coal Mining Areas, Fan Tao, Hao Yue, Zhang Peng, Li Ping, Zhao Zhao, Zhao Rui, Liu Qiang, Yan Junsheng, Song Xianzhe, Liu Borui, Chen Changyuan, Li Bo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Using directional boreholes, the borehole transient electromagnetic (TEM) method enables near-field excitation and the simultaneous reception of three components within a borehole. This method can effectively avoid interference from ferromagnetic materials in roadways, thereby significantly enhancing the detection accuracy and range. Therefore, this method is widely applied to the detection of underground concealed water hazards in coal mines. However, there is a conflict between the accuracy and efficiency of current inversion methods for borehole TEM data, and existing technologies are insufficient to simultaneously meet the demands for high efficiency and high precision in the detection of concealed water hazards. …

Development And Prospects Of Underground Intelligent Drilling Rigs For Coal Mines, Yao Ningping, Li Quanxin, Lu Qianhai, Peng Guangyu, Zhang Gang, Zhang Youzhen

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background In coal mines, underground intelligent drilling rigs serve as critical equipment for gas extraction and water hazard prevention and control. With increasing mining depth, extreme operating conditions, including elevated gas concentration and high in situ stress, pose challenges to conventional drilling modes. Progress This study presents a systematic review of the evolutionary history of intelligent drilling rigs in China from the 13th to the 14th Five-Year Plan, dividing it into three stages: semi-automated operation, whole-process automated operation, and initial intelligent drilling. In the semi-automated operation stage, technologies for remote control within a viewing distance and automatic loading and unloading …

Intelligent Path Planning For Drilling Arms In Rock Bolting In Coal Mines Based On An Improved Rrt Algorithm, Zhang Xuhui, Xie Yanbin, Lei Mengyu, Song Chengzhi, Dong Zheng, Wang Zeyao, Wang Tenghui, Tian Sihao, Zhang Qinhuan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Against the background of intelligent coal mining, automated underground rock bolting has become a core demand in enhancing the tunneling efficiency and safety of roadways. However, the path planning of drilling arms suffers from a low degree of automation, cumbersome posture adjustment, low operational stability, and insufficient drilling accuracy in complex underground environments. Methods To address these issues, this study developed an intelligent path planning method for drilling arms in rock bolting in coal mines based on an improved rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT) algorithm. First, a goal-biased guidance strategy was adopted to narrow the sampling range, and an update …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Research And Empirical Validation Of The Application Modes Of Multimodal Large Language Models For Coal Mines, Wang Guofa, Wang Jingyi, Liu Shuang, Xu Zhe, Liu Mingrui

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Under the technological backdrop of large language models (LLMs), big data, and knowledge fusion, multimodal LLMs have found rapid application across traditional industries, including coal mining. However, the successful implementation and sustained operation of these models remain challenging. To address issues concerning the implementation and usage of multimodal LLMs in the construction of intelligent coal mines, this study conducted a multi-dimensional survey of multimodal LLM applications in coal mines, aiming to establish an LLM application paradigm that is suitable for the current management status and organizational structures for safe coal mining. Method Using content analysis, case analysis, and empirical …

Novel Connotations Of Green Exploration Oriented To Mine Ecological Restoration, Hu Zhenqi, Zhang Fan, Zhao Yanling, Liang Yusheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Mineral resource exploitation inevitably causes ecological damage, while its green solution is rooted in green exploration. Currently, green exploration refers to activities aimed at avoiding, eliminating, or mitigating ecological pollution and damage caused by exploration operations, as well as those intended for the restoration of the ecosystem damaged in the exploration process. However, besides focusing on the exploration process, green exploration should provide geological guarantees for ecological restoration following resource exploitation. [Methods] In this study, the novel connotations of green exploration are proposed first. In other words, green exploration, which should be oriented to the demand for mine …

Advances In Research On Techniques For Petrographic Analysis And Tests Of Coals And Their Applications In China, Song Xiaozhong, Zhang Qun, Fan Zhangqun, Jiang Wenping

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Techniques for petrographic analysis and tests of coals are critical to the accurate characterization of coals, oil, and gas, providing pivotal geological bases for coalfield exploration, formation condition investigation of coal deposits, clean and efficient coal utilization, and hydrocarbon resource evaluation. China's coal petrology commenced nearly a century ago, having progressively evolved into a key field serving the national energy strategy from the early-stage component identification and genetic investigation of coals. A standardization system suitable for the petrographic analysis and tests of coals with distinctive Chinese characteristics has been established. This system has found applications in industrial fields including …

Industrial Development Of Coalbed Methane Exploitation In China: A 30-Year Retrospective And Future Prospects, Meng Shangzhi, Li Yong, Qin Yong, Li Guofu, Tang Shuheng, Xu Fengyin, Wang Yanbin, Zhang Shouren, Zhang Cong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The founding of China United Coalbed Methane Corp., Ltd. in 1996 signals the entry of the coalbed methane (CBM) exploitation in China into the industrial development stage. A systematic summary of the development history, key technologies, and future trends of China's CBM industry is of great significance for gaining a deeper understanding of CBM exploitation patterns and promoting the high-quality development of the CBM industry. Based on a systematic investigation of relevant domestic and international literature, this study presents a comprehensive analysis of the industrial development process of CBM exploitation in China, including development stages, technological evolution, and future …

Advances And Prospects Of Design Optimization Technologies For Differential Development With Three-Dimensional Well Patterns For Deep Coalbed Methane Reservoirs: A Case Study Of The No. 8 Coal Seam In The Ordos Basin, Yan Xia, Fang Jianlong, Mou Chun, Meng Peilong, Wang Yuan, Yu Xiang, Fei Shixiang, Feng Yanqing, Zhao Longmei, Li Meng, Cui Yuehua, Chi Runlong, Yang Qing, Huang Li, Zheng Xiaopeng, Yin Zesong, Wang Congcong, Ma Limin, Zhang Shuang, Liu Shirui, Zhang Yang, Guo Jiali

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Design optimization for gas reservoir development serves as a key approach to the efficient exploitation, enhanced primary recovery, and elevated efficiency with reduced costs of deep coalbed methane (CBM). Methods In this study, the most extensively developed Ordos Basin in China was investigated as an example to explore the significant heterogeneity of the geological conditions of deep coal seams. Based on a fine-scale geological investigation of over 3 000 wells across the basin, this study systematically revealed the heterogeneity of the key parameters of deep coal reservoirs, including reservoir distribution, reservoir-cap rock assemblages, coal seam structure, and gas-bearing properties. …

Analysis Of Coal Seam Water Sources Based On Hydrochemistry And Water Isotopes, Wei Dong, Wang Hao, Wang Chungang, Wang Xiaodong, Liu Wei, Wang Qiangmin, Liu Quanhui, Zhou Zhenfang, Wang Yutong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The northern Yuheng mining area exhibits the widespread occurrence of water-bearing coal seams. This unique hydrogeological phenomenon poses a serious challenge to efficient mine roadway construction and safe coal mining in the mining area. The recharge sources of the coal seam water remain poorly understood, representing a primary bottleneck in the prevention and control of coal seam water hazards. Methods This study aims to reveal the recharge sources and evolutionary mechanisms of coal seam water in the northern Yuheng mining area. By integrating methods including hydrochemical analysis, isotope analysis, and inverse hydrogeochemical simulation, this study systematically investigated the hydrogeochemical …

Technologies And Typical Cases For The Prevention And Control Of Water Hazards Associated With Burnt Rocks In The Yushenfu Mining Area, Wang Shidong, Wang Hai, Ji Zhongkui, Zhu Kaipeng, Han Qiang, Xue Xiaoyuan, Chen Pan, Zhao Kaixing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Brunt rocks are widely distributed in the Yushenfu mining area, predominantly occurring along rivers and gullies. These rocks are characterized by well-developed pores and fractures and weak to extremely strong water-yielding capacity, posing serious threats to roadway tunneling and mining for coal in the same layer or underlying them. Methods This study aims to effectively prevent and control water hazards associated with burnt rocks and reduce their threat. Through field surveys, statistical analysis, field experiments, and exemplary applications, along with exploration and monitoring and related analyses, this study analyzed the distribution of burnt rocks in the Yushenfu mining area …

Progress And Prospects Of Geothermal Resource Monitoring Technology, Hao Wenjie, Li Shengtao, Wang Huang, Liu Donglin, Wang Wanli, Qin Junsheng, Jin Xianpeng, Shen Jian, Liu Shuai, Yao Yahui, Hao Shuli, Ren Tao, Liu Zhe, Meng Xianwei, Hou Deren, Ren Xiaoqing, Jia Xiaofeng, Wen Dongguang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Geothermal resources represent a renewable energy source characterized by abundant reserves, extensive distribution, high stability and reliability, and green and low-carbon attributes. China has led the world in the direct utilization of geothermal energy for many years. Geothermal resource monitoring, which lays the groundwork for geothermal exploration, exploitation, and utilization, provides critical data required to determine dynamic changes in geothermal reservoirs and their surrounding geological environments, ensure long-term sustainable geothermal exploitation and utilization, and achieve the refined management and protection of geothermal resources. Advances In the narrow sense, geothermal resource monitoring technology is primarily applied to individual wells. In …

Multi-Objective Optimization And Performance Investigation Of Cementing Materials With High Thermal Conductivity Based On Response Surface Methodology, Zhao Yongzhe, Li Wenhao, Wang Yijie, Han Yongliang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Geothermal energy has emerged as a strategic clean energy for the low-carbon transformation of the world's energy mix. Correspondingly, its efficient exploitation and utilization are crucial to the early achievement of the goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality. For geothermal resource exploitation, the thermal conductivity of cementing structures determines the efficiency of heat transfer from strata to geothermal well casings, establishing it as a key factor influencing the efficiency of geothermal energy extraction. Therefore, the research and development of cementing materials with high thermal conductivity can provide robust support for efficient geothermal resource exploitation.Methods The …

Advances In Research On Methods For Intelligent Identification Of Seismic Facies, Liu Xingye, Yu Peilin, He Hengjun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The intelligent identification of seismic facies can significantly improve the efficiency of sedimentary system characterization and hydrocarbon reservoir interpretation. However, influenced by factors such as non-stationary geological bodies, high costs of sample labeling, and limited training samples, conventional methods for intelligent identification are generally insufficient to achieve high identification accuracy and widespread application concurrently. Advances This study presents a systematic review of three types of technologies for the intelligent identification of seismic facies, namely unsupervised, supervised, and semi-supervised learning, with each type including deep learning methods. The three technological types are comparatively verified using 3D seismic data from a …

A Method For 3d Model Reconstruction Of Large-Diameter Rescue Wells Based On Multiple Cameras, Gu Hairong, Wang Boyang, Yang Wenjuan, Tong Yubo, Wang Jiaxi, Sun Lishun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Surface drilling for mine rescue represents a critical technique in the emergency rescue system against mine disasters. To accurately assess the passability of large-diameter rescue wells during rescue operations, it is essential to build precise 3D models of the rescue wells for rapid reconstruction of rescue scenarios. Methods Based on the theory of multi-camera-based 3D model reconstruction, this study investigated the method of arranging four Intel D435i cameras within a large-diameter rescue well. Accordingly, a multi-camera-based 3D model reconstruction system for a large-diameter rescue well was established, involving the joint calibration of the camera array and the selection of …

Discrete Fracture Network Application To Rock Slope Stability In An Open Pit Mine, Elvis Karikari Mensah, Erzah Ackah, Reginald Hammah, Hani Mitri

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The stability of rock slopes in open pit mines is crucial for the safety and efficiency of the mining operation. Conventional stability analysis methods, such as kinematic and limit equilibrium analyses, primarily focus on identifying structural failure mechanisms and evaluating their factors of safety. Although insightful, these approaches do not accurately estimate failure volumes and block locations due to their limited consideration of joint frequency and persistence, which are key parameters in understanding block geometries. Discrete fracture network (DFN) modelling addresses these limitations by explicitly simulating rock mass discontinuities in 3D, which automatically incorporates joint spacing and persistence.

This paper …

Optimization Of Bio-Briquettes Production From Cassava Stems Co-Blended With Sisal Bole Bagasse Using Response Surface Methodology, Agnes Nshoma Msobi, Neema O. Msuya, Kando Khalifa Janga

Tanzania Journal of Science

This research aimed at producing bio-briquettes from cassava stems and sisal bole bagasse as an alternative source of cooking energy. A Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Face - Centered Central Composite Design (FCCCD) featured a multi-objective optimization of the effect of the production parameters, focusing on maximizing char yield and Higher Heating Value (HHV) of the produced briquette while minimizing carbonization temperature and residence time. The findings showed that bio-briquettes produced at the lowest temperature (250 ℃) and residence time (30 min) and the blending ratio of 75% by 25% had the highest char yield of 76.92% and HHV of …

Optimization Of Cyanide Leaching Process Based On Grain Size And Slurry Density In Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining In Tatelu Area, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Dadan Mohamad Nurjaman, Harmin Sulistiyaning Titah, Adji Kawigraha, Ipung Fitri Purwanti, Wahyu Hidayat

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Tatelu Village, North Sulawesi, has shifted from mercury amalgamation to cyanide leaching. However, gold recovery remains inefficient, requiring process optimization. This study uses multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate the influence of grain size and slurry density on gold dissolution. The results indicate that grain size plays a dominant role in leaching efficiency, while slurry density, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), and cyanide concentration have statistically insignificant effects (p > 0.05). Laboratory tests show that finer grain sizes enhance dissolution, with the highest recovery rate of 89.08% achieved at 75% passing through 44 …

A Comprehensive Survey Of Artificial Intelligence Applications In Predicting Mining-Induced Subsidence, Deformation, And Landslides: Strengths, Limitations, And Future Trends, Long Quoc Nguyen, Dung Ba Nguyen, Minh Tuyet Dang

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Mining activities often cause mining-induced ground deformation, including subsidence and landslides, and related geo-environmental impacts, posing significant risks to infrastructure and safety. This study conducts a systematic assessment to identify, categorize, and evaluate AI-based methods (machine learning, deep learning, and hybrid models) for predicting and monitoring mining-induced ground deformation. The literature search was performed across major scientific databases, using predefined keywords and selection criteria, resulting in a final dataset of relevant peer-reviewed studies. The reviewed works were classified into three methodological groups: traditional machine learning, deep learning-based approaches, and hybrid methods. The results show that ML still dominates in terms …

Western Kentucky University Stormwater Utility Survey 2026, Warren Campbell

SEAS Faculty Publications

In the U.S., more than 2200 stormwater utilities have been enacted. This year, we have expanded the survey to include stormwater utilities in other countries. Many of these stormwater assessments are called taxes, but if the assessment is recurring, is not an ad valorem tax, and is dedicated to stormwater purposes, we call it a stormwater utility. With the help of ChatGPT we have been able to identify 25 stormwater fees in Australia. We were also able to identify 3 in New Zealand, and some in Europe as well.

Evaluating Soil Health And Crop Yield In Louisiana Agricultural Systems: Impacts Of Best Management Practices And Prediction Models, Hector J. Mendoza Lagos

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The adoption of conservation management practices is critical for improving soil health, enhancing nutrient use efficiency, and sustaining crop productivity in row crop systems in Louisiana. This study evaluated the role of conservation agronomic practices, soil biochemical indicators, and machine learning predictive models to improve soil nutrient dynamics, soil health indicators, microbial communities (MC), and crop productivity on a corn (Zea mays L.) research plot scale and in a commercial forty-hectare cotton (Gassypium hirsutum L.)-corn-soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation system in northeast Louisiana. The objectives of the study were to evaluate soil nutrient dynamics and MCs under …

High-Throughput Robotic Ethanol Inhibition Assays For Engineered Thermophilic Biofuel Strains, Kevin He, Daniel Olson, Marybeth Maloney, Anthony Lanahan

Wetterhahn Science Symposium Posters

Ethanol stress assays are commonly used to evaluate microbial tolerance, metabolic adaptation, and fermentation performance. However, manual liquid handling introduces variability across replicate wells and small-volume pipetting steps, limiting reproducibility and throughput. This study developed an automated OT-2 robotic workflow to generate replicated ethanol concentration gradients for high-throughput inhibition assays in engineered thermophilic biofuel strains. Kinetic plate-reader measurements were used to quantify ethanol-dependent growth responses under anaerobic fermentation conditions. The reasearch question is: How do engineered thermophilic biofuel strains differ in ethanol-dependent growth inhibition under anaerobic fermentation conditions, and can automated robotic assays improve the reproducibility of these measurements? Can …

Mining And Sustainable Development In Sierra Leone: The Role Of Institutional Quality, Ibrahim Massaquoi

Journal of Sustainable Mining

While mining can drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote infrastructural development, it also poses risks to the environment, human health, and social well-being. Therefore, to achieve sustainable development, responsible mining is crucial. This study empirically examines the role of institutional quality in the mining-sustainable development nexus in Sierra Leone. With the use of the planetary pressures-adjusted human development index (PHDI) as a comprehensive measure of sustainable development, the study is able to integrate economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model confirms the existence of both short-run and long-run dynamics. The results of the study show …

From Follower To Leader: Seismic Coal Exploration Techniques In China Over The Past 70 Years−In Celebration Of The 70th Anniversary Of Ccteg Xi’An Research Institute (Group) Co., Ltd., Cheng Jianyuan, Wang Yunhong, Wang Baoli, Li Gang, Li Yuteng, Qin Si

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background After 70 years of innovation and development, China has successfully transformed from a follower into a leader in both high-resolution surface seismic coal exploration techniques and underground in-seam seismic exploration techniques for coal mines. Furthermore, it has achieved disruptive innovations in intelligent seismic-while-mining (SWM) and seismic-while-tunneling (SWT) techniques. These achievements have established China’s worldwide leading position in the overall development of seismic coal exploration techniques.Advances In terms of high-resolution surface seismic coal exploration techniques, China has undergone four development stages: arduously catching up, striving to follow, keeping pace with continuously, and overtaking international counterparts with advanced techniques during …

Key Techniques For Volume Fracturing Of Deep Coalbed Methane Reservoirs And Their Applications: A Case Study Of The Daning-Jixian Block, Li Shuguang, Xiong Xianyue, Zhen Huaibin, Bai Kunsen, Ji Yuan, Yuan Pu, Li Zhongbai, Zhu Weiping

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Deep coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs generally exhibit ultra-low porosity and permeability, high stress, predominance of nanopores, and complex fracture propagation. These characteristics complicate reservoir stimulation, thereby restricting the enhancement in single-well productivity and commercial exploitation. Since 2019, technologies for deep CBM recovery have evolved from volumetric acid fracturing, which highlights the enhancement of matrix permeability, into large-scale volume fracturing focusing on the elevation of both the fracture network scale and proppant efficiency. In 2023, ultra-large-scale volume fracturing aimed at maximizing estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) was further developed. However, the implementation of this novel technique poses challenges such as a …

Sealing Performance Evaluation Criteria And Profile Optimization Of The Volumetric Cavities Of Positive Displacement Motors For Directional Drilling, Kuang Yuchun, Hu Xin, Zhou Jingpei, Luo Jinwu, Liu Yihui, Han Yiwei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Constrained by complex stratigraphic conditions in underground coal mines, directional drilling faces challenges such as low efficiency when encountering medium-hard and hard formations. Positive displacement motors (PDMs) with a diameter of 89 mm are commonly used for directional drilling. Their efficiency is primarily influenced by the sealing performance of their volumetric cavities, which further significantly affects the drilling efficiency. Methods Based on the structural characteristics of the three-dimensional (3D) volumetric cavities of PDMs and the simulation method of two-way fluid-structure interactions, this study proposed the criteria for quantitatively evaluating the efficiency and volumetric cavity performance of PDMs, followed by …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Instruments For Simulation Experiments On Coal-Rock Dynamic Disasters In China: Current Status And Key Challenges, Yuan Liang, Tang Haopeng, Ma Yankun, Wu Hua, Zhang Yachao, Jiao Biao, Wang Hao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Coal-rock dynamic disasters represent engineering disasters caused by the instability of the multi-phase and multi-field coupling of coal strata under mining disturbances, severely restricting the safe exploitation of deep coal resources. Elucidating the disaster-inducing mechanisms lays the foundation for exploring effective monitoring and early warning, along with prevention and control technologies, while instruments for simulation experiments provide crucial tools for investigating the mechanisms. Gradually increasing scientific and technological level has contributed to the continuous improvement in China's independently developed instruments for simulation experiments on coal-rock dynamic disasters. However, as engineering activities progressively extend toward deep parts, the multi-phase and …

Biogeochemical Mechanisms Behind Water Quality Evolution And Valuable Element Reutilization Of Abandoned Mine Drainage: A Review, Wu Pan, Huang Jiangxun, Li Qingguang, Zhang Ruixue, Li Bo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Abandoned mine drainage, also known as acidic mine drainage (AMD), represents a major pollution source in mining areas while also serving as an important carrier of strategic critical metals and underground space utilization. In China, water pollution stemming from coal mining is more severe in the south than in the north. This spatial pattern is jointly shaped by climatic conditions, geological settings, and mining history. Advances From the perspective of the environmental geochemical frontier, this study presents a systematic review of AMD formation and evolution mechanisms, as well as technologies for water pollution prevention and control, resource recovery, and …

Pathways And Modes For Prevention And Control Of Acid Mine Drainage-Induced Pollution In China, Liu Guo, Chen Qian, Gan Xinzhu, Tang Jie, Zhu Mingtan, Fan Jiajun, Ren Shuang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Mining activities in polymetallic sulfide mines significantly disrupt regional hydrogeochemical equilibrium, leading to the formation of acid mine drainage (AMD). Consequently, severe pollution of aquatic environments occurs, posing a threat to regional water resource security. To lay the foundation for the prevention and control of AMD-induced pollution, it is necessary to investigate the formation and evolution mechanisms of AMD and establish a low-cost, sustainable risk management and control mode. Methods Based on field sampling and literature research, this study made statistics of the hydrochemical characteristics of AMD from different polymetallic sulfide mining areas across China and elucidated the processes …