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Article
Publication date: 12 January 2024

Hasanuzzaman, Kaustov Chakraborty and Surajit Bag

Sustainability is a major challenge for India’s (Bharat’s) coal mining industry. The government has prioritized sustainable growth in the coal mining industry. It is putting forth…

Abstract

Purpose

Sustainability is a major challenge for India’s (Bharat’s) coal mining industry. The government has prioritized sustainable growth in the coal mining industry. It is putting forth multifaceted economic, environmental and social efforts to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This research aims to identify the factors for sustainable improvements in coal mining operations. Secondly, this study examines the intensity of causal relations among the factors. Thirdly, this study examines whether causal relations exist among the factors to be considered for sustainable improvement in coal mining operations. Lastly, the study aims to understand how the factors ensure sustainable improvement in coal mining operations.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated three-phase methodology was applied to identify the critical factors related to coal mining and explore the contextual relationships among the identified factors. Fifteen critical factors were selected based on the Delphi technique. Subsequently, the fifteen factors were analyzed to determine the contextual and causal relationships using the total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) and DEMATEL methods.

Findings

The study identified “Extraction of Coal and Overburden” as the leading factor for sustainable improvement in coal mining operations, because it directly or indirectly influences the overall mining operation, environmental impact and resource utilization. Hence, strict control measures are necessary in “Extraction of Coal and Overburden” to ensure sustainable coal mining. Conversely, “Health Impact” is the lagging factor as it has very low or no impact on the system. Therefore, it requires fewer control mechanisms. Nevertheless, control measures for the remaining factors must be decided on a priority basis.

Practical implications

The proposed structural model can serve as a framework for enhancing sustainability in India’s (Bharat’s) coal mining operations. This framework can also be applied to other developing nations with similar sustainability concerns, providing valuable guidance for sustainable operations.

Originality/value

The current study highlights the significance of logical links and dependencies between several parameters essential to coal mining sustainability. Furthermore, it leads to the development of a well-defined control sequence that identifies the causal linkages between numerous components needed to achieve real progress towards sustainability.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2023

Haodong Fan, Feng Luo, Shuai Gao, Meng Li, Zhen Lv and Geng Sun

This study aims to clarify the evolution law of stress field and fracture field during the mining process of inclined coal seam, to prevent the occurrence of roof burst water and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to clarify the evolution law of stress field and fracture field during the mining process of inclined coal seam, to prevent the occurrence of roof burst water and impact ground pressure accident during the advancing process of working face.

Design/methodology/approach

The evolution law of stress-fracture field under different mining conditions of inclined coal seam was studied by using discrete element method and similar material simulation method.

Findings

The overburden stress at the lower end of the coal seam was mainly transmitted to the deep rock mass on the left side, and the overburden stress at the upper end was mainly transmitted to the floor direction. With the increase of the inclined length of the mining coal seam, the development of the fracture zone gradually evolves from the “irregular arch” form to the “transversely developed trapezoid” form. The development range of the fracture zone was always in the internal area of the stress concentration shell.

Originality/value

An original element of this paper is based on the condition that the dip angle of coal seam is 35°, and the evolution law of overburden stress-fracture field during the excavation of coal seam with different lengths was analyzed by UDEC numerical simulation software. The coupling relationship between stress shell and fracture field was proposed, and the development range of fracture zone was determined by stress. The value of this paper is to provide technical support and practical basis for the safety production of a mine working face.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 December 2020

Sorokhaibam Khaba, Chandan Bhar and Ankita Ray

The purpose of this research is to identify and study the contextual relationships of the significant lean enablers in the Indian coal mining industry using the application of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify and study the contextual relationships of the significant lean enablers in the Indian coal mining industry using the application of interpretive structural modeling (ISM), matrice d' impacts croisés-multiplication appliquée á un classement (MICMAC) and structural equation modeling (SEM).

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a conceptual model based on ISM was developed forming a hierarchy and contextual relationships of significant enablers for lean implementation in the Indian coal mining industry using a literature review and eliciting expert opinion, which is followed by MICMAC for grouping of enablers and questionnaire survey to validate the ISM based conceptual model using SEM.

Findings

The study modeled and analyzed ten significant enablers of lean implementation in the Indian coal mining industry. The findings suggest that the most important lean enablers in the Indian coal mining industry are employee empowerment, employee motivation and commitment, consistent financial performance measurement and management support.

Research limitations/implications

Judgmental sampling was used for selecting the respondents for conducting the questionnaire survey in this research work as there are a few numbers of coal mines implementing lean principles in India. Although the study was not restricted to a particular part of India with the sample representing the heterogeneous population, the study represents more data from the coal mines in eastern India.

Practical implications

The model on lean enablers would help the researchers, decision-makers and practitioners to anticipate potential lean enablers in the Indian coal mines and rank the enablers for improved and efficient usage of the available resources creating value to customers with lean and to sustenance academic research on lean.

Originality/value

Studies on lean enablers in the mining sector are scarce in the literature, and this study is a novel contribution of exploring lean enablers in the Indian coal mining industry using an integrated approach of ISM–MICMAC and SEM.

Book part
Publication date: 19 November 2019

Yujie Cai

This chapter presents a theoretical framework of the industrial relations (IR) system in China’s coal mining industry, combining the roles of management organizations, workers…

Abstract

This chapter presents a theoretical framework of the industrial relations (IR) system in China’s coal mining industry, combining the roles of management organizations, workers, and trade unions, as well as government agencies. It is one of the first empirical attempts to investigate the relationship between human resource (HR) practices, labor relations, and occupational safety in China’s coal mining industry over the past 60 years, based on the secondary data on coal mining accidents and case studies of two state-owned coal mines in a northern city in Anhui Province, China. The fluctuating occupational safety has been affected by government regulations over different time spans, marked by key political agendas, and by coal mining firms taking concrete measures to respond to these regulations, while exhibiting differing safety performance in state-owned versus township-and-village-owned mines. The field studies compared a safety-oriented to a cost-control-oriented HR and labor relations system, and their influences on safety performance. Coal mining firms and practitioners are advised to shift the traditional personnel management paradigm to a modern HR management system. In addition, although workers are often blamed directly for accidents, it is suggested that workers’ participation and voice in various processes of decision-making and policy implementation, and trade unions’ active involvement in protecting workers from occupational hazards, be encouraged.

Details

Advances in Industrial and Labor Relations
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-192-6

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 April 2009

Songli Zhu and Judith A. Cherni

The purpose of this paper is to identify the main environmental impacts of coal mining in China, examine the main institutions and reform factors that failed the control of these…

2079

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the main environmental impacts of coal mining in China, examine the main institutions and reform factors that failed the control of these damages, and discuss what would be necessary to establish a sustainable and environmentally responsible coal mining sector in the context of market and institutional reforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of existing knowledge, and semi‐structured interviewing with key informants in the policy and industry sectors has been the main method of primary and secondary data collection. Grounded theory was used to analyze original data.

Findings

The large and fast growing coal industry in China has caused significant environmental degradation, including land subsidence and water intrusion, as well as remarkable records of miner's poor safety and health. Market reform was mostly unsuccessful in integrating environmental consideration into production and marketing decisions. Main factors of reform that have been associated with this problem are price deregulation and excessive competition inside the industry. Institutional reform, in fact, enhanced the status of State Environment Protection Agency; however, it impaired environmental governance in the coal industry. It is suggested that market reform as applicable to the China coal industry economic sector in particular should reconsider its approach in light of the numerous problems it has created.

Originality/value

The paper identifies and puts together the condition of the growing coal industry in China after market reform, articulating the huge environmental costs that this development has imposed on the country, while calling for an environmentally sustainable coal industry.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2016

Cigdem Kaya, Nihal Kartaltepe Behram and Göksel Ataman

Drawing from the institutional logics and organizational disaster literature, this paper aims to illustrate that the replacement of logics can be problematic in a high-risk…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing from the institutional logics and organizational disaster literature, this paper aims to illustrate that the replacement of logics can be problematic in a high-risk industry such as coal mining by adding an institutional perspective to the understanding of disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigated the field of coal mining in Turkey historically from archival data resources. A comprehensive, qualitative inquiry of a single-case study was then conducted.

Findings

The findings suggest that a shift from social welfare logic to business logic in the coal-mining industry can lead to coal-mining disasters, resulting from changing practices through an increase in the number of private enterprises through royalty contracts, the use of an increased labor force instead of mechanical methods and systems and the maximization of profit by underestimating the effects of taking almost no occupational safety measures.

Practical implications

The connection between institutional logics and organizational disasters could lead institutional actors to question their understanding of institutional logics.

Originality/value

This paper provides original research evidence for the relationship between industrial disasters and institutional logics.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 39 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8269

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 July 2021

Hasanuzzaman Hasanuzzaman and Chandan Bhar

Environmental pollution and corresponding adverse health impacts have now become a significant concern for the entire planet. In this regard, analysts and experts are continually…

Abstract

Purpose

Environmental pollution and corresponding adverse health impacts have now become a significant concern for the entire planet. In this regard, analysts and experts are continually formulating policies to reduce environmental pollution and improve natural ecological conditions. To aid in coping with the ecological predicament, a framework has been developed in the present study to inspect the adverse environmental impacts and related health issues of coal mining.

Design/methodology/approach

The parameters for this study have been identified through a review of the literature and finalized 23 critical parameters of air, water, land and soil, and noise related to coal mining by consultation with experts from industry and academia. Finally, the parameters have been categorized in accordance with the level of threat they pose to the environment by assigning weight using the Bradley–Terry model considering attitudinal data acquired by a questionnaire survey.

Findings

It is found that coal mining has a relatively higher impact on four attributes of “air pollution” (suspended particulate matter [SPM], respiratory particulate matter [RPM], sulfur dioxide [SO2] and oxides of nitrogen [NOx]), followed by “land and soil pollution” (deforestation and surface structure diversion), “noise pollution” (vehicle movement) and “water pollution” (water hardness, total solids (TSS/TDS) and iron content). It is also found that raising the air concentration of SPM and RPM results in increased respiratory and cardiopulmonary mortality. Therefore, reducing dust concentrations into the air generated during coal mining is recommended to reduce air pollution caused by coal mining, which will reduce contamination of water and land and soil.

Research limitations/implications

The model built in this study is a hypothesized model that relied on the experts' opinions considering the parameters of coal production only. However, the parameters related to the usage of coal and its consequences have been excluded. Further, only industrial and academic experts were considered for this study; however, they excluded local people, coal mining personnel, policy authorities, etc. Therefore, the study findings might differ in real circumstances. The research can further be reproduced by considering the parameters related to the use of coal and its consequences, considering the opinions of the local people, coal mining personnel and policy authorities.

Practical implications

Categorizing the parameters according to the threat they pose to the environment due to coal mining can help the decision-maker develop an effective policy to reduce environmental pollution due to coal mining by considering the parameters on a priority basis. In addition, the results further help the decision-makers to assess the environmental impact of coal mining and take necessary action.

Originality/value

The study has developed a framework using the Bradley–Terry model to categorize the environmental parameters of coal mining to develop effective environmental policies, which are original and unique in nature.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 32 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2024

Xiaobo Shi, Yan Liu, Kunkun Ma, Zixin Gu, Yaning Qiao, Guodong Ni, Chibuzor Ojum, Alex Opoku and Yong Liu

The purpose is to identify and evaluate the safety risk factors in the coal mine construction process.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose is to identify and evaluate the safety risk factors in the coal mine construction process.

Design/methodology/approach

The text mining technique was applied in the stage of safety risk factor identification. The association rules method was used to obtain associations with safety risk factors. Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) were utilized to evaluate safety risk factors.

Findings

The results show that 18 safety risk factors are divided into 6 levels. There are 12 risk transmission paths in total. Meanwhile, unsafe behavior and equipment malfunction failure are the direct causes of accidents, and inadequate management system is the basic factor that determines the safety risk status.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the limitation of the computational matrix workload, this article only categorizes numerous lexical items into 18 factors. Then, the workshop relied on a limited number of experts; thus, the findings may be potentially biased. Next, the accident report lacks a universal standard for compilation, and the use of text mining technique may be further optimized. Finally, since the data are all from China, subsequent cross-country studies should be considered.

Social implications

The results can help China coal mine project managers to have a clear understanding of safety risks, efficiently carry out risk hazard identification work and take timely measures to cut off the path of transmission with risks identified in this study. This helps reduce the economic losses of coal mining enterprises, thus improving the safety standards of the entire coal mining industry and the national standards for coal mine safety policy formulation.

Originality/value

Coal mine construction projects are characterized by complexity and difficulties in construction. Current research on the identification and assessment of safety risk factors in coal mine construction is insufficient. This study combines objective and systematic research approaches. The findings contribute to the safety risk management of China coal mine construction projects by providing a basis for the development of safety measures.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 October 2023

Xiangchun Li, Yuzhen Long, Chunli Yang, Yinqing Wang, Mingxiu Xing and Ying Jiang

Effective safety supervision plays a crucial role in ensuring safe production within coal mines. Conventional coal mine safety supervision (CMSS) in China has suffered from the…

Abstract

Purpose

Effective safety supervision plays a crucial role in ensuring safe production within coal mines. Conventional coal mine safety supervision (CMSS) in China has suffered from the problems of power-seeking, excessive resource consumption and poor timeliness. This paper aims to explore the Internet+ CMSS mode being emerged in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The evolution of CMSS systems underwent comprehensive scrutiny through a blend of qualitative and quantitative approaches. First, evolutionary game theory was used to analyze the necessity of incorporating Internet+ technology. Second, a system dynamics model of Internet+ CMSS was crafted, encompassing a system flow diagram and equations for various variables. The model was subsequently simulated by taking the W coal mine in Shanxi Province as a representative case study.

Findings

It was revealed that the expected safety profit from the Internet+ mode is 296.03% more than that from the conventional mode. The precise dissemination of law enforcement information was identified as a pivotal approach through which the Internet+ platform served as a conduit to foster synergistic collaboration among diverse elements within the system.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this study not only raise awareness about the potential of Internet+ technology in safety supervision but also establish a vital theoretical foundation for enhancing the efficacy of the Internet+ CMSS mode. The significance of these findings extends to fostering the wholesome and sustainable progress of the coal mining industry.

Originality/value

This research stands out as one of the limited studies that delve into the influence of Internet+ technology on CMSS. Building upon the pivotal approach identified, to the best of authors’ knowledge, a novel “multi-blind” working mechanism for Internet+ CMSS is introduced for the first time.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 7 November 2016

Kenneth M. Mathu and Caren Scheepers

The dilemma falls within the Change Management, Leadership, Organizational Development subject areas. In addition, the case highlights typical issues in “green” or sustainable…

Abstract

Subject area

The dilemma falls within the Change Management, Leadership, Organizational Development subject areas. In addition, the case highlights typical issues in “green” or sustainable supply chain, corporate social responsibility and sustainability courses.

Study level/applicability

The target audience is includes post-graduate diploma-level or master’s level students, such as in Masters in Business Administration.

Case overview

The case focuses on the dilemma that Phiwokuhle Mhlangu in Mpumalanga, South Africa, faced when his company’s board had not signed off on capital expenditure to improve his colliery’s clean coal technology initiatives. He had to influence his colleagues’ mindsets to adapt to changes in the environment. The case highlights the global coal landscape and South African mining industry’s challenges in terms of infrastructure and strained labour relations, as well as the focus of the South African Government to enhance alternative energy resources. Although a clear business case for investment in clean coal technologies was evident, Mhlangu could still not persuade his colleagues to support these initiatives. A different approach was required […]

Expected learning outcomes

The learning objectives in this case are: gaining insight into the dilemmas of sustainability in coal mining by exploring various interest groups in difficult sustainability situations and enhancing understanding of getting a buy-in from various stakeholders when leading change in the coal-mining sector.

Supplementary materials

A teaching plan and particular teaching methodologies is included. The two learning outcomes are posed as questions for groups to discuss and model answers are provided and to relevant literature.

Subject code

CSS 7: Management Science

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