Sustainability Commons^™

Impacts Of Boundary Conditions And Parameter Heterogeneity On The Simulation And Prediction Of Water Inflow In Coal Mines, Ji Qiang, Wu Zhenjiang, Yao Yingying

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Accurate prediction of water inflow in coal mines is essential for ensuring safe mining operations. Three-dimensional (3D) groundwater numerical models can be used to characterize hydrogeological conditions in mining areas and simulate the dynamic processes of water inflow, providing a theoretical basis for scientifically predicting mining-induced water inflow. However, there is a lack of a clear understanding of the impacts of the boundary conditions with surface water-groundwater interactions and the heterogeneity of aquifer permeability coefficients (K) on the simulation and prediction of water inflow during coal mining. Methods This study developed a 3D transient groundwater numerical model …

An Experimental Study On The Seepage Characteristics Of Sandstones With Different Numbers Of Fractures Before And After Grouting, Chen Juntao, Zhou Haoyu, Yu Junjian, Li Guo, Fan Mingjin, Li Lu, Wang Yunhao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Grouting in surrounding rocks serves as a conventional approach to controlling disasters in coal mine roadways. The developmental degree of fractures significantly influences the reinforcement and sealing effects of grouting. Methods To determine the changes in the impermeability of fractured surrounding rocks before and after grouting, this study investigated sandstones—the most common sedimentary rocks in coal mines. Using laboratory experiments and numerical simulations, this study explored the permeability variations of sandstone specimens with varying fracture numbers under different confining pressures and assessed the impact of grouting on their seepage performance. Through triaxial compression-seepage experiments using a Rock Top multi-field …

An Experimental Study On Seepage Characteristics And Grouting-Induced Permeability Reduction Of Burnt Rocks, Qian Ziwei, Tan Chunzhi, Sun Qiang, Wang Hai, Zhang Gailing

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Burnt rocks represent special geobodies formed by the spontaneous combustion of coal seams. Their pore and fracture systems provide preferential spaces for groundwater occurrence and migration while also posing severe water hazard threats to the safe mining of adjacent coal seams. Methods To address this engineering challenge, this study systematically analyzed the void structures within burnt rocks using three-dimensional reconstruction technology. Through laboratory seepage and grouting experiments, this study revealed the seepage patterns and grouting-induced permeability mechanisms of typical burnt rock specimens. Results and Conclusions The burnt rock specimens contained highly developed pores and fractures, with the void structures …

Developmental Pattern Of Water Flowing Fractured Zones In The Soil-Bedrock-Type Overburden And Water-Controlled Mining Strategy Under A Super-Large Mining Height, Zhang Yujun, Hua Zhaolai, Song Yejie, Hu Haoyu, Li Jiawei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The heights of water flowing fractured zones represent a key concern in the prevention and control of water disasters occurring in mining face roofs and water resource protection of coal mines. Varying lithologies and structures of the overburden are identified as primary factors governing the height and characteristic differences of water flowing fractured zones. Methods Against the engineering background of a mining face with 10 m super-large mining height in the Caojiatan Coal Mine of Shaanxi Province, this study investigated the differences in the mining-induced responses of the soil-bedrock-type overburden using numerical simulations of stress-seepage coupling and measured heights …

Regularity And Mechanisms Of Water-Sand Inrushes Within Mining-Activated Faults, Zhang Shichuan, Huang Pu, Li Yangyang, Wang Chenggong, Wu Zhenhua

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background During underground coal mining, water-sand mixtures within faults may rush into mine floors. The water-sand inrushes are especially prominent under the conditions of high water-yield properties and loose filling structures in fault zones, severely threatening the safe mining of coal mines. Previous studies focus primarily on the impact of a single factor on inrushes. Hence, it is significant to systematical investigate the regularity of water-sand inrushes within faults under the combined effects of multiple factors. Methods Based on the fluid and granular mechanic theories, this study derived the instability criterion and flow formulas of water-sand mixtures. Using orthogonal experiments …

Conversion Relationships And Three-Dimensional Storage And Utilization Modes Of Four Water Resources In An Open-Pit Mining Area, Chen Tianci, Xu Zhimin, Sun Yajun, Fang Jie, Wang Qiangmin, Xiong Xiaofeng, Zhu Yuhao, Lu Zihan, Wan Fei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Open-pit coal mines in China are primarily distributed in arid and semi-arid regions such as Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia. However, the contradiction between coal mining and groundwater resource conservation is increasingly prominent in these regions. Specifically, a substantial amount of mine water inflow produced during coal mining tends to lead to the further loss of groundwater resources within the influence range of a mining area. Concurrently, the failure of efficient mine water storage intensifies the regional water shortage.Methods This study investigated a typical open-pit coal mine in eastern Inner Mongolia. Using methods such as field survey and sampling, …

Zambia's Poor Septic Waste Management: A Disaster In Waiting, Andrew Mwape

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

In the shadows of Zambia’s rapidly growing urban and peri-urban communities lies an invisible but mounting threat, the mismanagement of septic waste. While national dialogue often focuses on economic development, climate change, or energy, the sanitation crisis receives little public attention, yet it poses an equally severe risk to public health, environmental integrity, and sustainable urbanization. Zambia’s poor septic waste management, if left unaddressed, is a disaster in waiting.

Septic waste refers to the wastewater and solid waste that flows from toilets, sinks, and other domestic plumbing fixtures into on-site sanitation systems such as septic tanks or pit latrines. This …

Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass: A Case Study Of Environmental Effects, Health Risks, Safety, And Cost, Iman S. Cumberbatch, Leonard Richardson, Emma Grant-Bier, Mustafa Kayali, Mutanu Mbithi, Roberto F. Riviere, Eline Xia, Hailey Spinks, Gabrielle Mills, Amy R. Tuininga

PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies Publications

While natural grass has been a reliable recreational surface for decades, artificial turf has gained popularity due to its durability, supposed ability to save water, and lower associated costs for municipalities and schools. Growing environmental and health concerns associated with artificial turf have prompted a necessary comparison of the environmental impact, chemical exposure, injury rates, surface heat, and costs of turf with natural grass. The township of Verona, New Jersey, engaged the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies’ Green Teams Program interns to perform an environmental impact assessment, literature review, and cost–benefit analysis to determine if the township should restore an …

Green Energy Production Using A Hydro-Generator In An Underground Mine Water Pumping Station – Case Study, Andrzej Chmiela, Beata Barszczowska, Eugeniusz Krause, Arkadiusz Kulawik, Adam Smolinski

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The paper analyses the experience of almost one year of production of “green” electricity by a hydro-generator using a constant water drop in the pits of mine water pumping stations. The main technical, economic and environmental parameters obtained by the applied technical and organisational system are presented. Equipping the mine water pumping station with a hydro-generator proved to be a good investment. The investment offers a relatively low risk with a relatively low initial outlay and a relatively short payback period of about 4 years. The innovative use of typical but modern elements in an atypical operating environment has not …

Machine Learning Techniques For Optimizing The Efficiency And Costs Of Drill Steel In Sandstone And Granodiorite: A Case Study In Peru, Marco Cotrina, Jairo Marquina, Jose Mamani, Solio Arango, Eusebio Antonio, Eduardo Noriega, Teofilo Donaires, Dominga Cano

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This research aims to optimize the efficiency and costs of drilling steel in sandstone and granodiorite rocks using machine learning techniques in a Peruvian mine. Predictive models, including random forest (RF), XGBoost (XGB), decision trees (DT), and artificial neural networks (ANN), were applied, along with optimization algorithms such as genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), ant colony optimization (ACO), and simulated annealing (SA). A dataset of 705 entries was analyzed, focusing on drill bit wear, percussion and rotation pressures, and cost per meter drilled. Model performance was evaluated using R², RMSE, MAE, and MAPE. The ANN model …

Assessing The Living Conditions Of Mining-Induced Resettled Persons: The Case Of Ahafo South Resettlement Communities, Ghana, Jonathan Zinzi Ayitey, Mustapha Okyere, Frank Gyamfi-Yeboah

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This study examines the living conditions of mining-affected persons in the Ahafo South Mining Communities in Ghana using Cernea’s Impoverishment Risks and Reconstruction (IRR) model. Employing a case study design, data for the study was obtained through a combination of semi-structured interviews and close-ended questionnaires administered to ninety (90) respondents in the Ntotroso and OLA resettlement communities in the Asutifi North District, Ghana. The results show a complex mix of outcomes of mining-induced displacement and resettlement of the resettled population. While an analysis of resettlement impacts found a high level of satisfaction among the resettled population with housing provision, road …

Damage Assessment In The Case Of Post-Mining-Induced Seismicity: How To Use And Adapt Macroseismic Intensity Scales?, Johanna Vieille, Caterina Negulescu, Pierre Gehl, Pascal Dominique, Romain Guidez, Grzegorz Mutke

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Following coal mine closures, the impact of flooding on underground mining excavations and on the geomechanical stability of the rock mass has the potential to trigger superficial earthquakes. The generated vibrations may induce damages to the surface infrastructures. Therefore, they represent a significant source of concern for the population. Nowadays, seismic risk assessment procedures in Europe usually build upon the EMS-98, which has been developed for natural tectonic earthquakes. This study aims to investigate the applicability of EMS-98 to seismic events induced by post-mining context while comparing it to a new intensity scale MSIIS-22 adapted to very low intensities from …

Rockfill Trenching For Enhancing Overburden Dump Height On Weak Soil Strata, Rahul Shende, Srinivasan Venkatraman, K. Athiveera Pandian, Shubham Jain, Anjan Patel

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Dumping waste on weak soil layers can destabilize the dump, compromising its capacity for material disposal. This study focuses on the stability of dumps placed over weak black cotton (BC) soil strata in central India, with an emphasis on assessing the effectiveness of rockfill trenches (RFT) in improving dump stability. A combined approach using nine limit equilibrium methods (LEM) and the finite element method (FEM) was employed for analysis. The results demonstrate that dump stability is significantly influenced by the presence of weak strata under both dry and wet conditions when the dumping height is increased. The study also reveals …

Exploring The Interactions Between Mining And Climate Change: A Bibliometric Analysis, Artatrana Mishra, Sarat Chandra Sahu, Manish Yadav, Nitin Kumar Singh

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The increasing demand for minerals has placed huge pressure on the mining industry to increase production, which consequently affects the environment, and, thus, contributes to climate change. Coal extraction has been reported to be a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions, mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels. As a consequence, the frequency and severity of extreme climatic events have also increased throughout the world. Mining is essential for the development of society but contributes to climate change. On the contrary, extreme weather events and rising temperatures associated with climate change affect the overall productivity of mining companies. …

Evaluation Of Cyanide Removal Processes On Water Effluents From Gold Ore Processing And Industrial Scale Up, Juliana Freitas, Jorge Bellido

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Gold extraction goes through different steps, from research to physical-chemical processing, which uses chemical reagents for extraction, such as cyanide. In literature, there are presented many ways to remove cyanide from this effluent on a bench scale, although on an industry scale it is not very often analysed. In this study, seeking innovation on an industrial scale for cyanide removal from real effluent generated by gold processing was analysed through oxidation with H₂O₂ and Fenton process. It was proven that these processes can remove cyanide at the levels required for recirculation of the effluent in the process, …

Prediction Of Blast-Induced Ground Vibrations In Limestone Mine Using Multiple Linear Regression (Mlr) Analysis, Appani Ravikumar, Harsha Vardhan, K V Subrahmanyam Sarma

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Open cast mining comprises a series of activities, including rotary cum percussive drilling, blasting, loading, and dumping. The excavation of overburden (OB) and minerals is carried out by employing the blasting process. The adverse effects linked to the practice of blasting include the generation of ground vibrations, the occurrence of fly rock, and the production of air-over pressure. Among the undesirable outcomes, ground vibrations are a significant concern for mining and environmental engineers. Typically, the estimation of ground vibrations caused by blasts in open-cast mines is accomplished using conventional regression analysis techniques. The independent variable included in the regression analysis …

Healthcare Administration Within Free Medical Clinics And The Impacts On The Sustainable Development Goals, Saneywongse Le Mar

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being

No abstract provided.

Soil Health In Nebraska: Exploring Practitioners' Needs And Insights From A Long-Term Organic Farm, Ingrids Isabel Mata Vigil

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Soil health is foundational to sustainable agriculture, environmental resilience, and long-term food security. Yet, the adoption of soil health assessments remains limited, often perceived as too technical, costly, or difficult to implement in real-world contexts. To better understand these challenges, the first chapter presents findings from a statewide survey of 41 soil health practitioners in Nebraska, including farmers, extension educators, NRCS staff, and conservation professionals. Respondents highlighted the need for simpler, more accessible, and context-specific tools for soil health assessment that help practitioners make informed decisions aligned with their management goals. Complementing these insights, the second chapter includes an independent, …

Feasibility Of Using Recycled Waste Plastic In Concrete Pavements In Nebraska, Amasi Hajahja

Department of Construction Engineering and Management: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Waste plastic (WP) is a growing environmental concern due to its non-biodegradable nature, large-scale production, and harmful impact on natural resources. With nearly 75% of WP in the United States ending up in landfills, effective recycling strategies are urgently needed. In parallel, the limited availability of natural aggregates highlights the need for alternative materials in concrete construction. This study investigates the feasibility of using recycled waste plastic (RWP) in concrete mixtures, both as aggregates and fibers for rigid pavement applications in Nebraska. Concrete mixtures were prepared by partially replacing natural fine aggregates with recycled plastic aggregates (RPA) at replacement levels …

Status Of The Western Australian Pastoral Rangelands 2024: Total Vegetative Cover, Cover Risk And Pasture Condition, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources published reports

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) monitors and reports on the vegetation condition of pastoral rangelands in Western Australia. Two levels of reporting are provided: every 5 years a full report (this report) details the state, trend and risk of decrease of vegetation condition in the pastoral rangelands using information derived from remotely sensed and on-ground data; in the intervening years, short reports are provided based on remotely sensed data.

This full report is based on remotely sensed vegetation cover data, rainfall data, livestock data and station-level rangeland condition assessment (RCA) data available in November 2024. Data …