Core Viewpoint - The State Council has issued the "Solid Waste Comprehensive Management Action Plan," emphasizing the need to enhance the comprehensive utilization of bulk solid waste, particularly coal gangue, which poses environmental risks if improperly managed [1] Group 1: Current Situation of Coal Gangue - Coal gangue, a byproduct of coal mining, constitutes about 20% of the raw coal output, with an estimated annual production of 825 million tons in 2024 and a historical cumulative stock exceeding 7 billion tons [2] - The improper disposal of coal gangue leads to significant environmental concerns, including the potential leaching of heavy metals and acidic substances into water and soil [2] - The comprehensive utilization rate of coal gangue in China reached 73.8% in 2022, but this is still lower than the over 90% rates seen in countries like the U.S. and the U.K. [3] Group 2: Challenges in Utilization - The complexity of coal gangue composition and its low calorific value hinder its utilization, with only about 30% currently used for low calorific value power generation [3][4] - The high costs associated with the treatment and utilization of coal gangue, along with competition from traditional markets, limit its effectiveness in construction material production [4] - The current capacity for high-value utilization of coal gangue is low, with some production lines handling less than 100,000 tons per year, which is insufficient compared to the millions of tons generated by mines [4] Group 3: Potential Solutions and Global Practices - Countries like the U.S. and Australia have established effective pathways for the utilization of coal gangue, particularly in construction materials and resource extraction [5] - In the U.S., coal mines have successfully transformed coal gangue mountains into agricultural land through soil improvement and vegetation restoration [5] - China's underground filling and land reclamation methods show promise for large-scale coal gangue disposal, but they also increase mining costs and reduce operational efficiency [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the importance of ecological management and comprehensive utilization of coal gangue in promoting energy conservation and pollution reduction in the coal industry, as emphasized by Xu Xinrong during a special investigation in Huangling County, Yan'an City [1][2]. Group 1: Proposal and Investigation - Xu Xinrong led a delegation to investigate the implementation of the proposal regarding the ecological management of coal gangue, focusing on intelligent construction and high-value utilization of coal gangue [1]. - The delegation visited the Shaanxi Coal Huangling Mining Company to understand the company's smart center and coal gangue power plant operations [1]. Group 2: Development Strategies - Xu emphasized the need to enhance the comprehensive, safe, and circular utilization of coal gangue, aiming for a green transformation of the Shaanxi coal industry [2]. - The strategies include strengthening industry leadership, establishing a provincial energy-saving and environmental protection industry chain, and promoting projects related to coal gangue power generation and ecological restoration [2]. - The importance of technological empowerment was highlighted, with plans to utilize the Qin Chuangyuan technology innovation platform to upgrade the high-value utilization of coal gangue [2].