Syudy on water loss model and prediction technology of aquifer induced by coal mining in Yushenfu Mining Area in the middle reaches of the Yellow River

The contradiction between coal and water has become the main factor restricting the safe, efficient and green mining of coal in Yushenfu Mining Area. In order to alleviate the contradiction and effectively protect water resources and ecological environment, a typical coal mine in Yushenfu Mining Area is taken as an example. This research reveals the characteristics of coal water occurrence, establishes the water loss model of mining-influenced aquifer, and preliminarily explores the overall strategy and technology of water resources protection. The study indicates that there are two types of water resources in the Yushenfu Mining Area: surface water and groundwater. The surface water exists in the form of lakes, surface runoff and springs, while groundwater includes the Sa’la Wusu Formation confined water, metamorphic rock water, and weathered bedrock water. Based on the relationship between aquifers and water-conducting fracture zones, two types of aquifers are identified: low-level aquifer and high-level aquifer. The water loss model for low-level aquifers is characterized by leakage through connecting pathways. For high-level aquifers, there are two water loss models: non-conductive vertical seepage and seepage overflow evaporation. The former occurs in high-pressure confined aquifers, while the latter is mainly for high-level phreatic aquifers. For low-level aquifers, protection involves the development of height-controlled technology in water-conducting fracture zones and post-mining roof grouting reinforcement technology. For high-level aquifers, protection measures include the construction of artificial water barriers, separation grouting, and coordinated mining technology. In cases where water cannot be protected in situ and flows into mined-out areas, comprehensive water utilization technologies such as underground water storage, purification, recycling, and deep injection can be employed to indirectly achieve water resource protection in the mining area.