In the arid and semi-arid expanses of China’s northern sand prevention belt (NSPB), where water is a precious commodity, a groundbreaking study offers a beacon of hope for the energy sector. The research, led by Jie Fang from the State Key Laboratory of Water Resource Protection and Utilization in Coal Mining, delves into the critical challenge of balancing coal exploitation with water resource conservation in open-pit mining areas.
The NSPB, stretching across regions like Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Gansu, is characterized by scarce rainfall and intense evaporation, making water resources both limited and vulnerable. The large-scale development of open-pit coal mines in these areas has exacerbated the issue, leading to declining groundwater levels and ecological imbalances. Fang’s study, published in *Meitian dizhi yu kantan* (translated as *Geotechnical Investigation and Surveying*), aims to address these pressing concerns by developing a comprehensive technology system for water resource conservation.
The research investigates the distribution of open-pit coal mines and the hydrogeological characteristics of three typical regions within the NSPB: eastern Inner Mongolia, western Inner Mongolia, and northern Xinjiang. By understanding the unique challenges posed by each region, the study identifies key technologies for conserving multiple water sources, including surface water, groundwater, atmospheric condensate water, and mine water.
One of the standout innovations is the multi-level mine water storage model. This model integrates surface reservoirs, reinjection into the Quaternary aquifer, and subsurface reservoirs, creating a robust system for water storage and utilization. “This approach not only ensures the efficient use of water resources but also mitigates the environmental impact of mining activities,” explains Fang.
The study also highlights the importance of intercepting and storing surface water, capturing atmospheric condensate water, and controlling groundwater sources through curtain grouting. Additionally, the artificial reconstruction of ecological aquifers in open-pit mining areas is explored as a means to restore and maintain ecological balance.
The commercial implications for the energy sector are significant. By establishing a three-dimensional, low-cost, efficient, and large-scale model for water resource conservation, treatment, and utilization, the study provides a replicable framework for open-pit coal mines in the NSPB. This framework is crucial for ensuring water supply for ecological conservation and restoration, thereby supporting national strategies such as energy security and ecological civilization construction.
The research also delves into technologies for treating substantial suspended solids in mine water, low-cost and large-scale mine water treatment, and novel ecological precision irrigation in open-pit mining areas. These advancements are poised to shape future developments in the field, offering practical solutions for sustainable mining practices.
As the energy sector continues to grapple with the dual challenges of meeting demand and preserving the environment, Fang’s study offers a compelling roadmap for balancing these priorities. By integrating innovative technologies and proactive approaches, the research paves the way for a more sustainable future in open-pit coal mining.