Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons^™

Carbon Markets: A New Opportunity For Farmers, Emma Wrede

Op-Eds from ENSC230 Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policies

Farmers have always known that healthy soil is their greatest asset to their success. Carbon markets are simply finding a new way to identify, measure, and compensate that value in a new way. In a time where every dollar counts, carbon credit markets can strengthen farmers’ margins and enhance their land health which they depend on. With continued research, improved regulation, and clearer guidelines, this system will work for both farmers and the environment.

Nebraska's Hidden Goldmine: Wind Power On Farms, Adelaide Witte

Op-Eds from ENSC230 Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policies

Nebraska’s been hesitant to go all in on wind energy. People often worry about things like noise, how turbines look, or even potential impacts on human health. Community concerns are valid and should always be acknowledged. However, addressing them doesn’t require putting all development on hold.

“The Good Life” Of Ai, Lauren Smith

Op-Eds from ENSC230 Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policies

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is powered by data centers, sprawling warehouses of servers that require massive amounts of electricity and water to operate. The United Statesalready has more than 1,000 data centers, with nearly 400 more on the way.

Nebraska is next. Google is building a major new data center in North Lincoln, adding to the 18 operating across the state.

Our collective use of tools like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot has fueled a boom in generative AI, and with it a surge in energy and water consumption.

The need for AI regulation isn’t a future concern. It’s …

The Land Competition Between Crops And Solar: Why Nebraska Farmers May Not Have To Choose, Jada Vogel

Op-Eds from ENSC230 Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policies

There are significant benefits that can come from implementing agrivoltaics on farms in Nebraska. The economic gains from the use of agrivoltaics alone may be sufficient to get individuals to pursue their use.

The Myth Of Clean Manufacturing, Andrea Phan

Op-Eds from ENSC230 Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policies

We must act now and reform renewable energy credits to reflect real progress. This means tightening Scope 2 rules so that renewable claims are tied to additional, time and location matched, clean power. It means rewarding measurable integration, so that real emissions are avoided, not waived by retroactive certificates. RECs can still play a role, but only in a system that demands we use the tools we already have.

Nebraska’S Best Option: Carbon Capture, Leah Bates

Op-Eds from ENSC230 Energy and the Environment: Economics and Policies

Some may argue that carbon capture technologies are not optimal due to their high costs or how they take focus away from implementing renewable energy sources. However, carbon capture and storage technologies are currently the best options in reducing carbon emission and Nebraska is leading the way.

Diffusion Of Innovation Of Port Decarbonization Measures : A Case Study Approach, Clint Rocky Mcculloch, Lucas Fernando Vaquero Roviriego

Port Management Dissertations

The dissertation is a study of how stakeholders diffuse innovation in port decarbonization strategies through a case study approach, with emphasis on the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) relating to the technical and operational measures in the developing regions. Port, being a critical hub in global supply chains, have to manage the increasing pressure of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in alignment with International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2023 GHG strategy as well as the Paris Agreement. However, there is a gap in empirical research, specifically in non-European regions like South America and the Caribbean, highlighting the need for insights from stakeholders’ …

Detection And Prevention Of Water Inrush From Seam Floor During Coal Mining Above Confined Aquifer, Weidong Pan, Yupei Deng, Houlin Du, Shiqi Liu, Mingtao Xu, Xingjie Liu

Journal of Sustainable Mining

With the increasing intensity of coal resource exploitation in China, the geological conditions of the working face are becoming more and more complex, and the bottom plate breakage (bottom bulge) and water inrush disasters caused by pressurized water mining are becoming more prominent. This article is based on the 21605 working face of Xin’an Coal Mine in Zaozhuang Mining Group. Through theoretical analysis and numerical calculations, the characteristics and scope of coal seam floor failure in the working face are obtained. Especially, the electrode cable direct current detection system designed through self-optimization was used for actual testing. Research shows that …

The Suitability Of Advanced Geospatial Technologies In Monitoring Mine Surface Displacement, Long Quoc Nguyen, Tuyet Minh Dang, Lipecki Tomasz

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This study conducts a thorough review of the current scientific literature on the application of geospatial methods in the assessment of mining-induced displacement. The scope of research included technologies for determining deformation, subsidence, and landslide in mining areas. Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Terrestrial Laser Scanners, Remote Sensing, and fusion methods are approaches used to solve the research objectives. Additionally, the paper also mentions some advantages, disadvantages, and scope of application of these methods. The investigation revealed that the displacement detection method most commonly used at the moment is satellite radar interferometry.

Towards Sustainable Mining: Ghg Considerate Open Pit Long-Term Planning Using Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search Algorithm, Bahar Amirmoeini, Martin Grenon, Ali Moradi Afrapoli

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Mine planning involves the systematic design and coordination of mineral extraction from the earth’s crust, integrating exploration, production, and various engineering considerations. With increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility, the mining industry is under pressure to incorporate environmental considerations into mine planning. This paper addresses the precedence-constrained production scheduling problem (PCPSP) within the context of green long-term mining planning, aiming to optimize extraction processes while restricting carbon emission. Given the NP-hard nature of the PCPSP, this study introduces an adaptive large neighborhood search (ALNS) algorithm tailored specifically for long-term mine planning. A range of computational experiments have been carried out, including …

Economic Viability And Environmental Sustainability: A Cost-Benefit Analysis Of Green Technologies In Mineral Extraction, Tshinkobo Bukasa Orphea, Agyingi Babaca Agyingib, Xiangrui Meng

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This research offers a novel approach to comparing green technologies’ economic profitability and environmental sustainability of their mineral extraction based upon econometric and life cycle assessment methodologies. Quantitative results show attractive results with an NPV of $2,014,001 and an IRR of 17%. In the third year, the project nets at $300,000, or 63%, at a 7% discount rate. However, soil protection remains challenging, but pollution coefficients are improved, as evidenced by environmental impact assessments (EIAs). The findings in the study further underscore how regulatory frameworks and market drivers dictate the use of green technology. The economic, environmental and regulatory costs …

A Case Study Comparing The Results Of A Copper Open-Pit Mine Scheduling Considering Two Different Approaches For Spatial Interpolation Of Comminution Geometallurgical Variables, Sílvia Martins, Pedro Campos, Douglas Mazzinghy

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The use of geometallurgical variables to improve the accuracy obtained in mine planning is an increasingly present reality in mining. However, the way these variables are interpolated to construct the block model is still a major challenge since they are non-additive variables. In this case study, a database from a copper mine located in Brazil was used to compare mining planning by Direct Block Scheduling using two spatial interpolation approaches. In the first approach, the geometallurgy block model was produced interpolating the comminution indexes Axb and BWI from the drill holes, and the specific energy was calculated at each block. …

Impact Of Multiple Mining Subsidence On Large Diameter Steel Pipelines: The Upper Silesian Coal Basin Case Study, Piotr Kalisz, Magdalena Zięba, Marcin Grygierek

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The article concerns the impact of multiple mining subsidence on pipeline expansion capacity based on the analysis of the field research results. The article presents a case study related to a water mains system that supplies drinking water to approximately 3.5 million consumers. These pipelines are made of steel with diameters of 1600 mm and 1400 mm. The water mains partly run through mining and post-mining areas in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin in Poland. These pipelines are equipped with expansion joints to protect them against the impact of ground deformations. The field research concerned the assessment of the position …

Recovery Of Magnesium Sulfate And Calcium Sulfate From Zinc Flotation Tailing, Raquel Húngaro Costa, Jonathan Tenório Vinhal, Tatiana Scarazzato, Denise Crocce Romano Espinosa

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Resource recovery is a process that has been used to obtain products from industrial waste. Mining tailings can be used as an alternative through ore beneficiation to create by-products for this type of waste. The work herein investigated the recovery of two products from a real tailing generated in the Zn beneficiation route in the flotation step. A non-magnetic fraction was submitted to a hydrometallurgical route to produce MgSO₄ and CaSO_4. Thermodynamic simulations using FactSage software were performed to evaluate the optimal leaching conditions varying the S:L ratio, the sulfuric acid concentration, and temperature. The best modeled conditions …

Enrichment Factors And Play Fairway Mapping Of Helium In Typical Zones Of The Ordos Basin, Gao Jianrong, Tao Shizhen, Liu Xiangbai, Yang Wei, Zhao Zhenyu, Chen Xiuyan, Xu Wanglin, Zhang Chunlin, Song Wei, Chen Yue, Huang Junping, Ma Zhanrong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The Ordos Basin enjoys abundant natural gas resources, which generally bear helium, making this basin hold great helium resource potential. In this case, detailed exploration is essential for the future transition from natural gas-helium joint exploration to special helium exploration in the basin.Objective and Method To systematically investigate the distribution and potential of helium resources in the Ordos Basin, natural gas samples were taken from different areas of the basin for analysis and tests. To examine the primary factors controlling helium accumulation and enrichment, this study conducted a systematic analysis of the basement, sedimentary rock layers, fault systems, …

Process And Mechanism Of Defluorination Using Magnesium Chloride-Modified Coal Gangue, Zhao Li, Zhou Wangxu, Zhang Qing, Xing Mingfei, Xu Feng, Kong Weifang, Liu Yifei, Qin Guangyu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The rapid development of industry has resulted in a yearly increase in wastewater discharge, which induces a gradually rising fluorine concentration in water. In this context, removing fluoride using natural materials and industrial waste has emerged as a popular research topic. Coal gangue, one of the largest contributors to industrial waste in China, contains substantial clay minerals, and its pore structure can be effectively improved through modification. This helps significantly enhance its adsorption performance and thus achieve efficient fluoride removal from water. Methods This study investigated coal gangue from a typical mining area of the Henan Energy and Chemical …

A Modular Casing While Drilling Rig For Large-Diameter Horizontal Boreholes For Underground Rescue, Fan Dong, Ni Xiaoyang, Mu Shuyuan, Zou Zujie, Wen Guojun, Li Yingping, Lu Feifei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Operations in a narrow space pose a challenge to rescue in the case of the collapse of mine roadways or tunnels. To address this challenge, this study developed a modular rescue casing while drilling (CwD) rig system for horizontal boreholes. With the capacity for quick responses, this CwD rig was designed to enhance the rescue efficiency and safety under complex geological conditions. Methods Following the modular design concept and compact layout principle, this study optimized core components such as the power heads, feed devices, and power system. The auxiliary operation vehicle was checked against overturning through multibody dynamics (MBD) …

Structural Optimization For Transfer Chutes Based On Energy Dissipation Mechanisms Of Coal Particles, Shi Yaocheng, Zou Zujie, Wen Guojun, Cheng Siyi, Wu Laijie, Wang Yudan, Liu Pu, Chen Mengxi

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Bulk material transport in emergency rescue scenarios and coal transportation poses stringent demands for the structural performance of transfer chutes. Given this, from the perspective of the energy dissipation mechanisms of particles, this study proposed structural optimization methods for transfer chutes based on the regulation of particle energy dissipation. Methods An experiment–simulation integrated analysis framework was established. Using this framework, this study systematically simulated the impact process of particles between two-stage walls I and Ⅱ using the discrete element method (DEM), highlighting the coupling mechanisms among velocity fluctuations, stress distribution, and energy transformation pathways. Based on the results, this …

A Simulation And Experimental Study Of Bottomhole Flow Field In A Large-Diameter Rescue Borehole, Zhao Yan, Liu Songhe, Hao Shijun, Zhao Jiangpeng, Li Peishu, Wang Xuebo, Yu Yongping, Gao Ke, Dong Bo, Zhang Bo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In mine rescue, reaming using a large-diameter down-the-hole (DTH) hammer faces is challenged by complex bottomhole flow fields and difficult slag discharge. This study aims to address these challenges. Methods To reveal the influence patterns of drilling parameters on the bottomhole flow field and slag discharge efficiency, this study determined the optimal drilling parameter combination. Then, using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-discrete phase model (DPM) method, this study established a numerical model for the slag discharge and bottomhole flow field during the reverse circulation drilling using a DTH hammer. Relying on this model, this study analyzed the variation patterns …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Injection-Production Process Parameters Of Well Group Configurations For Autothermic Pyrolysis In Situ Conversion Of Oil Shale, Zeng Yijian, Zhu Chaofan, Li Yanwei, Shui Haoche, Guo Wei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background A well group acts as a multi-well synergistic unit, and its configuration directly determines both the selection of optimal injection–production process and the utilization efficiency of stratigraphic conditions, ultimately affecting the overall performance of resource recovery. Methods Using numerical simulations, this study assessed the performance of autothermic pyrolysis in situ conversion (ATS) under three vertical well group configurations: one injection well and one production well (1I1P), one injection well surrounded by four production wells (1I4P), and one injection well surrounded by six production wells (1I6P). Furthermore, it revealed the synergistic mechanisms between well group configuration and energy efficiency. Results …

High-Precision Reconstruction Of Seismic Data Based On Improved U-Net++, Wang Minling, Zhou Fei, Wang Honghua, He Xiang, Hou Zhiyang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Conventional reconstruction methods are insufficient for the reconstruction of seismic data with missing consecutive traces, producing a negative impact on subsequent processing accuracy. Hence, this study proposed CU-Net++, a deep learning network based on the U-Net++ architecture combined with the convolutional block attention module (CBAM). Methods During the reconstruction of missing data, the independent decoder for each sub-U-Net in the nested U-Net++ architecture enables the utilization of information from different depths. The long and short skip connections can effectively enhance the network's capability to extract multi-scale features from data. The core innovation of CU-Net++ is the introduction of CBAM, …

Attenuation Characteristics And Wave Impedance Inversion Of Depth-Domain Nonstationary Seismic Data, Ma Ming, Ma Feng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The efficient application of depth migration methods has enabled the extensive implementation of depth-domain seismic data interpretation. Previous studies on the impacts of time-to-depth conversion and velocity models merely determine that an increase in depth corresponds to reduced dominant wavenumber of seismic waves and waveform stretching, without considering the changes in amplitude and phase. Objective This study aims to accurately characterize the waveforms of nonstationary seismic signals in the depth domain and enhance the impedance inversion accuracy. Methods First, based on energy dissipation and frequency dispersion effects during the propagation of seismic waves, this study investigated the complex mapping …

Application Of Geophysical Logging To Selection Of Optimum Target Horizons For Salt Cavern Storage: A Case Study Of Borehole Zk01 In Qingjiang Salt Mine, Jiangxi Province, China, Liu Dongming, Lin Zhenzhou, Liu Dongyan, Qiu Changyi, Liang Mingxing, Zhai Jinghong, Zhang Jie, Jiang Zhengzhong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Under the guidance of the strategies to achieve the goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality, salt cavern storage facilities, serving as key infrastructure for clean energy strategic reserves, have emerged as a core approach to promoting the transformation and upgrade of the salt industry and to building a low-carbon energy system in China. Jiangxi Province, located in the middle part of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, is endowed with abundant salt rock resources, making it a national priority zone for developing resources for salt cavern storage. However, traditional methods for the siting of the facilities rely …

Analysis Of The Connotation Of Hidden Disaster-Causing Factors In Coal Mines And The Key Points Of Their Reconnaissance, Lian Huiqing, Wang Xu, Yin Shangxian, Xia Xiangxue, Cao Min, Li Qixing, Wu Xiaoming, Zhang Bin, Wang Yangyu, Zhang Qing, Wang Guo’An

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background To systematically normalize the reconnaissance of hidden disaster-causing factors in coal mines, the National Mine Safety Administration issued the Specification for General Survey of Hidden Disaster-causing Factors in Mine in 2024. Nevertheless, coal mining enterprises still face a range of notable issues in reconnaissance of hidden disaster-causing factors, including ambiguous connotations of the factors, broad scopes of reconnaissance, unclear implementation stages, a disjunction between explorations and reconnaissance, and improper conclusion descriptions. These problems severely restrict scientific and operational reconnaissance.Methods This study reviews the history of research on the reconnaissance of hidden disaster-causing factors, presents a summary of significant …

Molecular Simulations Of Selective Adsorption Of Lithium In The No.6 Coal Seam, Junggar Coalfield, Zhang Junshuang, Sun Beilei, Zhang Bin, Liu Chao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective With the discovery of metal deposits in coal-bearing strata, the distribution and occurrence patterns of lithium in coals have attracted much attention. However, its partitioning mode between organic structures and minerals in coals remains poorly understood.Methods This study investigated typical coals with a high lithium content in the Junggar Coalfield in Inner Mongolia. By integrating multiple simulation methods, including quantum mechanics, Monte Carlo simulation, and molecular dynamics, this study established the structural models of organic matter and inorganic minerals, as well as a visualized lithium-coal molecular structure model. Accordingly, it investigated the preferential adsorption sites on both organic …

Molecular Simulation Of Adsorption And Diffusion Behaviors Of High-Concentration Helium In Salt Cavern Storage Reservoirs, Chen Zeya, Wanyan Qiqi, Liu Mancang, Liu Xiaoqiang, Chen Jianfa, Li Kang, Wu Jianan, You Bing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Artificial salt cavern underground helium storage is the optimal approach for achieving long-term, large-scale strategic helium storage and represents an essential solution for establishing an autonomous, controllable helium supply system. The core challenge currently constraining China’s development of salt cavern underground helium storage facilities lies in the sealing capacity of salt rock against high-concentration helium (helium volume fraction ≥70%). Methods Molecular dynamics simulation was used in this study, a composite model of salt rock slit pore and channel pore was constructed to reveal the influences of temperature-pressure conditions, helium concentration, and pore fluid properties on the occurrence state and …

Source And Primary Factors Controlling Differential Enrichment For Helium In The Dongping Gas Field, Qaidam Basin, Xu Zhusong, Li Jian, Wang Xiaobo, Cui Huiying, Xia Yutian, Tian Jixian, Li Wanting, Chen Dawei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background In recent years, promising helium-rich natural gas shows have been discovered in the Dongping gas field. However, the helium resources in the gas field exhibit lateral heterogeneity and vertical differential accumulation in multiple sequences, which restrict the further exploration of these resources. Methods By analyzing the lateral and vertical distribution characteristics of helium in the Dongping gas field, this study explored its origin and sources, analyzed the differences in geological backgrounds between helium-rich and helium-deficient gas reservoirs, and systematically summarized the differential enrichment pattern across different blocks within the Dongping gas field.Results and Conclusions In the Dongping gas …

Water Filling Intensity Assessment Of A Coal Seam Roof In The Dahaize Coal Mine, Northern Ordos Basin, Liu Xi, Ding Xiang, Huang Haiyu, Li Zhaoyang, Li Zhe, Zheng Sheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Assessing water filling intensity in coal seam floors lays a foundation for the prevention and control of water hazards in mines. However, in the Jurassic coalfield in the northern Ordos Basin, complex hydrogeological structures and sedimentary heterogeneity pose severe challenges to traditional evaluation methods. Methods This study investigated the water hazard characteristics in the superimposed aquifers of the Jurassic Yan’an and Zhiluo formations in the Dahaize Coal Mine in northern Shaanxi. The purpose is to establish a zoning and assessment system of water filling intensity that is suitable for continental sedimentary settings and to provide a scientific basis for …

Characteristics And Formation Processes Of Helium-Bearing Gas Reservoirs In Deep Strata In The Xujiaweizi Fault Depression, Songliao Basin, Ren Jiahao, He Yanxin, Tian Wei, Wang Lei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Method The Xujiaweizi Fault Depression in the Songliao Basin contains multiple helium-bearing gas fields. However, the assessment methods for helium resources and helium accumulation patterns in the fault depression are yet to be determined. Using 3D seismic data and logs from 24 wells, this study optimized the helium resource assessment method based on natural gamma-ray spectral logging. Using the optimized method, this study quantitatively assessed the helium-generating potential and theoretical helium production of crust-derived helium in deep strata in the Xujiaweizi Fault Depression. By combining the geochemical characteristics of the helium-bearing gas reservoirs and the simulation results of …