Coal Supply Research Articles

Application of lean and quality improvement methods for improving operational performance in coal supply chains: a case study

PurposeThe application of lean and quality improvement methods is very common in process improvement projects at organisational levels. The purpose of this research is to assess the adoption of Lean Six Sigma™ approaches for addressing a complex process-related issue in the coal industry.Design/methodology/approachThe sticky coal problem was investigated from the perspective of process-related issues. Issues were addressed using a blended Lean value stream of supply chain interfaces and waste minimisation through the Six Sigma™ DMAIC problem-solving approach, taking into consideration cross-organisational processes.FindingsIt was found that the tendency to “solve the problem” at the receiving location without communication to the upstream was, and is still, a common practice that led to the main problem of downstream issues. The application of DMAIC Six Sigma™ helped to address the broader problem. The overall operations were improved significantly, showing the reduction of sticky coal/wagon hang-up in the downstream coal handling terminal.Research limitations/implicationsThe Lean Six Sigma approaches were adopted using DMAIC across cross-organisational supply chain processes. However, blending Lean and Six Sigma methods needs to be empirically tested across other sectors.Practical implicationsThe proposed methodology, using a framework of Lean Six Sigma approaches, could be used to guide practitioners in addressing similar complex and recurring issues in the manufacturing sector.Originality/valueThis research introduces a novel approach to process analysis, selection and contextualised improvement using a combination of Lean Six Sigma™ tools, techniques and methodologies sustained within a supply chain with certified ISO 9001 quality management systems.

Analysis of Extreme Random Uncertainty in Energy and Environment Systems for Coal-Dependent City by a Copula-Based Interval Cost–Benefit Stochastic Approach

Extreme random events will interfere with the inversion analysis of energy and environment systems (EES) and make the planning schemes unreliable. A Copula-based interval cost–benefit stochastic programming (CICS) is proposed to deal with extreme random uncertainties. Taking Yulin city as an example, there are nine constraint-violation scenarios and six coal-reduction scenarios are designed. The results disclose that (i) both system cost and pollutant emission would decrease as the industrial energy supply constraint-violation level increases; (ii) when the primary and secondary energy output increases by 9% and 13%, respectively, and industrial coal supply decreases by 40%, the coal-dependent index of the system would be the lowest, and the corresponding system profitability could reach [29.3, 53.0] %; (iii) compared with the traditional chance-constrained programming, Copula-based stochastic programming can reflect more uncertain information and achieve a higher marginal net present value rate. Overall, the CICS-EES model offers a novel approach to gain insight into the tradeoff between system reliability and profitability.

Research on the decision-making method of coal order price and coal purchase quantity based on prediction

The imbalance of coal supply and uncertainty of demand changes have brought great challenges to the stable supply of coal. In the actual trading process, there are problems such as variable demand and incomplete information on both, and the trading process lacks scientific and effective guidance. Therefore, game theory is introduced into the coal trading process, and a decision-making method based on predicted coal supply and demand order price and coal purchase quantity is proposed. Firstly, the prediction method is introduced, and the Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model (ARIMA) model are used to predict the coal purchase quantity and coal price of the supply and demand, which provides a basis for the formulation of the initial scheme of the bilateral game between supply and demand. Secondly, a bilateral game model of coal supply and demand based on prediction is established, and a bilateral order game-solving strategy of coal supply and demand based on a genetic algorithm is proposed. Finally, the proposed method was verified by setting up three different example scenarios for thermal coal trading, and the optimal coal price and coal purchase quantity under equilibrium are solved, and the results showed that the profit of supply and demand is increased by 4.65% and 2.97%, respectively, and the calculation time is reduced by 21.12%, which improves the speed of solving the game model, maximizes the benefits of both the coal supply and demand sides and provides a theoretical basis for the scientific and efficient order formation of coal mining enterprises.

‘Black Gold’ and Verticality: Geology, Labour and Mining Operations in the Territorial Construction of the Witbank Labour District

Scholars acknowledge the importance of geological knowledge in the growth of South Africa’s mining industry. While this acknowledgement extends to the analysis of the rise of eMalahleni (formerly known as Witbank) to the status of ‘premier coal supplier’ of the Union of South Africa, there is currently no specific historical analysis of the role of geological knowledge in the growth and development of the district’s mining industry. This article is a response to Kate (formerly Peter) Alexander’s call to study the history of mining with reference to the contribution of geological knowledge, and provides a detailed historical account of such a contribution to the development of the political economy of the mining industry of eMalahleni. 1 Using a wide range of archival sources, the article draws from literature on the production of vertical territory and takes as its starting point the role of scientific societies such as the Geological Society of South Africa and the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy in the creation of geological knowledge about the coal deposits of the former Transvaal. It then examines the roles of the Transvaal Geological Survey and the Geological Survey of the Union of South Africa, as well as geological maps produced by Alexander Graham in the creation of the Witbank Coalfield, to demonstrate how the development of geological knowledge and mining operations became processes that defined the constitution of the Witbank Labour District. The paper argues that the making of the Witbank Labour District as a coal-mining district was tied to the making of the Witbank Coalfield and that the making of the coalfield from which the district’s mining industry developed was a process in which the availability of labour was as crucial a factor in the expansion of its mining operations as scientific societies, shafts, drilling operations and expert geological knowledge.

The role of transport in export development of fuel and energy complex

The development of transport infrastructure is becoming a strategic priority for Russian fuel and energy complex development in aspect of increasing its competitive ability on the world stage. The transport industry is not only the leading consumer of fuel and energy products, it is the most important condition for an effective functioning of fuel and energy complex, participate at all stages of manufacture, starting from mining and ending with the delivery of fuel and energy products to the consumer. The research includes the state of national fuel and energy complex over the past decade, current trends and forecast of development based on power function. The research also includes the role of certain types of transport in the functioning of the fuel and energy complex. The export component analysis of national fuel and energy complex development was done with condition of sanctions restrictions on oil, gas and coal supply, and reorientation of logistic flows to the Asia-Pacific countries.

Safety risk and operational efficiency on logistic service providers’ sustainable coal supply chain management

Safety risk and operational efficiency in sustainable coal supply was an issue in the coal distribution supply chain. An online survey evaluating safety hazards, operational effectiveness, logistic service providers, and sustainable supply chain management was completed by 89 consumers of coal logistic service providers. In contrast, this study aimed to evaluate the operational effectiveness and safety concerns of a sustainable coal supply chain managed by the logistic service providers on the Barito River. In addition to using path analysis, quantitative research methods were also applied to calculate and process the questionnaire data, producing a value that determined the weight of each vendor, criterion, and sub-criterion. It showed several positive and significant influences connected to the safety of sustainable supply chain management, the operational efficiency of logistic service providers, supply chain management, and security risks for the providers. Therefore, it was essential to unite the positive influences on the logistic flow to secure the coal supply chain activities on the Barito River. This research would have theoretical and practical applications, adding to the advancement of science through its applications. Such knowledge would affect the safety risk and operational efficiency of sustainable supply chain management through the logistic service providers on the Barito River, Central Kalimantan.

Quantifying the Resilience of Coal Energy Supply in China Toward Carbon Neutrality.

Facing the challenge of achieving the goal of carbon neutrality, China is decoupling the currently close dependence of its economy on coal use. The energy supply and demand decarbonization has substantial influence on the resilience of the coal supply. However, a general understanding of the precise impact of energy decarbonization on the resilience of the coal energy supply is still lacking. Here, from the perspective of network science, we propose a theoretical framework to explore the resilience of the coal market of China. We show that the processes of increasing the connectivity and the competition between the coal enterprises, which are widely believed to improve the resilience of the coal market, can undermine the sustainability of the coal supply. Moreover, our results reveal that the policy of closing small-sized coal mines may not only reduce the safety accidents in the coal production but also improve the resilience of the coal market network. Using our model, we also suggest a few practical policies for minimizing the systemic risk of the coal energy supply.

일본의 동해안 정탐 활동과 원산 개항

Located in Hamgyeong Province on the East Sea coast, Wonsan was the second port to be opened next Busan after Joseon signed ‘The Joseon-Japan treaty of Amity’ in 1876. This area was where the warship Unyo(雲揚艦) conducted reconnaissance activities and contacted local people while moving up along the East Coast at the time of its first visit in June 1875. The voyage log of the warship Unyo clearly reveals the investigation of the environment around Broughton Bay(永興灣), the contempt that they had for the local people, and the contact with the local people. Miyamoto Okazu(宮本小一) also concluded that Wonsanjin should be used as an open port based on his experience in Joseon and the story of an officer aboard the warship Ryuzou(龍 驤艦). Hanabusa Yoshimoto who had been dispatched to Joseon as charge d’affaires since 1877, traveled to and from the coast of Joseon on a warship and negotiated with Joseon officials in areas requiring coal supply stations and open ports. Measuring the coast of Hamgyeong province was carried out in detail through the warship Amagi dispatched to Joseon in 1878. At that time, the perceptions and responses that Joseon local residents and officials had about the activities of the Japanese people can be confirmed through data related to warship Amagi. The opening of Wonsan and the establishment of basic infrastructure were based on the continuous reconnaissance activities of warships sent by the Japanese navy and the collection of information by Japanese army officers. While inspecting the Wonsan area, Japanese merchants first decided on the space in which they would move and the operation policy of the residence. In this article, we looked at the process of opening the port of Wonsan by reviewing various aspects of the Japanese warship’s survey and inspection of the northern coast of Joseon, the response of local residents, and the local inspections and response of Japanese merchants in Busan.

Eastern polygon of Russian railways for Russian coal export: development prospects and limitations

Relevance. Transportation of Russian coal by rail is an important link in coal supply for export. It is essential for the country economy and of high social significance for coal mining regions. Aim. To assess the state of the railway infrastructure for coal transportation, identify limitations and opportunities for improving coal transportation. Objects. Volumes and technologies of coal transportation by foreign and Russian exporters; state of the railway infrastructure of the eastern range of Russia; measures taken by coal mining companies to overcome restrictions on coal transportation; potential volumes of coal transportation for export and risks associated with reduction in coal exports. Methods. Methods of system analysis: classification, structuring and restructuring, analysis, formalization and concretization. Results. The paper considers the current state of coal transportation by rail in Russia with allocation of coal-mining eastern regions of Russia and Western Siberia. The importance of Russian railways in coal transportation is presented. The authors have outlined the problems of the railway infrastructure of the Eastern range of Russian railways due to its insufficient capacity. The changed geopolitical conditions created additional difficulties in transporting coal for export by rail. The paper introduces the state and prospects for modernization of the Eastern range of the Russian Railways. The authors gave an overview of activities of coal mining companies to overcome restrictions on coal transportation by rail. A brief review of the world experience in coal transportation state in the main coal exporting countries is made. The demanded volumes of coal transportation for export by rail was assessed. The paper considers the risks associated with the reduction of coal exports. The authors noted the need to harmonize programs for development of railway infrastructure, the coal industry and other industries that ensure coal extraction, transportation and consumption, reduce import dependence and the need to develop coal transportation technologies.

Alternative directions of coal supply to Poland as a result of the Russian-Ukrainian war

Alternative directions of coal supply to Poland as a result of the Russian-Ukrainian war

The coordination strategies of coal supply chain considering carbon emissions reduction

The coordination strategies of a two-echelon coal supply chain consisting of a coal enterprise and a downstream enterprise are proposed considering market low-carbon preference and carbon emissions reduction. The cleaning and matching degree (CMD) is introduced to measure the quality of commercial coal which have influence on the production cost and energy consumption of the downstream enterprise. Stackelberg models are established to investigate the coordination strategies using cost-sharing contracts. We use backward induction to solve the models and analyse the optimal decisions in four scenarios. It is revealed that promoting CMD level can extend the market portion and realise more profit. The cost-sharing contract can coordinate the supply chain members, obtain profit Pareto improvement in certain condition of cost-sharing ratio and establish a win-win situation. Additionally, the emission reduction is greater than that under decentralised decision-making.

RESEARCH OF TRANSPORT SUPPLY OF METALLURGICAL INDUSTRY BY RAILWAY TECHNOLOGICAL ROUTES

Purpose. In the conditions of a full-scale war, ensuring the stable functioning of the national economy is one of the strategic tasks. The functioning of the industrial complex, the availability of jobs and the payment of taxes to the state budget are, among other things, part of ensuring the country's defense capability. One of the main branches of Ukraine's economy is the metallurgical industry, so it needs the implementation of measures to ensure reliable and stable work even in conditions of military aggression, constant risks of air strikes and infrastructure damage. In accordance with this, the purpose of the study is to analyze and determine the structure of cargo flows of technological routes of transport service of metallurgical production (on the example of PJSC «Zaporizhstal»). The dynamics of iron ore (iron ore concentrate) and coking coal (coke) transportation volumes by means of transport were studied. Irregularity was investigated and descriptive statistics of daily volumes of transportation of iron ore (iron ore concentrate) and coking coal (coke) for metallurgical production were performed (on the example of PJSC «Zaporizhstal»). Methods. An analysis of the unevenness of the daily volume of goods received for the needs of a metallurgical enterprise (on the example of PJSC «Zaporizhstal») by technological routes of railway transport was carried out. Methods of mathematical statistics, probability theory, theory of transport processes and systems were used. As a result of the analysis of cargo flows arriving at the enterprise, it was established that the distribution of the daily volume of iron ore arriving at the Zaporizhzhia Live station is subject to symmetrical distribution laws with a relatively low variation of 18.4%. The distribution of the random value of the daily volume of coke intake also indicates a certain symmetry with a fairly high probability (59%), and is approximated by a normal distribution. Scientific novelty. As a result of the conducted research, it was established that the approximate density of the distribution of volumes of iron ore (salt-ore concentrate) and coking coal (coke) for metallurgical production (on the example of PJSC «Zaporizhstal» for 2022). Practical significance. The mathematical expectation and the level of correlation of the volumes of iron ore (iron ore concentrate) and coking coal (coke) supply to metallurgical production are established (on the example of PJSC «Zaporizhstal» for 2022). In the future, the obtained results are planned to be used as input data for a simulation model of the functioning of the transport support system of an industrial enterprise.

Energy price bubbles and extreme price movements: Evidence from China's coal market

This study investigates the factors behind the extreme price movements in China's coal market, with a particular focus on the impact of climate risk and energy transition in recent years. The Generalized Sup Augmented Dickey-Fuller (GSADF) method is employed to detect coal price bubbles, and a dynamic model averaging (DMA) approach is then used to analyze the causes of these price bubbles. The findings reveal that price bubbles in the Chinese coal market are mainly triggered by fluctuations in international energy prices. The extreme prices are rooted in supply-demand imbalances resulting from energy transition, economic development, and geopolitical conflicts. Policies aimed at adjusting coal supplies can effectively mitigate abnormal coal price fluctuations in China, while normal coal price fluctuations are significantly influenced by changes in energy demand driven by macroeconomic development. During the green transition towards renewable energy, the current high prices of fossil energy present challenges to China's energy supply security but also offer opportunities for the development of the renewable energy market. However, energy transition has facilitated the spread of price bubbles across coal, natural gas, and renewable energy markets, potentially leading to contagion effects.

Effect of Chicken Manure, Husk Charcoal on Growth, Production, P Availability of Shallot in Rice Fields

The study aims to find out the impact of poultry and coal fertilization on the growth, production and availability of P on red onions in savage land. The study used a random group plan (RAK) with two treatment factors. Chicken cage fertilizer factor and coal coal factor use each 4 levels. The results of the study showed that the dose of real chicken cage fertilizer up to a dose of 7.5 kg/plot improved the length of the leaves, the wet weight of the bulbs/plots, the Wet Weight of the plots/bulbs, the dry weight of plants/bubbles, the Dry Weight and Root Volume, the soil content, the saturation of the base, C-organic soil, soil pH and the availability of soil P, having no real impact on the amount of bulbs. The supply of coal to a dose of 5.7 kg/plot did not have a tangible effect on all the same parameters observed with the administration of poultry cage fertilizer doses. The interaction between the dosage of chicken cage fertilizer and coal has no tangible effect on all the observed parameters.

Exploring the food-energy-water nexus in China's national industries: Insights from network structure and production disturbances

Understanding the food-energy-water nexus (FEWN) among industries' input–output activities is vital for the management of regional strategic resources. However, identifying key nexuses and quantifying their effects within an economy-wide dimension remain a challenge. This study integrated the frameworks of social network analysis (SNA) and computable general equilibrium (CGE) methods based on input–output data, presenting a new methodology to assess inter-industrial FEWN in China. Results indicated that: (1) Agriculture and catering industries were the principal food provision industries in the national economy. They also linked production activities among the food, energy, and water (FEW) sectors. (2) Fossil energy extraction industries with high betweenness centrality were the product circulation media in the industrial network. Their increased outputs could clearly boost domestic production. For instance, the yield of most national industries was expected to expand by 0.5 %–1.5 % due to a 10 % increase in coal supply. The electricity and petroleum processing industries with the highest response coefficients were the mainstays of China's economy. They exerted wide-ranging effects on other industries through short input–output paths. (3) Water-related industries could readily use products and services from other sectors and create demand-driven effects on FEW industries. In contrast, the output scale of national industries was not sensitive to changes in water input. These findings also highlighted the importance of conducting a FEWN evaluation within a balanced macroeconomic system. The proposed SNA–CGE analytical framework showcased good applicability and accuracy in the context of China and could serve as a reference method for FEWN research in other regions.

Assessing fossil energy supply security in China using ecological network analysis from a supply chain perspective

Fossil energy plays a critical role as a global energy source, underscoring the utmost importance of ensuring its supply security. As a prominent global energy consumer, China possesses vast coal resources; however, it heavily depends on oil and natural gas imports. Given the formidable challenges posed by environmental constraints and resource scarcity, investigating the security of China's fossil energy supply emerges as a pivotal research concern. This study adopts an innovative energy supply chain perspective, dividing the energy supply system into distinct links, including upstream energy supply, midstream energy conversion, and downstream energy consumption. Through ecological network analysis, the safety levels of China's coal, oil, and gas supply systems were meticulously assessed, considering network structure, sustainability, and network utility. The research findings indicated a relatively stable security level for China's fossil energy supply system during the period from 2010 to 2020, focusing on key aspects such as coal processing and conversion, oil inventory, and foreign-sourced natural gas supply. Moreover, scenario analysis results offer valuable insights and recommendations to bolster the security of China's fossil energy supply. The application of the ecological network model as a comprehensive assessment tool provides a fresh approach to evaluating the energy security of countries from the perspective of energy supply chains.

Optimal tracking control of the coal mining face fluid supply system via adaptive dynamic programming

Emulsion pump station is widely used to provide power for full-mechanized coal mining face equipment. With the development of the mining technique of longwall face and the extensive use of large mining height and high working resistance of the hydraulic support, the fluid supply pressure is more unstable and the pressure impact is increasingly intensified. The intelligent control of the emulsion pump station is the key to the development of the stable fluid supply technology at the working face. This paper develops a new on-line adaptive learning technique to improve the response speed of pumping station based on the optimal control algorithm of adaptive dynamic programming (ADP). The state space model of the working face fluid supply system in the process of no-load column lifting of hydraulic support is first established using the flow relationship, and the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm is then verified by simulation validation. Moreover, combined with a certain fluid supply system of a fully mechanized caving face in Shandong Energy Xinwen Group XinJulong Co., Ltd, a technical scheme of adaptive stable fluid supply is verified in engineering practice. The results indicate that the fluid supply system using the proposed control algorithm has a favorable tracking effect on the ideal trajectory, and the tracking error can converge to near zero. The output pressure of the fluid supply system using the stable fluid supply technology is more stable, and the practical effect is good, which meets the demand of stable fluid supply in the mining face.

Understanding total factor productivity changes of Chinese N-fertilizer firms during raw material supply disruptions: a capacity utilization perspective

ABSTRACT Limiting fossil fuel usage is seen as essential to combat climate change; however, nitrogen fertilizers (or N-fertilizers) heavily rely on fossil fuels. Disruptions in fossil fuel supply are likely to negatively impact N-fertilizer production, worsening food crises and poverty in underdeveloped regions. In this study, we revisit the Coal Resource Consolidation Campaign (CRCC), an industrial reform campaign that aimed at increasing the mechanization and recovery rates to enhance the Chinese coal industry’s competitiveness but resulted in a shortage of anthracite lump coal supply, the primary feedstock for Chinese N-fertilizer firms at that time. We examine CRCC’s impact on the total factor productivity (TFP) of Chinese coal-based N-fertilizer firms during 2008–2013 using a difference-in-differences model. TFP is decomposed into capacity utilization (CU) and pure TFP. Our findings indicate a significant 33.4–34.2% decline in TFP due to CRCC. Further analysis reveals that a 6.3% decline in CU, not pure TFP, was the primary driver of the TFP loss from 2011 to 2013. We recommend that policymakers should assess the impact of climate change policies comprehensively, and the government should support the adaptation and innovation of feedstock in the N-fertilizer industry to avoid feedstock supply disruptions.

THE COMPANY SIZE AND THE GROWTH SALES THE EFFECT ON THE COAL COMPANY'S PERFORMANCE ON THE INDONESIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

This research aims to determine the effect of company size and sales growth on performance. Company size is a reflection of management's success in increasing company assets. Sales growth illustrates the company's success in expanding the marketing of its products. Company performance reflects its success in managing its finances well, proxied by Return On Assets (ROA). The analysis used in this research is panel data regression using secondary data taken from the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) website. The companies studied are coal sub-sector companies listed on the IDX during 2020-2022. This research is essential now when coal is experiencing a surge in demand after previously experiencing its lowest phase. Therefore, coal companies must be able to prepare their company performance well to maintain the sustainability of their company. The research results show that company size has an effect, while sales growth does not affect company performance. The coefficient of determination in this study was 68%, which shows the level of goodness of the model in explaining company performance. This research answers the challenges of fluctuations in the coal mining industry that may occur in the future and is a solution to the uncertainty of coal demand and supply in the world. Therefore, coal companies must be able to prepare their company performance well to maintain the sustainability of their company. The research results show that company size has an effect, while sales growth does not affect company performance. The coefficient of determination in this study was 68%, which shows the level of goodness of the model in explaining company performance. This research answers the challenges of fluctuations in the coal mining industry that may occur in the future and is a solution to the uncertainty of coal demand and supply in the world. Therefore, coal companies must be able to prepare their company performance well to maintain the sustainability of their company. The research results show that company size has an effect, while sales growth does not affect company performance. The coefficient of determination in this study was 68%, which shows the level of goodness of the model in explaining company performance. This research answers the challenges of fluctuations in the coal mining industry that may occur in the future and is a solution to the uncertainty of coal demand and supply in the world. The coefficient of determination in this study was 68%, which shows the level of goodness of the model in explaining company performance. This research answers the challenges of fluctuations in the coal mining industry that may occur in the future and is a solution to the uncertainty of coal demand and supply in the world. The coefficient of determination in this study was 68%, which shows the level of goodness of the model in explaining company performance. This research answers the challenges of fluctuations in the coal mining industry that may occur in the future and is a solution to the uncertainty of coal demand and supply in the world

Juridical Review of Coal as an Object of Fiduciary Collateral in Banking Credit Agreements (Study of the Decision of Pt Anzawara Satria V. PT Bank Artha Graha Internasional TBK)

Mining activity is a capital-intensive industry that requires enormous cost. In supporting financing in mining activities, one of the sources is through a bank credit facility. With a series of mining activities that are quite complex, there is a high risk of financing from mining activities, one of which is the risk of non-performing loans. In anticipating these risks, banking institutions in practice have implemented the prudential principle through the implementation of 5C, one of which is guarantee (collateral). Based on Judicial Decision Number 714/ PDT /2016/ PT.DKI between PT Anzawara Satria against PT Bank Artha Graha Internasional, Tbk., PT Anzawara Satria as a mining company has provided guarantees in the form of coal supplies to PT Bank Artha Graha International Tbk. This research will review the material properties of coal as bank guarantees and analyse the position of coal as collateral based on Indonesian Mining Law. This research uses a normative juridical method with sources from secondary data, namely: (1) primary data materials in the form of relevant laws and regulations; (2) secondary data material, which includes books, journals, articles, or other related sources. This research resulted that, first, based on the nature of coal, coal may be guaranteed by fiduciary and pledge. Second, based on mining law in Indonesia, coal may be guaranteed with the condition that mining business actors are required to pay production fees (royalties) as a form of transfer of ownership rights from the state to business actors