Research and case studies for the transformation from extensive mining to green mining
Jianwen Zhao1,2, Shuai Li3, Qun Jiang2
1School of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, 343009, China.
Scientific Reports
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Small and medium-sized mines in China face challenges from extensive mining. Implementing optimized mining methods and synergistic tailings utilization significantly improves ore recovery and achieves zero tailings discharge for sustainable development.
Area of Science:
- Mining Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Sustainable Development
Background:
- China's mining sector is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Extensive mining practices in these SMEs lead to significant resource waste, safety hazards, and environmental pollution.
- Current single tailings backfilling methods are insufficient for green mine construction standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the common problems and hazards associated with extensive mining in Chinese SMEs.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of green transformation measures at Xinheng Mining.
- To provide a replicable technical pathway for sustainable mining practices.
Main Methods:
- Case study analysis of Shishudi Gold Mine and Xiadian Gold Mine to identify extensive mining issues.
- Empirical study of Xinheng Mining's transformation, including mining method optimization and mechanization upgrades.
- Investigation of the "backfilling and brick-making" synergistic tailings utilization mode.
Main Results:
- Extensive mining resulted in a 45.43% ore loss rate at Shishudi Gold Mine.
- Xinheng Mining's original mode showed a 60% ore recovery rate and 50% dilution rate.
- Post-transformation, Xinheng achieved an 88%~92% ore recovery rate, 5%~8% dilution rate, and zero tailings discharge.
Conclusions:
- Green transformation measures significantly enhance mining efficiency and resource utilization.
- The synergistic tailings utilization mode is effective for achieving zero tailings discharge.
- The study offers a viable technical framework for the green transformation of similar mining operations.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Microbial Leaching
Microbial leaching, also known as bioleaching, is an environmentally favorable method for extracting metals from low-grade ores using specific microorganisms. This biotechnological approach is particularly valuable for mining operations targeting copper, gold, and uranium, where traditional extraction methods may be economically or environmentally impractical.Copper Leaching and Microbial CatalysisIn copper bioleaching, crushed ore is arranged into heaps and irrigated with a dilute sulfuric...
01:25Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium
Microorganisms play a critical role in the transformation and immobilization of uranium in contaminated environments through four main pathways: bioreduction, biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biomineralization. These mechanisms reduce uranium’s toxicity and prevent its migration through groundwater systems, offering sustainable approaches for in situ bioremediation.Bioreduction of UraniumBioreduction is driven by anaerobic bacteria such as certain strains of Geobacter and Shewanella, which use...
01:19Acid Mine Drainage
Mining activities that disturb sulfide-rich rocks, particularly those containing pyrite (FeS₂), initiate a cascade of geochemical and microbiological processes with serious environmental implications. When exposed to air and water, pyrite undergoes oxidation, releasing sulfate, ultimately forming sulfuric acid and mobilizing heavy metals into surrounding water systems. This phenomenon, known as acid mine drainage (AMD), results in low pH waters laden with toxic elements that threaten aquatic...
00:46Bioremediation
Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.
01:43Sustainable Development
As the human population continues to grow and use resources, we must be mindful of our planet’s natural limits. Sustainable development provides a pathway to maintain and improve human life now while also ensuring that future generations will have the resources that they need. The long-term success of sustainability efforts rests on understanding the interplay between human actions and ecological systems.
00:56Extraction: Advanced Methods
Metal ions can be separated from one another by complexation with organic ligands–the chelating agent– to form uncharged chelates. Here, the chelating agent must contain hydrophobic groups and behave as a weak acid, losing a proton to bind with the metal. Since most organic ligands used in this process are insoluble or undergo oxidation in the aqueous phase, the chelating agent is initially added to the organic phase and extracted into the aqueous phase. The metal-ligand complex is formed in...