In the heart of Shaanxi Province, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how we approach water management in coal mining, particularly under the challenging conditions of super-large mining heights. Yujun Zhang, a leading researcher from the CCTEG Coal Mining Research Institute in Beijing, has published a pivotal study in the journal *Meitian dizhi yu kantan*, which translates to *Geotechnical Investigation and Safety in Mining*. The research delves into the developmental patterns of water flowing fractured zones in soil-bedrock-type overburden and proposes a novel water-controlled mining strategy that could significantly enhance safety and efficiency in the energy sector.
Zhang’s study focuses on the Caojiatan Coal Mine, where a mining face with a staggering 10-meter super-large mining height presents unique challenges. The research highlights the critical role of lithology and structure in the overburden in determining the height and characteristics of water flowing fractured zones. “The laterites in the overburden enable fracture healing, resulting in repeat water resistance and thus inhibiting mining-induced fractures,” Zhang explains. This discovery is crucial as it reveals that the fractured zone/mining height ratio for this mining face is 22.56, with fractures largely propagating below the laterites. Even though some fractures extend to the laterites, the overall water resistance remains intact.
The implications of this research are profound for the energy sector. By understanding the behavior of water flowing fractured zones, mining operations can better prevent water disasters and protect water resources. Zhang’s study proposes a comprehensive water-controlled mining strategy that includes precise drainage of static reserves, increased discharge and water diversion for dynamic supply, full-space flow field monitoring, and the prevention of local roof cutting and leakage. “A comprehensive analysis of multiple factors, including water levels in long-term hydrological observation holes, water inflow along the mining face, and hydrochemistry during the mining process, reveals that the mining-induced fractures only propagated to bedrock fissures and the aquifer in the weathering zone, while the Quaternary aquifer was unaffected by mining,” Zhang notes.
This innovative approach not only ensures safe and efficient mining but also has significant commercial impacts. By minimizing water-related risks, mining operations can reduce downtime, lower costs, and enhance overall productivity. The study’s findings provide a robust basis for the prevention and control of overburden failure and water disasters, as well as water resources protection, in mining with super-large mining heights and high mining intensity.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, Zhang’s research offers a glimpse into the future of water management in mining. The insights gained from this study could pave the way for more sustainable and efficient mining practices, ultimately benefiting both the industry and the environment. With the publication of this research in *Meitian dizhi yu kantan*, the scientific community and industry professionals now have a valuable resource to guide their efforts in achieving safer and more productive mining operations.