History, current status, and implications of the exploration and exploitation of coal resources in Guangxi, China

Authors

• WANG Hui, Guangxi Coal Geology Bureau, China National Administration of Coal Geology, Nanning 530299, ChinaFollow
• HAN XiaozhongFollow
• PENG Zhilong, Guangxi Coal Geology Bureau, China National Administration of Coal Geology, Nanning 530299, China
• LI Huoying, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Mineral Resources Reserve Evaluation Center, Nanning 530028, China
• QIN Baojian, Guangxi Coal Geology Bureau, China National Administration of Coal Geology, Nanning 530299, China
• LU Ankang, Guangxi Coal Geology Bureau, China National Administration of Coal Geology, Nanning 530299, China
• QIN Xiaoyan, Guangxi Coal Geology Bureau, China National Administration of Coal Geology, Nanning 530299, China
• PENG Feifei, Guangxi Coal Geology Bureau, China National Administration of Coal Geology, Nanning 530299, China
• XU Huiheng, Guangxi Coal Geology Bureau, China National Administration of Coal Geology, Nanning 530299, China
• LAN Bingui, Guangxi Coal Geology Bureau, China National Administration of Coal Geology, Nanning 530299, China

Abstract

Objective Based on a comprehensive review of the history and current status of coal exploration and exploitation, this study presents an analysis of both the endowment characteristics and the exploration and research levels of coal resources in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. From the perspective of coal self-sufficiency capacity and energy security guarantee, this study proposes several recommendations for the exploration and exploitation of coal resources in the region. Methods The exploration level, current status of exploitation, and supply-demand imbalance of coal resources in Guangxi are determined through a systematic literature review, surveys of coal mine enterprises, and exchanges with relevant government departments. Accordingly, the space and potential for further exploration and exploitation of coal resources in the region are evaluated. Results In Guangxi, the cumulative identified coal resources amount to 2136 million tons. The coal-bearing areas with depths of 1500 m or less cover an area of approximately 20300 km², accounting for 8.58% of the region’s total area. Among these areas, those that have been explored span about 5065 km², representing 24.95% of the total. For the 109 county-level administrative areas of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 74 of them host coal-bearing rock series, including four coal measures holding industrial value. The coal seams of various ages across the region generally show low stability and quality, largely characterized by high sulfur and ash contents and low calorific values, which suggest relatively poor resource endowment. Meanwhile, Guangxi exhibits a low coal self-sufficiency capacity. There exist five coal mines under normal operation currently, with annual production collectively maintained at 3‒4 million tons in recent years. However, the annual coal consumption of the region reaches up to approximately 85 million tons, accounting for 45% of its total energy consumption. As a result, the dependency of external coal supply exceeds 95%, while the self-sufficiency rate is less than 5%. Conclusions uangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region faces a significant coal scarcity and a pronounced supply-demand imbalance. These limitations lead to prolonged high dependence on external coal supply and pose a severe challenge to the high-quality, sustainable economic development of the region. Accordingly, this study proposes three recommendations. First, comprehensive planning of development and safety should be highlighted. It is advisable to further tap the region’s coal resource potential and develop coal resource exploration plans while striving to maintain a stable external coal supply. These efforts will proactively promote the release of coal productivity, enhance the coal self-sufficiency capacity, and facilitate high-level, high-quality development of the coal industry in the region. Second, it is necessary to intensify coal exploration, optimize mining right zoning, and perform comprehensive exploration deployment by introducing three measures: (1) It is necessary to conduct supplementary exploration in the deep and peripheral parts of existing production mines. Targeting the complex geological conditions in the deep parts of mines, along with the objective of safe, efficient, and intelligent coal mining, fine-scale geological technical guarantee should be provided throughout the full safety lifecycle of coal mines to ensure the resource substitution and service life of production mines; (2) Resources in abandoned mines should be verified to prepare for the activation and reproduction of qualified mines; (3) The exploration level of blocks within discovered coalfields/coal-producing areas should be enhanced to provide a basis for the planning and development of mining areas. Accordingly, exploration efforts in prospective target areas should be systematically arranged to search for new coal-producing areas and increase the coal resources of the region. Last, emphasis should be placed on the collaborative exploration and comprehensive evaluation of coals and the associated minerals of coal measures. Coal-bearing zones with burial depths of over 1000 m that are difficult to exploit should be subjected to scientific and rational planning and deployment as play fairways of deep coalbed methane. The purpose is to enhance the clean and efficient comprehensive utilization level of coals.

Keywords

coal resource, current status of exploration and exploitation, supply-demand imbalance, increase in production capacity, supply guarantee, Guangxi

DOI

10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.09.0734

Recommended Citation

WANG Hui, HAN Xiaozhong, PENG Zhilong, et al. (2026) "History, current status, and implications of the exploration and exploitation of coal resources in Guangxi, China," Coal Geology & Exploration: Vol. 54: Iss. 7, Article 3.
DOI: 10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.09.0734
Available at: https://cge.researchcommons.org/journal/vol54/iss7/3

Reference

[1] 国家统计局[EB/OL]. [2026-04-23]. https://data.stats.gov.cn/easyquery.htm cn=C01.

[2] 中国地质矿产志·广西卷·煤炭篇/石煤篇/煤层气篇之区域地质与成矿规律综合研究[R]. 南宁：广西煤炭地质一五Ｏ勘探队，2019.

[3] 《广西煤炭(田)地质工作大事记》(1927–2005年)[R]. 南宁：中国煤炭地质总局广西煤炭地质局，2006.

[4] 广西壮族自治区能源局[EB/OL]. [2026-04-23]. http://fgw.gxzf.gov.cn/.

[5] 广西壮族自治区统计局[EB/OL]. [2026-04-23]. http://tjj.gxzf.gov.cn/.

[6] 广西壮族自治区煤炭资源勘查开发潜力研究[R]. 南宁：中国煤炭地质总局广西煤炭地质局，2006.

[7] 煤炭资源预测与评价(第三次煤田预测)[R]. 南宁：广西煤田地质局，1994.

[8] 蒋博宇. 广西煤炭资源状况及其找煤潜力分析[J]. 中国煤炭地质,2008,20(7):4−6 JIANG Boyu. Coal resources status and potential of looking for coal in Guangxi[J]. Coal Geology of China,2008,20(7):4−6

[9] 王保忠,欧文佳,王传尚,等. 桂中坳陷早石炭世泥页岩地球化学特征及近源气成藏模式[J]. 地球科学,2018,43(7):2222−2233 WANG Baozhong,OU Wenjia,WANG Chuanshang,et al. Geochemical characteristics of the early Carboniferous shale in Guizhong depression and their contribution to adjacent gas reservoirs[J]. Earth Science,2018,43(7):2222−2233

[10] 邵龙义,陈家良,李瑞军,等. 广西合山晚二叠世碳酸盐岩型煤系层序地层分析[J]. 沉积学报,2003,21(1):168−174 SHAO Longyi,CHEN Jialiang,LI Ruijun,et al. A sequence stratigraphic interpretation on Late Permian carbonate coal measures in the Heshan coal field,Southern China[J]. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica,2003,21(1):168−174

[11] 张新柱,李居奎,姚存伟. 广西十万大山调查区晚三叠世至早侏罗世聚煤规律研究[J]. 中国煤炭,2015,41(5):42−45 ZHANG Xinzhu,LI Jukui,YAO Cunwei. Research on the coal accumulation regularity of Shiwandashan survey area in Guangxi during Late Triassic epoch to Early Jurassic[J]. China Coal,2015,41(5):42−45

[12] 康世龙. 古近系–新近系煤相模式及煤成烃研究[D]. 北京：中国矿业大学(北京)，2021. KANG Shilong. Coal facies model and coal–generated hydrocarbon of the Paleogene to Neogene coals[D]. Beijing：China University of Mining & Technology (Beijing)，2021.

[13] 煤系矿产资源勘查开发关键技术研究[R]. 北京：中国煤炭地质总局勘查研究总院，2024.

[14] 广西上林矿区煤系锂资源靶区优选[R]. 北京：中国煤炭地质总局勘查研究总院，2025.

[15] 王佟,李聪聪,赵欣,等. 关于我国深部煤炭与煤系气资源勘查的思考[J]. 中国煤炭地质,2025,37(1):1−6 WANG Tong,LI Congcong,ZHAO Xin,et al. Thoughts on the exploration of deep coal and geological work in China[J]. Coal Geology of China,2025,37(1):1−6

[16] 孙升林,吴国强,曹代勇,等. 煤系矿产资源及其发展趋势[J]. 中国煤炭地质,2014,26(11):1−11 SUN Shenglin,WU Guoqiang,CAO Daiyong,et al. Mineral resources in coal measures and development trend[J]. Coal Geology of China,2014,26(11):1−11

[17] 程坤. 我国煤炭资源勘查开发主要问题及对策措施[J]. 中国煤炭,2024,50(7):1−7 CHENG Kun. Research on the main problems and countermeasures of coal resources exploration and development in China[J]. China Coal,2024,50(7):1−7

[18] 魏迎春,李新,曹代勇,等. 煤与煤系战略性金属矿产协同勘查模型[J]. 地质学报,2024,98(8):2517−2530 WEI Yingchun,LI Xin,CAO Daiyong,et al. Cooperative exploration model of coal and strategic metal resources in coal–bearing strata[J]. Acta Geologica Sinica,2024,98(8):2517−2530

[19] 王辉,冯明申,李聪聪,等. 含煤地层铝–镓共生成矿的构造沉降制约及镓有利区预测[J]. 中国地质,2023,50(3):677−691 WANG Hui,FENG Mingshen,LI Congcong,et al. The tectonism–sedimentation constraints on Al–Ga coupling relation of coal–bearing strata and prediction of Ga favorable area[J]. Geology in China,2023,50(3):677−691

[20] 王辉,张福强,张德高,等. 黏土型锂矿床勘查开发过程中的瓶颈问题和若干思考[J]. 地质论评,2023,69(4):1298−1312 WANG Hui,ZHANG Fuqiang,ZHANG Degao,et al. The bottleneck problem and some thoughts on the process of exploration and development of clay–type lithium deposit[J]. Geological Review,2023,69(4):1298−1312

[21] 严晓云. 广西百色古近纪煤中矿物及微量元素富集分异机理[D]. 北京：中国矿业大学(北京)，2020. YAN Xiaoyun. Enrichment and differentiation mechanism of minerals and trace elements in the Paleogene coals from Baise area of Guangxi，China[D]. Beijing：China University of Mining & Technology (Beijing)，2020.

[22] 张莉,张德高,林中月,等. 广西上林二叠系含锂岩系的地球化学特征与锂富集成因探讨[J]. 中国煤炭地质,2024,36(6):39−44 ZHANG Li,ZHANG Degao,LIN Zhongyue,et al. Geochemical characteristics and lithium–rich synthesis of the Permian lithium–bearing rock system in Shanglin,Guangxi[J]. Coal Geology of China,2024,36(6):39−44

[23] 张德高,徐小涛,孙杰,等. 广西上林万福矿区晚二叠世合山组煤系锂地球化学特征及物源研究[J]. 煤炭学报,2024,49(9):3884−3895 ZHANG Degao,XU Xiaotao,SUN Jie,et al. Geochemical characteristics and provenance of lithium in the Late Permian Heshan Formation coal–bearing series from the Wanfu mining area,Shanglin,Guangxi[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2024,49(9):3884−3895

[24] 廖家隆,韦梦蝶,梁兴东. 广西晚二叠世合山组聚煤盆地中锂资源特征分析[J]. 中国煤炭地质,2020,32(9):122−127 LIAO Jialong,WEI Mengdie,LIANG Xingdong. Analysis on Late Permian Heshan Formation coal accumulation basin lithium resource features in Guangxi[J]. Coal Geology of China,2020,32(9):122−127

[25] 廖家隆,李宝庆,张福强,等. 广西晚二叠世煤系沉积型锂矿研究现状及展望[J]. 中国煤炭地质,2022,34(10):9−14 LIAO Jialong,LI Baoqing,ZHANG Fuqiang,et al. Research status and prospect of sedimentary lithium resources of Late Permian coal measure in Guangxi[J]. Coal Geology of China,2022,34(10):9−14

[26] 张福强. 广西贤按煤田上二叠统煤系中锂、镓、稀土元素等异常富集特征和形成机理[D]. 武汉：中国地质大学，2022. ZHANG Fuqiang. Enrichment characteristics and formation mechanism of lithium，gallium，and rare earth elements of Late Permian coal–bearing strata within the Xian’an coalfield，Guangxi[D]. Wuhan：China University of Geosciences，2022.

[27] 廖家隆,张福强,韦梦蝶,等. 广西晚二叠世典型聚煤盆地中锂、镓丰度及富集因素[J]. 煤田地质与勘探,2020,48(1):77−84 LIAO Jialong,ZHANG Fuqiang,WEI Mengdie,et al. Lithium and gallium abundance and enrichment factors in typical Late Permian coal–accumulating basin in Guangxi[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration,2020,48(1):77−84

[28] 张福强,廖家隆,赵冠华,等. 广西煤系共伴生矿产资源特征及开发现状研究[J]. 中国煤炭地质,2019,31(5):1−5 ZHANG Fuqiang,LIAO Jialong,ZHAO Guanhua,et al. Coal measures associated and accompanying mineral resources features and exploitation status in Guangxi[J]. Coal Geology of China,2019,31(5):1−5

[29] 农衡才. 扶绥煤田东罗矿区煤系中镓的分布及资源前景[J]. 南方国土资源,2019(9):36−39

[30] 唐沫岚,范博伦,姚双秋,等. 桂西平果那端矿区沉积型铝土矿地球化学特征与成矿机制研究[J]. 地质学报,2026,100(2):524−536 TANG Molan,FAN Bolun,YAO Shuangqiu,et al. Research on the geochemical characteristics and mineralization mechanism of sedimentary bauxite deposits in the Naduan mining area,Pingguo,western Guangxi[J]. Acta Geologica Sinica,2026,100(2):524−536

[31] 张欣桐. 中国煤炭供需安全与政府可调度煤炭储备布局研究[D]. 北京：中国矿业大学(北京)，2023. ZHANG Xintong. Research on the security of coal supply and demand and the layout of the government’s dispatchable coal reserves in China[D]. Beijing：China University of Mining & Technology (Beijing)，2023.

[32] 刘淑琴,王炜彬,刘岳明,等. 深部煤炭地下气化产气机制及影响因素[J]. 煤炭学报,2025,50(8):3707−3719 LIU Shuqin,WANG Weibin,LIU Yueming,et al. Gas formation mechanism during deep coal underground gasification and influencing factors[J]. Journal of China Coal Society,2025,50(8):3707−3719

[33] 东振,陈艳鹏,孔令峰,等. 煤炭地下气化试验综述与产业化发展建议[J]. 煤田地质与勘探,2024,52(2):180−196 DONG Zhen, CHEN Yanpeng, KONG Lingfeng, et al. Underground coal gasification: Overview of field tests and suggestions for industrialization[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration,2024,52(2):180−196

[34] 周泽，汪凌霞，易同生，等. “富矿精开”背景下煤炭资源开发关键技术体系及综合利用方向[J/OL]. 矿物学报，2026：1–24 [2026-01-07]. https://link.cnki.net/urlid/52.1045.P.20260107.1325.003. ZHOU Ze，WANG Lingxia，YI Tongsheng，et al. Key technological system and comprehensive utilization directions for the coal resource development in Guizhou Province under the background of “Precision Exploitation of High–Quality Mineral Resources”[J/OL]. Acta Mineralogica Sinica，2026：1–24 [2026-01-07]. https://link.cnki.net/urlid/52.1045.P.20260107.1325.003.