Water-Induced Geological Disaster Prevention and Sustainable Water Resource Utilization in Mines

1. Introduction

The deep areas and surface slopes of mines exhibit complex geological conditions. When combined with extreme precipitation and high-intensity mining activities, these conditions are highly susceptible to triggering a series of water-induced geological disasters, including landslides, water inrush, and rock pillar weakening [1,2]. These events threaten the safety and stability of mining operations and lead to considerable resource wastage. Studying the occurrence mechanism, disaster prediction methods, and prevention measures of water-induced geological disasters can provide a theoretical basis and effective solutions for disaster prevention and resource utilization [3,4,5]. Through the study of the fundamental mechanics theory of water-bearing coal rocks, technologies for mine water resource utilization, mechanisms of surrounding rock water disasters, and advanced early warning and prevention technologies for water-induced geological disasters, accurate prediction and rapid response to water-induced mine hazards can be realized [6]. This approach helps minimize losses caused by water-induced mine disasters and facilitates effective utilization of water resources in mines [7,8]. To ensure mine safety production, modern technological methods are becoming increasingly crucial in both mine safety production and water resource management [9,10,11].

To tackle these issues, researchers have achieved significant advancements by utilizing cutting-edge technological methodologies [12,13]. For instance, they have integrated numerical modeling and physical experiments to analyze the impact resistance of retaining dams in high-altitude cold regions, revealing that prestressed reinforced concrete structures with embedded reinforcement exhibit superior performance in reducing impact depth, resultant force, and acceleration compared to conventional concrete dams [14,15]. This finding offers critical technical insights for enhancing the design of debris flow prevention barriers in such environments. Concurrently, the application of remote sensing and geospatial analysis has enabled comprehensive monitoring of post-mining land movement and groundwater rebound, demonstrating how climate-driven subsidence and mining-induced uplift interact to reshape surface hydrology and vegetation patterns, thereby informing integrated environmental management strategies in reclaimed mining areas [16]. Additionally, studies on the coupled effects of groundwater seepage and non-uniform loading on mine roadway stability have employed scaled physical modeling, acoustic emission monitoring, and numerical simulations to elucidate the deformation stages and failure mechanisms of water-saturated rock masses [17,18]. These investigations provide theoretical frameworks for predicting shear and tensile failure zones, supporting the development of targeted reinforcement measures to mitigate roadway collapse risks. Furthermore, research on the influence of external factors like impact speed, angle, and projectile shape on structural response has quantified their relationships with mechanical parameters, offering empirical guidelines for optimizing protective designs in dynamic loading scenarios [19,20]. Collectively, these efforts underscore the transformative role of interdisciplinary technological approaches in advancing disaster prevention, resource extraction efficiency, and ecological restoration in geotechnical engineering practice.

This Special Issue research explores the application of modern technology to enhance mine safety and promote sustainable utilization of mine water resources from multiple perspectives. Through advanced numerical modeling, physical experiments, and integrated monitoring techniques, the studies analyze critical issues such as impact resistance of retaining structures, groundwater rebound dynamics, roadway failure mechanisms under seepage loading, and water diffusion patterns in underground tunnels. The findings provide critical theoretical foundations and technical support for ensuring safe mine production, mitigating environmental risks, and optimizing water resource management in mining operations.

2. An Overview of Published Articles

The incubation process, scientific evaluation, and efficient prevention of mine water-induced geological disasters are critical for ensuring the safe and sustainable development of coal mining operations in China. These disasters, including water inrush, slope instability, and groundwater rebound, pose significant threats to mine safety and environmental stability. To address these challenges, advanced technologies such as integrated geophysical monitoring, numerical modeling of seepage dynamics, and risk assessment based on multi-source data fusion are essential for early warning and disaster mitigation. This Special Issue compiles eight innovative studies that delve into the theory and technology of water-induced geological disasters prevention and water resources utilization in mines.

Tie et al. studied the impact resistance of retaining dams in high-altitude cold regions by establishing a three-dimensional numerical model of the retaining dam. Results show that the prestressed reinforced concrete retaining dam with embedded prestressed reinforcement has significantly lower impact depth, resultant impact force, and acceleration than the concrete retaining dam, effectively improving impact resistance; its impact depth and resultant impact force increase with the steel ball’s impact speed, angle, and mass, but decrease with the increase of the steel ball’s shape coefficient. The findings provide a scientific basis for the design of debris flow prevention barriers in such regions.

Guzy et al. explored the links between groundwater rebound, land movement, and environmental transformation after the flooding closure of the Olkusz-Pomorzany mine (Poland), by integrating EGMS-based land movement data, groundwater levels, meteorological records, and Sentinel-2-derived hydrospectral indices and land cover data. Results indicate climate-driven regional subsidence of less than 1 mm/year, while the mining zone shifts to uplift with a maximum groundwater rebound of 103 m; surface water and wetlands expand, and vegetation activity and moisture modestly increase. The study highlights the need for integrated monitoring in post-mining areas.

Gang et al. investigated the damage and failure mechanisms of mine roadways under the coupled effects of groundwater seepage and non-uniform loading, by fabricating scaled physical models based on geometric similarity principles, conducting uniaxial compression tests on water-saturated sandstone specimens with pore defects (monitored by AE techniques and static strain systems), and performing FLAC^3D numerical simulations. Results show that the stress–strain curves of saturated sandstone exhibit four deformation stages; shear failure zones are regionally clustered, and tensile failure zones are evenly distributed. The findings provide guidance for surrounding rock control and reinforcement of water-infiltrated mine roadways.

Fan et al. focused on quantitative prediction of water spreading in coal mine tunnels after emergency water release from underground reservoirs, by constructing a three-dimensional physical model of the complex tunnel network and adopting the VOF Eulerian multiphase flow model for simulation. Results show that water flows to lower-altitude areas, with water level experiencing three stages (rapid rise, slow increase, and stable equilibrium); the water level near the outlet rises sharply within 550 s, while distant tunnels see rapid rise after 13,200 s, and the maximum safe evacuation time within 300 m of the outlet is 1 h. The study enhances underground safety by clarifying water spreading characteristics.

Yuchi et al. evaluated the stability of waterproof coal pillars affected by goaf water in Nanhu Second Mine, through exploration holes to analyze water source and infiltration direction, theoretical analysis of water-affected mechanical parameters of coal and rock, numerical simulation of coal pillar and roadway performance, and in situ monitoring (ground penetrating radar, deformation measurement, and loosing circle detector). Results confirm the goaf water is static from the V aquifer; the coal pillar has a 6–11 m plastic zone and a 6–8 m middle elastic zone, with slight internal cracks, effectively preventing water damage and ensuring safe production.

Wang et al. revealed the quality evolution patterns of mine water in arid mining regions of western China and assessed its ecological irrigation risks, by collecting surface water, groundwater, and mine water samples for hydrochemical analysis and multi-index risk evaluation. Results show mine water TDS exceeds 1000 mg/L, with quality evolution controlled by water-rock interaction, evaporation, and concentration; direct irrigation causes salt accumulation and environmental threats. Three measures (desalination, improved irrigation technologies, and drought-tolerant vegetation selection) are proposed, providing a theoretical basis for scientific utilization of mine water in arid areas.

Wu et al. studied the impact of rainfall on slope instability and stability, by establishing a rainfall infiltration slope model, conducting saturated–unsaturated flow–solid coupling numerical analysis, and combining the strength reduction method to calculate slope safety factors. Results indicate heavy rainfall forms a continuous sliding surface; pre-peak rainfall pattern causes the largest safety factor decrease and earliest slope failure; rainfall intensity is inversely proportional to the safety factor. The findings provide a scientific basis for analyzing rainfall-induced slope instability.

Yang et al. explored the reinforcement mechanism of anti-slide piles on reservoir landslides under water level fluctuations, by establishing a three-dimensional slope model to simulate water level drawdown from 175 m to 145 m, and analyzing displacement, strain fields, and safety factors under stress–seepage coupling. Results show water level drawdown expands strain/displacement zones and reduces safety factors; anti-slide piles significantly reduce maximum deformation, with optimal reinforcement when arranged in the middle of the landslide, spaced four times the pile diameter, and embedded to critical depth. The study supports mitigation of reservoir landslides.

3. Conclusions

The research on water-induced geological disasters and water resource utilization in mining environments integrates multidisciplinary perspectives, including hydrogeological dynamics, rock mechanics, and slope stability analysis. Through systematic examination of phenomena such as inrush propagation patterns, stress–strain behaviors of fractured rock, and rainfall-triggered slope failure mechanisms, this study elucidates the key stages and spatial–temporal characteristics of water movement and structural failure. Concurrently, it evaluates the physicochemical properties of mine water and their environmental implications for irrigation use. By synthesizing these findings, the research not only clarifies the interrelationships between geological conditions, fluid dynamics, and engineering risks but also establishes a comprehensive framework for disaster mitigation strategies and sustainable water management in mining operations. The main conclusions are as follows:

(1)

Water flows along the complex roadway network toward lower-altitude areas, with sloping tunnels acting as initial water spread barriers. The water level at each point in the roadway undergoes three stages: rapid rise, slow increase, and stable equilibrium. The water level near the inrush outlet surges within 550 s, while that in distant areas only rises rapidly after 13,200 s. The maximum safe evacuation time for personnel within 300 m is 1 h, and the water storage capacity of the roadway network extends the evacuation window in distant areas.

(2)

Under non-uniform loading, the stress–strain curves of saturated sandstone with pore defects show four stages: compaction, elastic, plastic yield, and failure instability. Crack propagation is closely related to stress zones (intense in high-stress zones, gentle in low-stress zones), with shear failure concentrated in high-stress zones and tensile failure controlled by geometric structures. Acoustic emission (AE) signals exhibit four stages (quiet–active–intense–peak) with a bimodal characteristic.

(3)

Heavy rainfall causes the transient saturation zone in the slope to move upward, forming a continuous sliding surface and triggering instability of the soil above the slope toe. The pre-peak rainfall pattern is most unfavorable to slope stability (largest safety factor reduction and earliest failure). Rainfall intensity is inversely proportional to the slope safety factor—higher intensity leads to shorter failure time.

(4)

Mine water is weakly alkaline, with total dissolved solids (TDS) all exceeding 1000 mg/L. The main ions are Na⁺, Ca²⁺, SO₄²⁻, and Cl⁻, derived from the dissolution of halite, gypsum, and anorthite. Water quality evolution is mainly controlled by water–rock interaction and affected by evaporation concentration.

(5)

Direct irrigation with untreated mine water may cause soil salinization due to excessive soluble sodium percentage (SSP), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), salinity hazard, and magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR). It inhibits plant growth and poses a slight pollution risk to groundwater.

(6)

For mine water inrush, zoned evacuation plans should be formulated based on the distance from the inrush outlet. For ecological irrigation of mine water in arid regions, desalination via nanofiltration combined with reverse osmosis, drip/intermittent irrigation technologies, and planting salt-tolerant and drought-tolerant vegetation are recommended. For slope disasters, focus on rainfall patterns and intensity, and establish targeted early warning mechanisms.