Engineering Commons^™

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 …

Label-Flip Attack Detection Via Trust-Weighted Aggregation In Federated Learning For Underground Mine Security, Md Sazedur Rahman, Sanjay Madria, Samuel Frimpong

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Underground mining operations are increasingly dependent on autonomous vehicles, robotic drilling systems, and intelligent inspection platforms operating in confined, GPS-denied tunnel environments. These systems rely on distributed perception models to interpret navigation cues, hazard warnings, and environmental signals in real time. While centralized deep learning can enhance model performance, transferring raw operational data across mining sites introduces serious confidentiality and security risks. Federated Learning (FL) offers a privacy-preserving alternative by enabling collaborative model training without sharing local datasets. However, deploying FL in underground mining introduces several critical challenges: (i) Training labels may be modified either maliciously by compromised clients or …

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 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 …

Public Preferences For Critical Mineral Mining In The U.S.: Evidence From A Discrete Choice Experiment, Bamidele Ajiga, Kwame Awuah-Offei, Mahelet G. Fikru

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Even though there is widespread recognition that we need to mine more critical minerals for national security and energy needs, concerns about environmental impacts often lead to public opposition to proposed new mining projects. The literature lacks sufficient data from communities with proposed mineral projects to assess drivers of differences in support. This study investigates public preferences for mining projects in three states in the United States with proposed critical minerals projects, using a discrete choice experiment. Respondents evaluated projects that vary in job creation, state tax revenue, tailings reprocessing content, groundwater impacts, and surface water impacts. We also randomly …

Review Of Recovery Processes Of Palladium, Platinum, Gold, And Silver From Metallurgical Wastes, Luis Sanchez-Calderon, Marthias Silwamba, Lana Alagha

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), and palladium (Pd) are precious metals with high economic value and critical industrial significance. Platinum and Pd, in particular, are classified as critical metals by major economies such as the United States, European Union, Japan, and South Korea due to their limited supply and essential roles in clean energy and high-technology applications. The rising market value and criticality of these metals have generated interest in their recovery, not just from primary ores and traditional source materials but also from secondary sources, such as metallurgical wastes. This review provides a thorough evaluation of current and …

Exploiting Underground Mine Topology For Resilient Concurrent Lora Mesh Emergency Communications: Architecture, Protocol Design, And Performance Analysis, Hilary Kelechi Anabi, Samuel Frimpong, Muhammad Azeem Raza

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Underground mine emergencies compromise fixed communication infrastructure exactly when situational awareness is most critical for effective rescue operations. Existing LoRa mesh protocols fail in underground mines because they ignore the structured topology of tunnel networks, specifically the waveguide effect along straight galleries, severe signal discontinuity at junctions, and the dead-end geometry of working faces. This paper presents the Topology-Aware Concurrent LoRa (TACL) mesh protocol, in which each node autonomously infers its structural role from local RF observations and packet header information, without GPS, pre-loaded mine maps, or central coordination. Role classification resolves the contender estimation problem (Formula presented.) left open …

Mechanism-Based Assessment Of Respirable Dust Exposure In Miners: Integrating Cfd-Dpm Simulation With Personalized Monitoring For Occupational Health Risk, Jiajun An, Fan Geng, Yuqing Feng, Changgeng Gui, Shihang Li, Xinjian He, Guang Xu, Zheng Zhang, Yibao Wang

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Respirable dust in confined mine environments represents a significant environmental and occupational health challenge, requiring advanced monitoring and risk assessment methodologies. Current area-level monitoring overlooks the heterogeneity of personal exposure fields and the critical influence of human-ventilation interactions on local contaminant dispersion. This study develops an integrated monitoring-simulation method to quantify multi-worker dust exposure, assessing how worker position and orientation modulate risk under forced ventilation in narrow roadways. Occupational-specific dust sampling provided validation data for a three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics-Discrete Phase Model (CFD-DPM) incorporating human-ventilation interactions. The model integrates a MATLAB-developed breathing function to dynamically couple respiratory cycles with particle …

Low-Cost Path-Loss Characterization For Underground Mine Tunnels Using Lora Transceivers At 915 Mhz, Hilary Kelechi Anabi, Samuel Frimpong, Muhammad Azeem Raza

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Accurate path-loss models are essential for planning reliable wireless networks in underground mines, yet existing characterization studies rely on specialized channel sounders and vector network analyzers costing tens of thousands of dollars, placing them beyond the reach of most mine operators. This paper demonstrates that LoRa transceivers costing approximately US $15 per node can serve as a self-contained path-loss measurement instrument, logging the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) directly to a CSV file over a standard USB serial connection. A measurement campaign conducted at the Missouri S&T Experimental Mine on 31 March 2026 collected 4801 packets …

Effect Of Allocation And Allocation Avoidance Methods On Life-Cycle Impact Results For Tellurium Production From Copper Anode Slimes, Ioanna Paschalidou, Kwame Awuah-Offei, Michael Moats

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The global transition toward green energy has increased demand for metals and intensified the need for sustainable supply sources. Tellurium (Te), an essential metal for photovoltaics technology, is produced primarily as a by-product of copper refinery slimes treatment. This study conducts a life-cycle assessment (LCA) study of Te production to investigate the effect of environmental impact allocation choices on LCA results in multi-product metal systems. A cradle-to-gate LCA model of the Te product system was developed in SimaPro v9.5.0.1 software by combining industrial data, Ecoinvent v3.7.1 datasets, and literature information. Environmental impacts were quantified using the ReCiPe v1.04 Midpoint method …

A Carbon Fiber-Based Self-Sensing Approach For Monitoring Damage Evolution In Coal Pillars, Shan Ning, Weibing Zhu, Jie Gao, Wei Qin, Guang Xu, Jingmin Xu

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Under long-term high stress and dynamic disturbances, damage accumulation within underground coal masses can induce sudden instability, posing a considerable threat to coal mine safety. Real-time acquisition of coal damage information is essential for disaster prevention and control. This study proposes a coal damage and fracturing monitoring approach based on a carbon fiber composite mortar (CFCM) coating. By applying the CFCM coating to coal specimen surfaces and monitoring resistance changes, the dynamic evolution of damage can be tracked. The study combines experimental mechanical loading, continuous electrical resistance monitoring and acoustic emission recording with detailed numerical modelling to comprehensively evaluate sensing …

Nanobubble Flotation Strategy Of Fluorite Integrating Experimental And Dft Analysis, Ahmed Sobhy, Hadeer El-Shamy, Nourhan Ahmed, Mohsen Farahat

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The conventional froth flotation of fluorite from quartz-rich ores is reagent-intensive and faces selectivity challenges, impacting its economic and environmental sustainability. This study presents a novel green intensification strategy through the synergistic integration of nanobubble (NB) technology with Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations. Systematic optimization of sodium oleate (collector) and sodium silicate (depressant) dosages in conjunction with hydrodynamic parameters (air/wash water velocity, NB generation rate) was conducted in both mechanical and column flotation systems. The incorporation of nanobubbles yielded transformative improvements: in mechanical flotation, collector and depressant consumption were reduced by over 50% while maintaining a concentrate grade exceeding 90% …

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 …

Geophysical Responses And Their Statistical Relationships With Lithium And Kaolinite Contents For Lithium-Rich Coals In The Yangquan Mining Area, Chen Tongjun, Xu Haicheng, Li Wan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective China, representing the world's largest consumer of lithium resources, suffers from a limited endowment of conventional lithium resources, rendering it inevitable for China to seek to develop and utilize abundant coal-hosted lithium resources. Through a comparative analysis of coal samples from the lithium-rich No. 8 and the ordinary No. 15 coal seams in the Taiyuan Formation, Yangquan mining area, Shanxi Province, this study explored the statistical relationships between the lithium and kaolinite contents and geophysical responses. Accordingly, the feasibility of the indirect detection of coal-hosted lithium resources using geophysical methods was assessed. Methods First, by testing the lithium content …

Underground Tunnel Drilling Technology And Equipment For Coal Mines In China: A 50-Year Retrospective And Prospects, Tian Hongliang, Li Wangnian, Li Quanxin, Yao Ke, Liu Jianlin, Chang Jianghua

Coal Geology & Exploration

Bcakground Underground tunnel drilling in coal mines represents an indispensable key means for the safe and efficient coal mining, precise disaster prevention and control, and geological transparency of coal mines. This study presents a systematic review of the development history of underground tunnel drilling technology and equipment for coal mines in China over the past 50 years, during which the technology and equipment have evolved from technology introduction to independent innovation and from following to keeping pace with and even to overtaking international counterparts.Advances Initially, this study expatiates on both the important position of coal resources in the national …

Key Techniques And Application Of The Zdy15000ldk High-Power Automatic Directional Drilling Rig, Li Quanxin, Zhang Gang, Fang Peng, Xing Wang, Yao Ke, Zhang Rui, Zhang Boyang, Zhao Xuefeng, Shi Yang, Sun Hanyu, Jia Qian

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective For deep mining of coal mines, conventional directional drilling rigs face challenges including high labor intensity, limited control accuracy, a low intelligence level, and failure to meet the demand for efficient gas drainage. Meanwhile, high-power automatic drilling rigs encounter technical bottlenecks in automation, control accuracy, and process intelligence in this context. To address these issues, this study proposed an integrated and systematic solution—the ZDY15000LDK high-power automatic directional drilling rig. Methods Using a compact structural layout, a drill rod handling system was developed, consisting of a drill rod loading/unloading manipulator with four degrees of freedom and an automatic drill rod …

Geological Environment’S Dynamic Responses And Damage Reduction-Oriented Geological Guarantee In Coal In-Situ Conversion, Wang Shuangming, Geng Jishi, Sun Qiang, Shi Qingmin, Liu Lang, Wang Shengquan, Yang Yuru, Yuan Shihao, Zhang He, Hu Xin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Coal in-situ conversion (ISC) emerges as an important transformative technology for clean and efficient utilization of coal resources. However, safe and stable coal ISC is currently restricted by two major bottlenecks: an unclear understanding of the mechanisms underlying the geological environment’s dynamic responses and a lack of damage reduction-oriented geological guarantee. Methods To construct a damage reduction-oriented geological guarantee system for safe and green coal ISC, this study, from the perspective of the geological environment’s dynamic responses throughout coal ISC, elucidates the scientific connotations of both the dynamic responses and the geological guarantee in coal ISC. Based on the …