Continuous Chamber Gangue Storage for Sustainable Mining in Coal Mines: Principles, Methods, and Environmental Benefits

Jinhai Liu, Yuanhang Wang, Jiajie Li (), Desire Ntokoma, Zhengxing Yu, Sitao Zhu and Michael Hitch
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Jinhai Liu: Key Laboratory of Safe and Green Mining of Metal Mines with Cemented Paste Backfill, National Mine Safety Administration, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Yuanhang Wang: Key Laboratory of Safe and Green Mining of Metal Mines with Cemented Paste Backfill, National Mine Safety Administration, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Jiajie Li: Key Laboratory of Safe and Green Mining of Metal Mines with Cemented Paste Backfill, National Mine Safety Administration, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Desire Ntokoma: Key Laboratory of Safe and Green Mining of Metal Mines with Cemented Paste Backfill, National Mine Safety Administration, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Zhengxing Yu: China Academy of Safety Science and Technology, Beijing 100012, China
Sitao Zhu: Key Laboratory of Safe and Green Mining of Metal Mines with Cemented Paste Backfill, National Mine Safety Administration, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Michael Hitch: Faculty of Science, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8, Canada

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-16

Abstract: Coal gangue, a major by-product of coal mining, poses significant environmental challenges due to its large-scale accumulation, land occupation, and potential for air and water pollution. This manuscript presents a comprehensive overview of continuous chamber gangue storage technology as a sustainable mining solution for coal mines. The principles of this approach emphasize minimizing disturbance to overlying strata, enabling uninterrupted mining operations, and reducing both production costs and environmental risks. By storing the surface or underground gangue in continuous chambers, the proposed method ensures the roof stability, maximizes the waste storage, and prevents the interaction between mining and waste management processes. Detailed storage sequences and excavation methods are discussed, including continuous and jump-back excavation strategies tailored to varying roof conditions. The process flows for both underground and ground-based chamber storage are described, highlighting the integration of gangue crushing, paste preparation, and pipeline transport for efficient underground storage. In a case study with annual storage of 500,000 t gangue, the annual economic benefit reached CNY 1,111,425,000. This technology not only addresses the urgent need for sustainable coal gangue management, but also aligns with the goals of resource conservation, ecological protection, and the advancement of green mining practices in the coal industry.

Keywords: coal gangue; sustainable mining; underground gangue storage; continuous chamber (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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