Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons^™

Summary And Reflections On Coal And Coalbed Methane Co-Production And Coalbed Methane Extraction In Coal Mining Areas, Zhang Sui’An, Zhang Xiao, Li Xuechen, Hu Huiting

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background To curb coal mine gas accidents from sources, exploit low-carbon and clean coalbed methane (CBM) resources, and protect the atmospheric environment (achieved by methane emission reduction in coal mining areas), the authors’ team, by working with Shanxi Jincheng Anthracite Mining Group and cooperating closely with relevant research institutes, colleges, and universities, has progressively developed theories with clear concepts and scientific connotations, as well as relevant technical systems and industrial paradigms, for coal and CBM co-production through over two decades of original, integrated, and cross-industry innovations (spanning across fluid and solid mineral industries), along with theoretical exploration, technological research and …

Methods For Assessing The Circulation Depth Of Geothermal Water In A Moderate- To Low-Temperature Convective Geothermal System And Their Applications, Li Yiman, Xia Haoran, Gao Binbin, Sun Wenjie, Pang Zhonghe

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The circulation depth of geothermal water is an important parameter for investigating geothermal systems or fields. It determines the thermal energy intensity and mineral composition of geothermal water, emerging as a critical factor influencing the efficient and sustainable development and utilization of geothermal resources.Progress This study presents a summary of the characteristics of typical moderate- to low-temperature convective geothermal systems from the perspective of sources (heat and fluid sources), pathways, geothermal reservoirs, cap rocks, and the geothermal water upwelling process and its impacts. Furthermore, this study systematically reviews suitable methods for assessing the circulation depth of geothermal water, …

Advances In Research On Borehole Geophysical Exploration And Associated Equipment For Advance Detection Of Underground Water Hazards In Coal Mines, Wu Qiang, Wang Xianhui, Yang Donghui, Xiao Wenhao, Cui Zhuangjie, Chen Han, Sheng Zhen, Zeng Yifan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Deep coal mining is facing increasingly complex hidden disaster-causing factors, including faults, collapse columns, water accumulation in goaves, confined water in coal seam floors, and hydraulically conductive fracture zones. In this context, conventional modes based on ground exploration, roadway geophysical exploration, and drilling verification suffer from limitations in terms of detection distance, positioning accuracy, dynamic perception, and real-time feedback. In contrast, borehole geophysical exploration extends the detection space into coal-rock masses using underground boreholes, enabling the acquisition of information about continuous physical properties around, between, and ahead of boreholes. Therefore, this technology provides important support for the advance detection …

Recent Advances In Research On Intelligent Technologies And Equipment For Underground Geological Exploration Of Coal Mines In China, Zhang Jianming, Li Quanxin, Liu Fei, Fang Jun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Intelligent coal mine construction represents an important measure to promote the high-quality development of the coal industry. Developing intelligent technologies and equipment for geological exploration is the key to both transparent geological guarantee and the efficient prevention and control of major disasters in coal mines. Advances This study presents a systematic analysis of the latest advances in intelligent technologies and equipment for underground geological exploration of coal mines in China, focusing on intelligent drilling and geophysical prospecting. In terms of intelligent drilling, this study introduces intelligent drilling rigs equipped with multiple functions, including adaptive control, remote monitoring, and fault …

Philosophy And Methodology For Predicting Deep Coal Resources: A Case Study Of The Carboniferous-Permian Strata In The Ordos Basin, Cao Daiyong, Wei Yingchun, Ning Shuzheng, Wang Xin, Zhu Wenhao, Li Jingqi, Wang Anmin, Qiao Junwei, Xu Xiaotao, Hou Yuehua

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In China, deep coal resources hold considerable potential, exhibiting promising prospects for exploitation and utilization. Therefore, gaining a clear understanding of deep coal resources provides a prerequisite and foundation for both the national strategic planning of coal resources and the scientific development and utilization of deep coal resources. Research Thinking From the perspective of the current situation of coal resources in China, this study determined the occurrence characteristics and categories of deep coal resources. Accordingly, it proposed a philosophy and workflow for predicting the resources, followed by the prediction of deep coal resources in the Carboniferous-Permian strata of the …

Theoretical Research Advances And Applications Of The Dynamic Metamorphism Of Coals, Liu Hewu, Jiang Bo, Song Yu, Du Zhigang, Zhang Kun, Hou Chenliang, Yang Wenjie, Huang Nini

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The dynamic metamorphism of coals, a significant type of coal metamorphism, represents a fundamental research topic of coal geology. The research achievements have been widely applied in fields such as coal resource evaluation, the prevention and control of coal mine gas, and the exploration and exploitation of coalbed methane (CBM), holding great significance for gaining a deep understanding of the microscopic mechanisms underlying coal deformation and metamorphism, coal and gas outbursts, and CBM occurrence. Method Based on a literature survey and analysis, this study presents a systematic review of the development history of research on the dynamic metamorphism of …

Tectonic Genetic Mechanisms Of Burnt Rocks In The Upper And Middle Reaches Of The Yellow River Basin, Sun Qiang, Hu Xin, Wang Shuangming, Ding Xiaoying, Geng Jishi, Wu Jiakun, Wei Shaoni, Luo Donghai

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River basin represent significant coal bases of China, while burnt rocks formed by the high temperature of coal fires greatly affect the safe and green coal mining in this region. Therefore, investigating the distribution patterns and geological genetic mechanisms of burnt rocks in this region is of great scientific significance and practical value. Methods This study systematically investigated the distribution range and patterns of burnt rocks in the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River basin. Using analysis of geological processes, this study explored the geological genetic mechanisms and primary …

Hydrodynamic Evolution Simulations And Safety Assessment Of The Deep Reinjection And Storage Of High-Salinity Mine Water, Xu Zhimin, Chen Weixiao, Sun Yajun, Zhang Jian, Chen Tianci, Liu Qi, Chen Ge, Hua Jingfan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In some mining areas of North China-type coalfields, large volumes of high-salinity mine water produced during coal mining pose dual challenges: high treatment costs to meet discharge standards and the waste of mine water resources due to inefficient utilization before discharge. In recent years, the deep reinjection and storage technology for high-salinity mine water has provided a new approach to this issue. To achieve this technology, it is essential to understand the flow field evolution during mine water reinjection and address reinjection-induced safety problems. Methods This study investigated coal mine A in Jiangsu Province as an example. Using the …

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 …

Geothermal Energy In Utah: Massive Potential To Meet Growing Electricity Needs, Emily Labonty, Kendall Becker, Logan Mitchell, Jennifer Bodine, Scott Hotaling

All Current Publications

Including more geothermal energy in Utah's energy mix would help address issues of concern for many Utahns: poor air quality, climate change, and the need to support renewable energy research. Geothermal energy, heat from within the Earth, is a renewable energy source that can provide flexible, baseload electricity––like coal or natural gas––but without the climate-warming and polluting effects. This fact sheet provides information about geothermal energy, generating electricity from geothermal energy, and current geothermal projects in Utah.

Geothermal Energy In Utah: A Safe Technology With Limited Environmental Impacts, Joseph Harding, Kendall Becker, Logan Mitchell, Jennifer Bodine, Scott Hotaling

All Current Publications

Geothermal energy has the potential to transform Utah’s electricity landscape, driving a future with improved air quality, lower carbon emissions, and fewer environmental impacts. In this fact sheet, we provide an overview of geothermal energy and its potential environmental implications in Utah. We highlight that recent geothermal projects in Utah do not use fresh water and that new well designs are expected to reduce the consumption of salty, brackish water. If these efforts are successful, geothermal energy would have lower water consumption, reduced seismic risk, and a similarly low land-use footprint compared to fossil fuel sources of electricity.

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 …

Municipality Of Bayamón V. Exxon Mobil Corp. (2025): Bringing Racketeering Charges For Climate Justice, Ilinca C. Johnson

Pace Environmental Law Review

Environmental justice communities should have their climate change damages heard in the courtroom. One means to increase environmental justice claims is through claims under the federal Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Using Municipality of Bayamón v. Exxon Mobil Corp. (2025) as a model, this Article suggests a novel RICO case strategy to pursue climate damages for marginalized communities. Fundamentally, environmental justice RICO claims involve careful case design based on the climate-related damages a marginalized community has faced because of the long-term deception by fossil fuel actors upon those communities. Pursuing such claims forwards the intersectional issues faced by …

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 …

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 …