Abstract:
Coal and uranium resources are extensively co-existing in Ordos Basin, characterized by a vertical stacked occurrence of “uranium above and coal below”. Traditional single-mineral mining models face issues such as resource wastage, mutual interference and risks of radioactive contamination, necessitating the establishment of a theoretical and technological system for coordinated coal-uranium mining. In-depth research has been conducted around major challenges, including multi-phase and multi-field coupling mechanisms, rapid construction and mining of uranium deposits, disturbance reduction in coal mining, radioactive monitoring and early warning, and pollution treatment. A comprehensive technical framework for coordinated coal-uranium mining has been systematically proposed. At the theoretical level, the mechanical behavior of discontinuous coal-rock structures and the multi-field coupled seepage evolution mechanisms are revealed. The migration and diffusion patterns of uranium-bearing leaching solutions and the interactive response characteristics under mining disturbance are elucidated. The mutual disturbance effects of mining activities under the “uranium above and coal below” occurrence conditions are clarified, and a multi-modal disturbance reduction theory is proposed. At the technical level, key technologies are prioritized for development, including 4D dynamic imaging of the uranium in-situ leaching process, modular rapid construction techniques, efficient leaching control and hydraulic barrier containment. These form a uranium mining technology system centered on “precise prediction-rapid well construction-efficient leaching-dynamic management,” effectively reducing the impact of uranium mining on the safety production and environment of underlying coal seams. Subsequently, a zoning method for coordinated coal-uranium mining based on refined 3D hydrogeological models is proposed, defining criteria for safety zones, impact zones and reserved zones, to establish a “loss reduction and disturbance mitigation” mining mode that balances resource recovery, environmental protection, and economic benefits. Furthermore, by deploying distributed monitoring networks, developing intelligent early warning platforms, and researching emergency treatment equipment for underground use, an integrated prevention and control system of “radionuclide perception-intelligent early warning-emergency response” is constructed, forming a multi-stage purification process of “rapid precipitation-adsorption-filtration”. Next, a combined multi-process remediation system, high-performance adsorption materials, and material-microbial synergistic solidification technologies are developed to create a comprehensive radioactive pollution control technical framework integrating “source control-process interruption-end treatment”. Finally, planned engineering demonstrations at Tarangaole Coal Mine and Nalinggou Uranium Mine will verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed theories and technologies in achieving efficient resource recovery and effective environmental pollution control. The research results not only provide theoretical and technical guidance for the safe and efficient development of coal-measure associated resources but also hold significant practical implications for ensuring the stable supply of strategic resources in China and leading the transformation of energy development paradigms.