A new concept for complex mining of mineral raw material resources from DTEK coal mines based on sustainable development and ESG strategy

Abstract

Purpose. The research purpose is to develop a concept for complex mining of mineral resources from coal mines using the example of PJSC DTEK Pavlohradvuhillia mines with a transition to multi-product production of clean drinking water, utilization of methane, secondary coal from rock dumps and sludge reservoirs, low-potential thermal energy of mine groundwaters and associated raw materials from desalination waste. Methods. The research uses an integrated approach, which includes an analysis of existing experience and available complex coal mining technologies, laboratory studies of mine water desalination technology by the reverse osmosis method with thermal distillation of concentrated brine, and chemical analysis using ElvaX laboratory equipment. Findings. This paper presents the research results of a comprehensive analysis of mineral raw material resources related to coal mining. The technically achievable energy potential that can be produced from the secondary coal of rock dumps and sludge reservoirs has been determined, which in total is 183.3 TJ. The annual heat potential of methane gas utilization has been estimated, which in total of PJSC DTEK Pavlohradvuhillia’s mines reaches 7.1 PJ. The possibility of extracting up to 1.12 TJ/year of associated thermal energy from the water-drainage installation of mine complexes has been determined. For the conditions of the Zakhidno-Donbaska mine, the authors of the paper have developed a technological scheme for the water preparation process by the reverse osmosis with the desalination brine treatment by the method of multistage evaporation on adiabatic evaporators. Originality. For the first time, the energy flows related to coal mining technology have been comprehensively analyzed for the possibility of their joint use to cover the needs of the mine complex. The prospects for complex mining of mineral resources have been assessed based on the adaptation of the mine complex production facilities to the multi-product production of clean drinking water, utilization of methane gas, low-potential thermal energy from mine groundwaters and secondary raw materials of desalination waste. Practical implications. The proposed set of technological solutions will ensure the sustainable development and diversification of the production of PJSC DTEK Pavlohradvuhillia coal-mining enterprises, as well as the effective transformation of coal-mining cities during the period of transition from mono-product production to the creation of multi-business production complexes that comply with ESG principles. The creation of multi-product mine complexes capable of producing not only coal, but also heat and associated mineral raw material resources, should become a guarantee of stable social-economic development of coal-mining regions.