Theory and engineering practice of coal-water coordinated mining based on constraints of formation bearing capacity

Authors

PANG Zhenzhong, Equipment Business Department (Equipment Research Institute) of Middling Coal Energy Co., Ltd., Beijing 100083, ChinaFollow
ZENG Yifan, National Engineering Research Center of Coal Mine Water Hazard Controlling, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100080, ChinaFollow
HAN Keyao, Yellow River Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Zhengzhou 450001, China
WU Qiang, National Engineering Research Center of Coal Mine Water Hazard Controlling, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100080, China
LIU Shouqiang, National Engineering Research Center of Coal Mine Water Hazard Controlling, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100080, China
HUA Zhaolai, Shaanxi Shaanmei Caojiatan Mining Co., Ltd., Yulin 719302, China
ZHAO Gangyi, Emergency Management Bureau of Ordos, Ordos 017010, China
ZHANG Shuai, Emergency Management Bureau of Ordos, Ordos 017010, China
YANG Huxiong, Emergency Management Bureau of Ordos, Ordos 017010, China
WANG Xuejun, Kailuan (Group) Limited Liability Corporation, Tangshan 063000, China
LI Feifan, Ningxia Hongdunzi Coal Industry Co., Ltd., Yinchuan 750007, China

Abstract

Background The high-intensity mining of coal resources in the Yushen mining area has caused negative environmental effects and water disasters on coal seam roofs, seriously restricting the sustainable development of the area.Methods and Results Based on a summary of previous research results on the mitigation of the impacts of coal mining on groundwater resources and surface ecosystem, this study analyzed the contradiction between coal mining and the protection of the fragile ecosystem in the Yushen mining area in Shaanxi Province through theoretical analysis, field investigation, and data statistics. Then, it systematically illustrated the concept of the formation bearing capacity and its significance for the ecological environment. A formula for calculating the height of water flowing fractured zones that was applicable to ecologically fragile mining areas in western China was determined through fitting using mathematical statistics. Dominant factors controlling the formation structure damage were identified using the theory of simply supported beams and hydrogeological theories. Finally, based on the theory of coal-water coordinated development, this study devised the architecture of highly beneficial, coordinated coal mining technology based on the formation bearing capacity and developed the corresponding mining philosophy. This technology was applied to mining face 122107 in the Caojiatan Coal Mine. After mining along this mining face by gradually increasing the mining height based on blocks and segments, the overburden of the roof showed a stepped broken morphology generally. The water inflow along the mining face fluctuated around 170 m³/h throughout the mining process, not exceeding the drainage capacity of the mining face. Conclusions The results indicate that it is necessary to take the formation bearing capacity as a core evaluation index for ecologically fragile mining areas. By controlling the dynamic balance between the mining technique and the formation bearing capacity, the coordination between resource development and ecological protection can be achieved. This mining approach can ensure highly beneficial coal resource mining while also addressing the contradiction between coal mining and the protection of the fragile ecosystem. The results of this study will provide a theoretical and technical reference for other arid and semi-arid mining areas in western China.

Keywords

Yushen mining area, coal-water dual resources, formation bearing capacity, water flowing fractured zone, framework of mining technology

DOI

10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.03.0199

Recommended Citation

PANG Zhenzhong, ZENG Yifan, HAN Keyao, et al. (2025) "Theory and engineering practice of coal-water coordinated mining based on constraints of formation bearing capacity," Coal Geology & Exploration: Vol. 53: Iss. 7, Article 2.
DOI: 10.12363/issn.1001-1986.25.03.0199
Available at: https://cge.researchcommons.org/journal/vol53/iss7/2

Reference

[1] 武强，涂坤，曾一凡，等. 打造我国主体能源(煤炭)升级版面临的主要问题与对策探讨[J]. 煤炭学报，2019，44(6)：1625−1636.

WU Qiang，TU Kun，ZENG Yifan，et al. Discussion on the main problems and countermeasures for building an upgrade version of main energy (coal) industry in China[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2019，44(6)：1625−1636.

[2] 董书宁，樊敏，郭小铭，等. 陕西省煤矿典型水灾隐患特征及治理技术[J]. 煤炭学报，2024，49(2)：902−916.

DONG Shuning，FAN Min，GUO Xiaoming，et al. Characteristics and prevention and control techniques of typical water hazards in coal mines in Shaanxi Province[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2024，49(2)：902−916.

[3] 王双明，段中会，马丽，等. 西部煤炭绿色开发地质保障技术研究现状与发展趋势[J]. 煤炭科学技术，2019，47(2)：1−6.

WANG Shuangming，DUAN Zhonghui，MA Li，et al. Research status and future trends of geological assurance technology for coal green development in western China[J]. Coal Science and Technology，2019，47(2)：1−6.

[4] 曾一凡，孟世豪，吕扬，等. 基于矿井安全与生态水资源保护等多目标约束的超前疏放水技术[J]. 煤炭学报，2022，47(8)：3091−3100.

ZENG Yifan，MENG Shihao，LYU Yang，et al. Advanced drainage technology based on multi–objective constraint of mine safety and water resources protection[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2022，47(8)：3091−3100.

[5] 王双明，李识博，孙强，等. 论“碳、水、环”约束下的煤炭减损开采地质保障[J]. 西安科技大学学报，2025，45(1)：1−11.

WANG Shuangming，LI Shibo，SUN Qiang，et al. Geological guarantee for coal damage reduction mining under the restriction of “carbon–water–environment”[J]. Journal of Xi’an University of Science and Technology，2025，45(1)：1−11.

[6] 范立民，向茂西，彭捷，等. 西部生态脆弱矿区地下水对高强度采煤的响应[J]. 煤炭学报，2016，41(11)：2672−2678.

FAN Limin，XIANG Maoxi，PENG Jie，et al. Groundwater response to intensive mining in ecologically fragile area[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2016，41(11)：2672−2678.

[7] 王双明，孙强，胡鑫，等. 煤炭开采地质体复合损害与减损保障[J]. 煤田地质与勘探，2025，53(1)：1−11.

WANG Shuangming，SUN Qiang，HU Xin，et al. Coal mining–induced composite damage to geological bodies and geological guarantee against damage reduction[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration，2025，53(1)：1−11.

[8] 李新春，商会娟. 西部地区煤炭资源开采与环境的耦合效应研究[J]. 管理学报，2008，5(5)：703−707.

LI Xinchun，SHANG Huijuan. Coupling effect of coal resource development and environment in Chinese west region[J]. Chinese Journal of Management，2008，5(5)：703−707.

[9] 庞振忠，武强，兰振宇. 充填开采对“煤–水”双资源矿井资源属性正效应的影响研究[J]. 能源与环保，2018，40(11)：6−10.

PANG Zhenzhong，WU Qiang，LAN Zhenyu. Study on positive effect of backfill mining on resource attributes of “coal–water” dual resources mine[J]. China Energy and Environmental Protection，2018，40(11)：6−10.

[10] 曾一凡，孟世豪，武强，等. 天窗补给型衍生式矿井动力突水模式及其评价与治理技术[J]. 煤炭学报，2023，48(10)：3776−3788.

ZENG Yifan，MENG Shihao，WU Qiang，et al. Derivative mine dynamic water inrush mode of skylight leakage and its evaluation and control technology system[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2023，48(10)：3776−3788.

[11] 顾大钊. 能源“金三角”煤炭现代开采水资源及地表生态保护技术[J]. 中国工程科学，2013，15(4)：102−107.

GU Dazhao. Water resource and surface ecology protection technology of modern coal mining in China’s energy “Golden Triangle”[J]. Strategic Study of CAE，2013，15(4)：102−107.

[12] 白二虎，郭文兵，张合兵，等. 黄河流域中上游煤–水协调开采的地下水原位保护技术[J]. 煤炭学报，2021，46(增刊2)：907−914.

BAI Erhu，GUO Wenbing，ZHANG Hebing，et al. In situ groundwater protection technology based on mining–conservation coordination in the middle and upper reaches of Yellow River Basin[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2021，46(Sup.2)：907−914.

[13] 师修昌，孟召平. 回采工作面围岩采动应变场–渗透系数场耦合[J]. 煤田地质与勘探，2018，46(2)：143−150.

SHI Xiuchang，MENG Zhaoping. Coupling effect of mining–induced strain field and permeability coefficient field in surrounding rock of working face[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration，2018，46(2)：143−150.

[14] 韦华鹏，罗奇斌，康卫东，等. 基于不同开采方式的煤矿涌水量预测及其环境影响分析[J]. 水文地质工程地质，2023，50(1)：21−31.

WEI Huapeng，LUO Qibin，KANG Weidong，et al. Prediction of coal mine water inflow by different mining methods and environmentimpact analyses[J]. Hydrogeology & Engineering Geology，2023，50(1)：21−31.

[15] 马雄德，范立民，张晓团，等. 榆神府矿区水体湿地演化驱动力分析[J]. 煤炭学报，2015，40(5)：1126−1133.

MA Xiongde，FAN Limin，ZHANG Xiaotuan，et al. Driving force analysis for water and wetlands evolution at Yushenfu mining area[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2015，40(5)：1126−1133.

[16] 李路，乔伟，甘圣丰，等. 导水裂隙带动态发育规律及覆岩含水层涌水量预计[J]. 煤炭科学技术，2020，48(增刊1)：144−149.

LI Lu，QIAO Wei，GAN Shengfeng，et al. Prediction of water inflow in overburden aquifer based on dynamic developing laws of water flowing fractured zone[J]. Coal Science and Technology，2020，48(Sup.1)：144−149.

[17] 张玉军，李凤明. 高强度综放开采采动覆岩破坏高度及裂隙发育演化监测分析[J]. 岩石力学与工程学报，2011，30(增刊1)：2994−3001.

ZHANG Yujun，LI Fengming. Monitoring analysis of fissure development evolution and height of overburden failure of high tension fully–mechanized caving mining[J]. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering，2011，30(Sup.1)：2994−3001.

[18] 侯恩科，慕佳欣，谢晓深，等. 浅埋煤层开采地表裂缝发育规律及形成演化机理[J]. 煤田地质与勘探，2025，53(2)：107−117.

HOU Enke，MU Jiaxin，XIE Xiaoshen，et al. Developmental patterns and formation and evolutionary mechanisms of surface cracks induced by the mining of shallowly buried coal seams[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration，2025，53(2)：107−117.

[19] 武强，李铎. “煤–水”双资源矿井建设与开发研究[J]. 中国煤炭地质，2009，21(3)：32−35.

WU Qiang，LI Duo. Research of “coal–water” double–resources mine construction and development[J]. Coal Geology of China，2009，21(3)：32−35.

[20] 叶贵钧，张莱，李文平，等. 陕北榆神府矿区煤炭资源开发主要水工环问题及防治对策[J]. 工程地质学报，2000，8(4)：446−455.

YE Guijun，ZHANG Lai，LI Wenping，et al. The main hydro–engineering–environmental–geological problems arose from the exploitation of coal resource in Yushenfu mine area of northern Shaanxi and their prevention measures[J]. Journal of Engineering Geology，2000，8(4)：446−455.

[21] 孙亚军，陈歌，徐智敏，等. 我国煤矿区水环境现状及矿井水处理利用研究进展[J]. 煤炭学报，2020，45(1)：304−316.

SUN Yajun，CHEN Ge，XU Zhimin，et al. Research progress of water environment，treatment and utilization in coal mining areas of China[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2020，45(1)：304−316.

[22] 武强，申建军，王洋. “煤–水”双资源型矿井开采技术方法与工程应用[J]. 煤炭学报，2017，42(1)：8−16.

WU Qiang，SHEN Jianjun，WANG Yang. Mining techniques and engineering application for “coal–water” dual–resources mine[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2017，42(1)：8−16.

[23] 仵拨云，彭捷，向茂西，等. 榆神府矿区保水采煤受保护萨拉乌苏组含水层研究[J]. 采矿与安全工程学报，2018，35(5)：984−990.

WU Boyun，PENG Jie，XIANG Maoxi，et al. Research on Salawusu Formation aquifer protected by water preserving mining in Yushenfu mining area[J]. Journal of Mining & Safety Engineering，2018，35(5)：984−990.

[24] 冀瑞君，彭苏萍，范立民，等. 神府矿区采煤对地下水循环的影响：以窟野河中下游流域为例[J]. 煤炭学报，2015，40(4)：938−943.

JI Ruijun，PENG Suping，FAN Limin，et al. Effect of coal exploitation on groundwater circulation in the Shenfu mine area：An example from middle and lower reaches of the Kuye River Basin[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2015，40(4)：938−943.

[25] 孙亚军，李鑫，冯琳，等. 鄂尔多斯盆地煤–水协调开采下矿区水资源异位回灌–存储技术思路[J]. 煤炭学报，2022，47(10)：3547−3560.

SUN Yajun，LI Xin，FENG Lin，et al. Technical thinking on ectopic injection and storage of mine area water resources under the coordinated exploitation of coal and water background in Ordos Basin[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2022，47(10)：3547−3560.

[26] 李智学，李明培，申小龙，等. 榆神矿区基岩顶面土层缺失机理分析及其防治水意义[J]. 煤田地质与勘探，2018，46(6)：102−107.

LI Zhixue，LI Mingpei，SHEN Xiaolong，et al. Genetic analysis of the bedrock top surface soil layer deletion and its significance for water prevention in Yushen mining area[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration，2018，46(6)：102−107.

[27] 李智学，申小龙，李明培，等. 榆神矿区最上可采煤层赋存规律及开采危害程度[J]. 煤田地质与勘探，2019，47(3)：130−139.

LI Zhixue，SHEN Xiaolong，LI Mingpei，et al. Occurrence regularity of uppermost minable coal seams and their harmful level of mining in Yushen mining area[J]. Coal Geology & Exploration，2019，47(3)：130−139.

[28] 庞振忠. 榆神矿区采动覆岩全破断型突水溃沙机理与控水开采模式[D]. 北京：中国矿业大学(北京)，2022.

PANG Zhenzhong. Mechanism of water and sand inrush and water control mining model of fully broken overburden in Yushen mining area[D]. Beijing：China University of Mining & Technology (Beijing)，2022.

[29] 董博文. 曹家滩煤矿采煤对地下水的影响研究[D]. 西安：西安科技大学，2021.

DONG Bowen. Research on the influence of coal mining on groundwater in Caojiatan Coal Mine[D]. Xi’an：Xi’an University of Science and Technology，2021.

[30] 师修昌. 煤炭开采上覆岩层变形破坏及其渗透性评价研究[D]. 北京：中国矿业大学(北京)，2016.

SHI Xiuchang. Study on deformation–failure of overlying strata induced by coal mining and its permeability assessment[D]. Beijing：China University of Mining & Technology (Beijing)，2016.

[31] 张玉军. 控水采煤技术原理、关键技术及在砂岩含水层下综放开采实践[J]. 煤炭学报，2020，45(10)：3380−3388.

ZHANG Yujun. Principle and key technologies of controlled water mining and practice of fully–mechanized mining under soft sandstone aquifer[J]. Journal of China Coal Society，2020，45(10)：3380−3388.