Spatial and Temporal Characterization of Mine Water Inrush Accidents in China, 2014–2022

Abstract

Currently, water inrush accidents in China’s coal mines are mainly under control, but occasionally, grave water inrush accidents still occur, causing significant casualties and economic losses. Existing studies have primarily focused on accident statistics, and the research on the trend of accident evolution is becoming obsolete to match the current context of coal resource development. This study analyzes the water inrush accidents in China’s coal mines between 2014 and 2022. It investigated the spatial and temporal distribution of accidents, the level of accidents, and the extent to which water prevention and control measures vary by zone in coal mines. The study results showed that from 2014 to 2022, water inrush accidents in coal mines exhibited a “decline-stability-fluctuation” stage change pattern. Additionally, the location of water inrush accidents has shifted westward. Paying particular attention to preventing and controlling water disasters in coal mines within the west development zone is crucial. The water disaster accidents in China’s coal mines have been effectively controlled, but the problem of unequal levels of preventing and controlling water disasters in coal mines persists. This study can provide a reference for the safe and efficient production of coal mines and the control of the number of deaths in mine water hazard accidents.