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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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …