Research on the Construction of Applicable Models for Temporary Land Use in Open-Pit Coal Mining and Implementation Models for Land Reclamation in China

Jiaxin Guo, Jian Lin, Zhenqi Hu (), Pengfei An, Junfeng Yin, Yifan Du and Peian Wang
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Jiaxin Guo: College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Jian Lin: College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Zhenqi Hu: School of Environment Science & Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining & Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Pengfei An: College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Junfeng Yin: College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Yifan Du: College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Peian Wang: College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-15

Abstract: China’s traditional approach to supplying land for mining operations hinders the sustainable use of land resources, resulting in extensive land degradation and idleness after mining activities conclude. Based on this, the competent national authorities have innovatively launched reforms to the temporary land supply model for open-pit coal mining operations. This study uses the Anjialing open-pit coal mine pilot project in Shanxi Province, China as a case example to construct a comprehensive lifecycle model for temporary mining land use in operational coal mines. It evaluates the land reclamation implementation at this mine and proposes a land management model for future pilot mines establishing new temporary mining sites. Research indicates that: (1) In pilot mining projects currently under construction, the larger the initial mining area, the lower the strip ratio and coal extraction rate, and the longer the overall duration of temporary land use. (2) Based on the overall land use cycle model for temporary mining sites, the land use cycle for the Anjialing open-pit coal mine is approximately 7 to 10 years, making it impossible to complete mining operations and return the land after reclamation within five years. (3) Based on historical image analysis using the GEE platform, by the end of 2020, the coal mine reclamation area barely reached the boundaries of the 2012 temporary land use plan. Consequently, the pilot project for temporary mining land use failed to pass the required acceptance inspection. Overall, the promotion of this new model not only upholds the critical mission of safeguarding national farmland and ensuring food security, but also holds significant implications for future resource extraction and sustainable land utilization.

Keywords: temporary land use for mining; applicable models; land reclamation; Google Earth Engine; open-pit coal mining (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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