Innovation Showcases
The Implementation of Subterranean Barriers with Mine Pre-drainage to Reduce Coal Mine Methane Emissions from Open-cut and Underground Metallurgical Coal Mines View Digital Media
Innovation Showcase Raymond Johnson Jr
There is an opportunity to dramatically reduce methane emissions from Australian, open pit, metallurgical coal (MC) mines. Currently, MC is critical to the production of steel products and is essential to meet international urbanisation and energy system transformation goals. Initial research in the application of subterranean barriers in coal mining was focused on reducing whole-of-life coal mine methane (CMM) emissions (Johnson Jr, 2014) but lacked economic viability after carbon pricing was eliminated in Australia. The basis of induced barriers is similar to naturally occurring barriers (i.e., igneous intrusions or dikes) that have shown effective subterranean reservoir baffling. Barriers have also been applied in the environmental and civil engineering industries, to contain contaminants or manage or restrict subterranean flow, respectively. In this case, subterranean barriers are being implemented in conjunction with mine pre-drainage to reduce methane emissions from an open pit, MC mine. In addition, barriers can be used in underground mining operations to improve mine pre-drainage, improving safety and meet reduced methane emissions. Our paper describes the design, execution, and evaluation workflows and the relative importance of variables required for a barrier implementation in subterranean applications for open-cut and underground mining applications. We will detail the results of ongoing planning and modelling to implement and assess a barrier application for reducing gas migration from unmined in-seam or underground mine sections into open-cut MC mining operations. Barrier implementation in conjunction with the beneficial use of gas provides a workable framework to reduce MC mine emissions toward necessary reductions by 2030.
The Fire Pod : A Cutting-edge Solution Designed to Safeguard Houses from the Dangers of Forest Fires View Digital Media
Innovation Showcase Jisung Yoo, Hwang Dong Ho
With the establishment of the US Forest Service, and the “1900s Fires,” fire suppression became the national policy, and efforts focused on extinguishing fires as soon as they ignited (Forest History). This policy successfully reduced the immediate extent of forest fires but consequently led to a dangerous accumulation of highly flammable dead trees and brush on the forest floor. Our intervention essentially disrupted nature’s natural balance. Additionally, due to global warming and its effect in creating increased drought(s), and a longer fire season are boosting these increases in wildfire risk. The Firepod presents a potential solution to the challenge of safeguarding our infrastructure from the threat of forest fires. When a forest fire warning is received, FirePod owners can activate the device either via a mobile app or by using a button installed in their home. Upon activation, the FirePod deploys fire-resistant materials named 'Fire Zat' outward at an angle, achieved through an air pressure system similar to the deployment method of a webcaster (net) gun. This deployment is assisted by weighted balls attached to the end of the fire-retardant material, ensuring precise and swift coverage of the entire house with exceptional consistency. FirePod allows homeowners to immediately seek shelter in the nearest alternate haven and increase their chances of avoiding injury, instead of attempting to protect their homes from the flames. Ultimately, the assurance of this protective technology for their infrastructures will not only help infrastructure but save many lives.
Urban Sustainability Index : Benchmarking Environmental Performance at the City-level Worldwide View Digital Media
Innovation Showcase Alexander Stepanov
We propose a new city-level index of environmental performance, Urban Sustainability Index. This is a composite multi-layer index covering the dimensions of urban environmental asset quality, efficient resource use, and climate risks and socioeconomic benefits. The index has been calculated annually across years 2015-2021 for more than 11 thousand localities in 164 countries. In order to achieve the worldwide coverage and ensure verifiability and transparency of the results, we rely on publicly open satellite imagery and geospatial datasets. To ensure a consistent treatment of cities despite national variations in defining a city, we utilise a concept of Urban Centre as proposed by a consortium of international organisations and adopted by the UN Statistical Commission. The index offers a new tool for impact investors, policy makers, civil society organisations, and academia to (i) identify challenges faced by cities in a comparative fashion, (ii) target and expand new investments in sustainable urban development, and (iii) monitor changes in cities' performance over time. We believe the Urban Sustainability Index can be further expanded to capture novel socioeconomic dimensions in the future, and can have wide-ranging utility for urban planning, biodiversity designs, and providing snapshots of systemic change or market effects.
