Coal Mining Area Research Articles

Extraction of vegetation disturbance range using aboveground biomass estimated from Sentinel-2 imagery in coal mining areas with high groundwater table.

Coal mining in regions characterized by high groundwater table markedly predisposes to surface subsidence and water accumulation, thereby engendering substantial harm to surface vegetation, soil, and hydrological resources. Developing effective methods to extract surface disturbance information aids in quantitatively assessing the comprehensive impacts of coal mining on land, ecology, and society. Due to the shortcomings of traditional indicators in reflecting mining disturbance, vegetation aboveground biomass (AGB) is introduced as the primary indicator for extracting the mining disturbance range. Taking the Huaibei Coal Base as an example, Sentinel-2 MSI imagery is firstly used to calculate spectral factors and vegetation indices. Multiple machine learning algorithms are coupled to perform remote sensing estimation and spatial inversion of vegetation AGB based on measured samples of vegetation AGB. Secondly, an Orientation Distance-AGB (OD-AGB) curve is constructed outward from the center of subsidence water areas (SWA), with the Boltzmann function used for curve fitting. According to the location of the inflection point of the curve, the boundary points of vegetation disturbance are identified, and then the disturbance range is divided. The results show that (1) the TV-SVM model, utilizing total variables and support vector machine, achieves the highest estimation accuracy, with σMAE and σRMSE values of 208.47g/m2 and 290.19g/m2, respectively, for the validation set. (2) Thirty-six effective disturbance areas, totaling 29.89 km2, are identified; the Boltzmann function provides a good fit for the OD-AGB curve, with an R2 exceeding 0.8 for typical disturbance areas. (3) Analysis of general statistical laws indicates that disturbance distance conforms to the general characteristics of normal distribution, exhibiting boundedness and directional heterogeneity. The research is expected to provide scientific guidance for hierarchical zoning management, land reclamation, and ecological restoration in coal mining areas with high groundwater table.

Analysis of Spatiotemporal Evolution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Vegetation Net Primary Productivity in Shendong Mining Area

Coal plays a key role in the composition of energy production and consumption in China. The mineral is a crucial resource for human economic and social development. The surface subsidence caused by coal mining has attracted disturbance and damage to the surface ecological environments of mining areas. To quantitatively study vegetation carbon sequestration in coal mining areas, this article takes the Shendong mining area as its research object and analyzes the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and influencing factors of vegetation net primary productivity (NPP). Based on meteorological data, remote sensing images, and land use data in the mining area, this research analyzed the vegetation NPP and its relationship with meteorological factors in the Shendong mining area from 2000 to 2023. The results show that (1) in the past 24 years, the range of NPP variation in the Shendong mining area has been 0–350 gC/m2. The overall NPP shows a fluctuating upward trend. The annual average change in NPP in the mining area is bounded by the two central dividing lines, with a lower value in the central part and a gradually increasing trend in the western and eastern parts. (2) The average vegetation NPP of the Shendong mining area over 24 years was 0–250 gC/m2; after 2011, the annual average NPP of vegetation was higher than this average level, which shows that the ecological environment of the mining area is gradually improving. Coal mining in the mining area has not caused a significant impact on the overall environment of the mining area. (3) There is a significant relationship between NPP and annual cumulative rainfall, average annual temperature, and average annual Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Overall, it is not significantly related to mining factors. The mining factors affect local areas and have a certain correlation.

Enhancing volatile fatty acid production from food waste by H2O2-moderate temperature thermal pretreatment: Treating waste with waste in coal mining areas

Supplementing carbon sources in sewage treatment plants with organic matter from food waste is crucial for resource recycling in coal mining areas. In this study, a moderate-temperature H2O2 method was used to pretreat food waste from a coal mining area. The changes in the properties of the pretreated food waste and their influence on volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production during anaerobic fermentation were investigated. Additionally, the nitrogen and phosphorus removal rates obtained when glucose and fermentation slurry of food waste (FSFW) were used as carbon sources in the sewage treatment system were compared. Compared with untreated food waste, the soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) increased by 58 % after pretreatment with 0.25 % H2O2 at 60 ℃, and the viscosity and oil content decreased significantly, which caused VFAs production to increase from 15,267 mg COD/L to 50,774 mg COD/L. When the H2O2 concentration increased to 2.0 %, the SCOD increased to 153 %, and the viscosity and oil content further decreased, but the VFAs production decreased to 7477 mg COD/L. This occurred because large quantities of ammonia nitrogen was formed at higher H2O2 doses, which inhibited VFAs formation. Moreover, the nitrogen removal rate was higher when FSFW was used as a carbon source than when glucose was used as a carbon source.

The hospitalisation risk of chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases associated with coal mining in the general population in Queensland, Australia

Queensland is the main coal mining state in Australia where populations in coal mining areas have been historically exposed to coal mining emissions. Although a higher risk of chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases has been associated with coal mining globally, few studies have investigated these associations in the Queensland general population. This study estimates the association of coal production with hospitalisations for chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases in Queensland considering spatial and temporal variations during 1997–2014.An ecological analysis used a Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal model to estimate the association of coal production with standardised rates of each, chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases, adjusting for sociodemographic factors and considering the spatial structure of Queensland's statistical areas (SA2) in the 18-year period. Two specifications; with and without a space-time interaction effect were compared using the integrated nested Laplace approximation -INLA approach. The posterior mean of the best fit model was used to map the spatial, temporal and spatiotemporal trends of risk.The analysis considered 2,831,121 hospitalisation records. Coal mining was associated with a 4 % (2.4—5.5) higher risk of hospitalisation for chronic respiratory diseases in the model with a space-time interaction effect which had the best fit. An emerging higher risk of either chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases was identified in eastern areas and some coal-mining areas in central and southeast Queensland. There were important disparities in the spatiotemporal trend of risk between coal -and non-coal mining areas for each, chronic circulatory and respiratory diseases.Coal mining is associated with an increased risk of chronic respiratory diseases in the Queensland general population. Bayesian spatiotemporal analyses are robust methods to identify environmental determinants of morbidity in exposed populations. This methodology helps identifying at-risk populations which can be useful to support decision-making in health. Future research is required to investigate the causality links between coal mining and these diseases.

Ecological and Geological Environment Risk Assessment of Wangwa Mining Area Based on DInSAR Technology

Mining activities in coal mining areas have exacerbated ecological and geological environmental risks. To explore the impact of mineral resources on the ecological and geological environment risk (EGER) in coal mining areas, we developed a novel ecological and geological risk assessment framework. This framework first quantifies the impact of mining activities on the surface of coal mining areas using remote sensing interpretation and Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) technology. Then, this framework selected six indicators, including subsidence, surface occupation and damage, FVC, RSEI, precipitation, and temperatures. The weights of the evaluation indicators were calculated using a coupled weighting model combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Entropy Method (EM). This approach was applied to the Wangwa mining area to assess its ecological and geological risks. The results show that the surface subsidence increase year by year. The EGER in the study area was medium and the change rate of the EGER index in Wangwa mining area from 2017 to 2022 was −0.460 to 0.598. The EGER index increased southwest of the study area but reduced in the pre-investigation area and north of the investigation area. This study can support decision-making to reduce the adverse environmental impact of coal mining activities.

The spatial distribution and source of heavy metals in soil-plant-atmosphere system in a large coal mining area

Due to the lack coupling analysis of heavy metals in soil-plant-atmosphere system, the migration and transformation of heavy metals remains unclear. In this study, 240 surface (0–20 cm) soil samples, 365 plant samples and 168 atmospheric dust samples were collected in a large coal mining area, in which selected heavy metals arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), plumbum (Pb), zinc (Zn) were analyzed, to elucidate the spatial distribution and source of heavy metals and their bioavailability. According to the results of ArcGIS mapping analysis, the distribution patterns of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the three media are similar, while the distribution characteristics of Cr and Ni are highly consistent. The factors contributing to these spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metals could be associated with human activities and the characteristics of the elements. Compared with the background value, Zn, Cr, Pb in soil, Zn, Cr, Cu in plants and Zn, Pb, Cu in atmospheric dust apparently accumulated. The geological accumulation pollution index (Igeo) shows that there exist mild to moderate levels of Cr and Cd pollution in soil, and mild to moderate levels of Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn pollution in the air. The evaluation of potential risks of heavy metals showed moderate ecological hazards in soil and strong ecological hazards in atmospheric dust. The sources of heavy metals were assessed using principal component analysis (PCA), land use type, and spatial analysis. Anthropogenic factors are the main sources of heavy metal content. Coal-related industrial processes related to coal, sewage irrigation, the use of agricultural chemicals, and vehicle emissions may be anthropogenic sources of heavy metals.

Measurements of radon exhalations and radiological doses using LR-115 (II) nuclear track detectors in Tiru region of the Naga Schuppen Belt, India.

In this present study, the nuclear track detector LR-115 (II) was employed to assess radon (222Rn) exhalation rate, effective radium (226Ra) content, and the annual effective dose from coal and soil samples collected in and around the coal mining area of Tiru region of Nagaland, India. The 222Rn mass and surface exhalation rates and 226Ra contents were found to be in the ranges of 7.3-17.3 mBq kg-1 h-1, 242.9-573.6 mBq m-2h-1 and 1.0-2.3Bqkg-1, respectively, for coal and 15.8-22.0 mBq kg-1 h-1, 523.8-730.4 mBq m-2h-1 and 2.1-2.9Bqkg-1, respectively, for soil. The 222Rn exhalation rates and 226Ra contents in soils were found to be higher than in coal. The estimated annual effective doses for coal and soils were found to be in the ranges of 17.6-41.6 and 38.0-53.0μSv y-1, respectively. This study is an important contribution to the understanding of radiation exposure in the coal mining area of the thrust-bound sedimentary sequence of the Naga Schuppen Belt, and it would have potential impact on further human health studies. However, the measured values for all the samples were found to be within the globally recognised permissible range.

Modelling Multi-Scenario Ecological Network Patterns and Dynamic Spatial Conservation Priorities in Mining Areas

Mining activities have significantly altered the land use patterns of mining areas, exacerbated the degree of landscape fragmentation, and thereby led to the loss of biodiversity. Ecological networks have been recognized as an essential component for enhancing habitat connectivity and protecting biodiversity. However, existing studies lack dynamic analysis at the landscape scale under multiple future scenarios for mining areas, which is adverse to the identification of ecological conservation regions. This study used the MOP-PLUS (multi-objective optimization problem and patch-level land use simulation) model to simulate the land use patterns in the balance of ecology and economy (EEB) scenario and ecological development priority (EDP) scenario for the Shendong coal base. Then, climate change and land use patterns were integrated into ecosystem models to analyze the dynamic changes in the ecological networks. Finally, the conservation priorities were constructed, and dynamic conservation hotspots were identified using landscape mapping methods. The following results were obtained: (1) From 2000 to 2020, large grassland areas were replaced by mining areas, while cultivated land was replenished. By 2030, the forest and grassland areas (967.00 km2, 8989.70 km2) will reach their peaks and the coal mine area (356.15 km2) will reach its nadir in the EDP scenario. (2) The fragmentation of ecological sources intensified (MPS decreased from 19.81 km2 to 18.68 km2) and ecological connectivity declined (in particular, α decreased by 6.58%) from 2000 to 2020. In 2030, the connectivity in the EDP scenario will increase, while the connectivity in the EEB scenario will be close to that of 2020. (3) The central and southeastern parts of the Shendong coal base have higher conservation priorities, which urgently need to be strengthened. This study offers guidance on addressing the challenges of habitat and biodiversity conservation in mining areas.

Diagnostics of Acid Sulfate Soils in a Coal Mining Area of the Taiga Zone

Technogenic soils result from the oxidation and hydrolysis of minerals in rocks extracted from mining areas and brought to the surface. Diagnostics of such soils involve a set of detailed tests, which can be both time-consuming and costly. In this study, the pH of sulfate soils in the Kizel Coal Basin (Perm krai, Russia) was determined using hydrogen peroxide. Particularly, the soils affected by runoff from rock dumps, outflow, and mine water discharge were examined. The findings showed pH-H2O2 below 2.5 in certain horizons, indicating the presence of sulfides. Additionally, the soils exhibited significantly higher levels of mobile sulfur and iron, total sulfur, and sulfates, ranging from tens to hundreds of times above the background content. XRD analysis revealed that the soils contained goethite and jarosite, thereby confirming the efficacy of pH determination with hydrogen peroxide for the prompt diagnostics of acid sulfate soils.

Classification of Composite Hazards of Gas and Coal Spontaneous Combustion in Gob

ABSTRACT To prevent the occurrence of gas and coal spontaneous combustion composite disasters in gob areas during coal mining, this study considers the gob area of the Longfeng Coal Mine as the experimental background. By analyzing the pressure values of the hydraulic props in the isolation wall, the composition of gases in the gob area, and the low-temperature oxidation characteristics of coal, it was found that the pressure values of the hydraulic props were correlated with the concentration of gases in the gob area, temperature, and the g-factor and free radical concentration of coal. The absolute values of the correlation coefficients were ranked as T > O2 > CH4 > CO2 > g-values > Ng > N2, and all correlation coefficients were greater than 0.85. When the isolation wall was located in the stress concentration area, the wall deformed and cracked, leading to frequent gas exchange between the gob-side entry retaining (GSER) and the gob area, which increased the risk of gas and coal spontaneous combustion composite disasters in the gob area. According to the safety risk level, the areas adjacent to the gob area were divided into high-risk areas (0 ~ 100 m, 300 ~ 600 m, 700 ~ 900 m, 1050 ~ 1200 m), moderate risk areas (200 ~ 300 m, 900 ~ 1050 m), general risk areas (600 ~ 700 m), and low-risk areas (100 ~ 200 m), the positions at 500 ~ 550 m and 700 ~ 750 m were located in the gas and coal spontaneous combustion composite disaster area. The study suggests that for high-risk areas, the injection amount of fire extinguishing materials should be increased to strengthen safety assurance, whereas for low-risk areas, the injection can be moderately adjusted and reduced to achieve the optimal balance between economic benefits and safety benefits.

Source-specific ecological risk analysis and critical source identification of heavy metal(loid)s in the soil of typical abandoned coal mining area

Long-term coal mining activities in abandoned coal mining areas have resulted in the migration of large quantities of heavy metals into the surrounding soil environment, posing a threat to the regional ecological environment. This study focuses on the surface soil collected from a typical abandoned coal mining area. Methods such as the pollution index (PI) and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used to comprehensively evaluate the pollution levels and ecological risks of soil heavy metals. Geostatistical analysis and the APCS-MLR model were used to quantify the sources of soil heavy metals, and Nemerow integrated ecological risk (NIRI) model was coupled to apportion the ecological risks from different pollution sources. The results indicate that the average concentrations of Cd, As, and Zn are 4.58, 2.44, and 1.67 times the soil background values, respectively, while the concentrations of other heavy metals are below the soil background values. The soil of study area is strongly polluted by heavy metals, with the pollution level and ecological risk of Cd being significantly higher than those of other heavy metals. The NIRI calculation results show that the overall comprehensive ecological risk level is considerable, with sample points classified as relatively considerable, moderate, and low at 60.53 %, 36.84 %, and 2.63 %, respectively. The sources of soil heavy metals can be categorized into four types: traffic activities, natural sources, coal gangue accumulation, and a combined source of coal mining and agricultural activities, with contribution rates of 35.3 %, 36.1 %, 19.5 %, and 9.1 %, respectively. The specific source ecological risk assessment results indicate that coal gangue accumulation contributes the most to ecological risk (36.4 %) and should be prioritized for pollution control, with Cd being the priority control element for ecological risk. The findings provide theoretical support for the refined management of soil heavy metal pollution in abandoned coal mining areas.

Dualistic effect of the deformation of protective structures made of broken rock in mine workings under static load

Purpose is to reveal physical essence of the dualistic (double) nature of deformation effects and their influence on the mechanical properties of protective structures made of broken rock while unloading coal-bearing mass to ensure stability of side rocks and operational conditions of the development mine working within the working areas of coal mines. Methods. The deformation properties of protective structures made of broken rock was modeled on experimental samples during their static load in terms of uniaxial compression with the possibility of lateral expansion of the original material or its compressive stress. Findings. A dualistic effect of deformations for the conditions of uniaxial compression of protective structures was revealed. Under the effect, a complex transformation of volume and shape occurs in the structures caused by the process of relative changes in the backfill material volume. The observed phenomenon occurs within the range of 0.12 ≤δV ≤ 0.32 and the values of the compaction coefficient of broken rock being 1.13≤k con. ≤ 1.47, depending on the granulometric composition of the source material and its bulk density. It was established that under conditions when broken rock is compressed, there is an effect of forming the bearing capacity of protective structures, which is observed when a relative change in the volume of backfill material is 0.14 ≤ δV ≤ 0.38, and its compaction factor reaches 1.16 ≤ kcon. ≤ 1.59. Depending on the homogeneity degree of the backfill material of protective structures, when comparing the values of kcon., a dualistic (double) effect is manifested in the difference of deformation characteristics of broken rock under uniaxial and compressive stress, reaching two or more times. Originality. A regularity was established that determines the relationship between compaction factor kcon. of broken rock and a relative change in the volume (δV) of backfill material, which makes it possible to evaluate bearing capacity of protective structures, being under static load in a stress-strain state. Practical implications. The research results can be used to substantiate the selection of a method to protect development mine working with flexible supports made of broken rock. To clarify the assessment of bearing capacity of such structures, it is advisable to carry out specific field studies in mine conditions.

Characterization of Acid Mine Drainage in Tailings and Ore Stock Areas of Coal Mine Areas: Kinetic Test Moisture Cell Method

Characterization of Acid Mine Drainage in Tailings and Ore Stock Areas of Coal Mine Areas: Kinetic Test Moisture Cell Method

Assessing the stability of protective structures in preparatory mining workings under conditions of static load

The object of this study is the deformation processes in protective structures under the action of static load in the coal massif in order to preserve the integrity of the side rocks and the operational condition of mine workings. Under laboratory conditions, the deformation characteristics of rigid and flexible protective structures, as well as supports made of crushed rock, were studied on experimental samples. The samples were subjected to uniaxial compression. It was established that there is a functional relationship between the coefficient of transverse deformation ν and the relative change in the volume δV of protection structures, which makes it possible to estimate their bearing capacity. For rigid protection structures (coal pillars, cast strip, cement blocks, blocks of reinforced concrete bollards, bundles of wooden racks), the deformed state of the structures determines their behavior. This happens at values of ν=0.3–0.5 and δV£0.09. Their stability is fixed within the safe deformation resource. An increase in the deformation energy density of such structures beyond the safe deformation resource leads to their destruction due to a change in shape. For flexible protection structures (bundles of wooden racks, rolling bundles made of wooden sleepers), which have a transverse deformation coefficient ν=0.02, at a relative change in volume δV£0.3, the compaction of structures is observed. Increasing their stiffness allows limiting the convergence of side rocks. For a support made of crushed rock, at ν=0.25–0.32 and a relative volume change of 0.12£δV£0.32, its compaction and increase in resistance occur. Under such conditions, the convergence of side rocks is limited. In order to preserve the integrity of the lateral and operational condition of preparatory workings in the excavation areas of coal mines, it is advisable to use flexible protective structures made of wood or supports made of crushed rock

Assessing Carbon Sink Capacity in Coal Mining Areas: A Case Study from Taiyuan City, China

Assessing Carbon Sink Capacity in Coal Mining Areas: A Case Study from Taiyuan City, China

The Coal Phase-Out in Germany and Its Regional Impact on Economic Worries

Market-driven closures of coal mines have typically been associated with negative economic consequences for the affected regions. In Germany, structural policy directed towards ameliorating the negative effects of hard coal decline in the Ruhr area lagged behind the onset of decline, caused major political conflicts, and has been variously criticized for its reactive character that failed to generate a positive image of the future. The phase-out of lignite coal in Germany, in contrast, is policy-driven and accompanied from the outset by compensatory and investment policies that strive to facilitate regional structural change proactively. Against this backdrop, we investigate how the policies of lignite coal phase-out initiated in 2018 and the accompanying public discourse affect the economic worries of individuals in the remaining three lignite coal mining areas in Germany. We focus on the period 2016–2021, using a longitudinal multilevel design based on regional and individual data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP). Overall, probabilities of strong economic worries decrease throughout the observed period. Results show that subjective economic worries do not significantly differ between residents of lignite mining regions and those in the rest of the country. Further robustness analyses confirm that the coal phase-out policy has not increased economic uncertainties in the populations of German lignite mining regions. Based on our results, we discuss the need for future research on the effects of policy designs of clean energy transitions on subjective perceptions of the future.

Preparation of technosol based on coal gangue and its impact on plant growth in coal mining area

Coal gangue, a byproduct of coal mining, is traditionally considered a nuisance. Recent research has begun to explore its potential for soil improvement and land reclamation through controlled pot experiments. However, its usage in soil matrices remains below 50% in most studies. To address these issues, this study investigates the preparation and utilization of coal gangue in technosols, with a focus on its impact on plant growth under natural conditions. The study was conducted at the Suntuan coal mine, located in the Huaibei mining area of eastern China. Results showed that technosols prepared with a high coal gangue dosage ranging from 60% to 100% could support optimal growth of maize (Zea mays L.) with low pollution risk. The impacts of the amount of coal gangue and organic fertilizer on the improvement of technosol quality and the promotion of vegetation growth were significant. The preferred preparation method involved a combination of coal gangue, soil, biochar, microbial agent, water-retaining agent, and organic fertilizer at 60:40:1:0.0025:0.01:5. Overall, our study emphasizes the potential of coal gangue for sustainable land reclamation and environmental benefit. Through optimized technosol preparation and effective utilization of functional materials, our research contributes to eco-friendly practices in coal mining areas.

Assessing Ecological Impacts and Recovery in Coal Mining Areas: A Remote Sensing and Field Data Analysis in Northwest China

In the coal-rich provinces of Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia, the landscape bears the scars of coal extraction—namely subsidence and deformation—that disrupt both the terrain and the delicate ecological balance. This research delves into the transformative journey these mining regions undergo, from pre-mining equilibrium, through the tumultuous phase of extraction, to the eventual restoration of stability post-reclamation. By harnessing a suite of analytical tools, including sophisticated remote sensing, UAV aerial surveys, and the meticulous ground-level sampling of flora and soil, the study meticulously measures the environmental toll of mining activities and charts the path to ecological restoration. The results are promising, indicating that the restoration initiatives are effectively healing the landscapes, with proactive interventions such as seeding, afforestation, and land rehabilitation proving vital in the swift ecological turnaround. Remote sensing technology, in particular, emerges as a robust ally in tracking ecological shifts, supporting sustainable practices and guiding ecological management strategies. This study offers a promising framework for assessing geological environmental shifts, which may guide policymakers in shaping the future of mining rehabilitation in arid and semi-arid regions.

An optimization strategy for anchor point placement for underground coal mine area positioning

Coal mine underground positioning technology plays an important role in safe mining, personnel monitoring and dispatching, and post-disaster rescue. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in indoor localization due to the demand for location-based services. Diverse techniques have been described in the literature to improve indoor localization services, but their accuracy is significantly affected by the number and location of the anchors, which act as a reference point for localizing tags in a given space. This work describes APOTSA, a novel approach for discovering a high-quality placement of anchors to improve the accuracy of area-based indoor localization systems while requiring a shorter execution time than existing approaches. The proposed algorithm is based on Tabu search and optimizes the localization accuracy by minimizing the expected residence area, which indicates a geographical area containing the tag. APOTSA's effectiveness with respect to solution quality and time of execution is shown by evaluating different scenarios involving up to five anchors. Moreover, a simple yet effective discretization approach is introduced to speed up the calculations, and the trade-off between the running time and solution quality of our algorithm can be controlled by a parameter. Our results indicate that the expected residence area and the time of execution can be reduced by up to 9.5 % and 99 %compared to the state-of-the-art local search anchors placement (LSAP) algorithm, respectively.

Profit Over People: Killing a Tribal Movement Against Corporate Mining in India

Coal mining and coal use have been the most significant cause of global warming. It damages the environment and affects the lives, livelihood and culture of the indigenous people who live in a coal mining area. Resistance and rejection have been strong among those people. The article examines a people’s movement in Jharkhand, India, that resisted an open-pit corporate coal mine. The case study explains how they organized and mobilized into a strong movement. It also describes what happens to the poor indigenous when a company disrespects an agreement. The article raises some fundamental ethical questions for the future of people’s movements, mining companies, national governments, and the survival of our earth.