Foreign Media: Chinese researchers have proposed utilizing abandoned coal mine tunnels to develop "underground agriculture," exploring a new path for the green, circular transformation of mining industries.
A research team from Shanxi stated that China is expected to shut down approximately 15,000 abandoned mines by 2030. These underground spaces offer advantages such as isolation from surface weather and natural disasters. By renovating existing tunnels, power systems, ventilation networks, and underground water resources, closed-loop agricultural environments can be established.
The study suggests that as climate change intensifies, traditional agriculture faces mounting challenges related to land availability, water resources, and extreme weather events. In contrast, underground agriculture can provide more stable and controllable growing conditions. Currently, scientists are assessing whether key factors such as lighting, temperature, and water supply meet the requirements for agricultural production. This model not only has the potential to significantly improve the utilization efficiency of abandoned mines but may also drive the energy sector toward ecological restoration and a green economy.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875760727615488/
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