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Science
28 February 2025

Innovative Roadway Protection Technology Enhances Coal Mine Safety

Collaborative techniques combining roof cutting and CO2 mineralization show promising results for stability during deep mining operations.

The exploration of collaborative roadway protection technology involving roof cutting, pressure relief, and CO2 mineralization showcases advancements aimed at improving stability and safety within deep coal mines. Recent findings indicate the potential of these methods to address significant challenges posed by the mining of thick, hard strata.

With rising coal mining intensity across China, dynamic disasters have emerged as substantial issues, particularly in regions plagued by hard roofs. A recent study focused on the 03 working face of a coal mine located in northern Shaanxi proposed innovative solutions through the collaborative technology of roof cutting and mineralized filling.

Researchers Guangzhe Deng and Hongjian Li conducted the study with strong support from the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province, addressing deformation challenges frequently experienced by roadways during mining operations. Specifically, the research introduced roof cutting methods grounded both theoretically and practically to improve roadway conditions considerably.

Significant concerns arise during mining as hard rock layers can induce various risks, including mine earthquakes and severe ground vibrations. These hazards not only threaten worker safety but also hinder effective mining operations. To combat these challenges, the study innovatively combined pressure relief with CO2 mineralized filling technology, aiming to optimize roadway stability.

Utilizing theoretical analyses and field tests, the researchers established optimal parameters for the innovative method, including drilling angle and height adjustments. The implementation of this technology reduced the stress on surrounding rocks by 36.08% and the displacement within roadways by 53.06%. The study could potentially transform coal mining safety standards.

Using CO2 mineralized filling as the backdrop for enhancing structural integrity, the results indicated superior mechanical properties associated with specific ratios of coal gangue and fly ash. The study identified the ideal material combination as 9:1, resulting in significant compressive strength and residual stability. This enhances not only coal seam support but also contributes positively to carbon sequestration efforts.

Field testing of the roof cutting techniques was another milestone of the project, demonstrating effectiveness through practical applications. The collaborative protection technology proved reliable, providing meaningful data on stress transfers during the mining process.

The outcomes of the study reveal the necessity to reconsider traditional mining approaches. By implementing roof cutting and mineralized filling, the trends suggest impending advancements within the industry. Such solutions may reframe existing mining challenges and formulate new pathways for improved operational safety and efficiency.

"The collaborative protection technology significantly reduces the stress of surrounding rock in the fracturing zone by 36.08% and the displacement by 53.06%," noted the authors of the article. This reduction exemplifies the potential transformative impact on roadway stability throughout coal mining operations, setting the stage for future research and application.

After thorough validation of the theoretical analysis through numerical simulations, findings indicate enhanced roadway conditions following the implementation of these technologies. The advancements also open avenues toward a greener approach to coal mining, melding resource extraction with environmental responsibility.

While the study illuminates significant strides within the field, researchers acknowledge the need for continued exploration to address additional challenges, including the integration of CO2 mineralization with geological impacts and real-time monitoring systems for mining operations.

Overall, the introduction of collaborative roadway protection technology marks a turning point for the mining sector, paving the way for safer and more sustainable practices within the rapidly advancing domain of underground coal mining.