The oxidation of sulfide minerals in the presence of oxygen and water, facilitated by microbes, is the principal cause of acid mine drainage (AMD). Static testing for the quantitative assessment of the acidic potential and acid-neutralizing capacity of mineral samples has been thoroughly investigated; the extent of its accuracy remains uncertain. This study involved 329 ore samples from 34 drill holes from abandoned mining sites and conducted laboratory static tests and mineralogical analysis. Static testing and mineralogical characterization identified a significant positive correlation between total sulfur and net acid generation (NAG), confirming that sulfide oxidation is the dominant mechanism for acid production. Furthermore, the strong positive correlation between calcium content and acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) demonstrates that the buffering capacity stems mainly from carbonate dissolution, with negligible contribution from silicate weathering. The effectiveness of a detailed acid-generating potential discrimination chart was also assessed. Through the examination of acid drainage samples and groundwater from the research area, with their stable isotope and Deuterium excess (D-excess) properties, hydrochemical classifications were established, and sources of acid drainage were evaluated. This comprehensive method pinpoints the main “acid-generating sources” in the abandoned mining sites, elucidating the geochemical origins of acid drainage in the research area. It offers a case study and analytical framework for employing static test findings from abandoned mining sites to evaluate acid-generating potential in those areas.

Surface subsidence caused by high-intensity coal mining in the western mining area will have a negative impact on the environment. Mining subsidence has the characteristics of large scope, long duration, and strong destructiveness. In order to deeply understand the law of surface movement and deformation under the high-intensity mining of coal mines in western China, taking the Caojiatan 122,106 working face as an example, this study was conducted to obtain the surface movement characteristics and law by the method of surface rock movement measurement. The results showed that the surface subsidence in this study is mainly divided into three stages: start-up stage, active stage, and recession stage, with the active stage characterized by abrupt and intensive settlement. The maximum measured subsidence reached 4.173 m along the strike and 3.350 m along the dip. Numerical simulations further demonstrated strong vertical connectivity within the overburden, with surface subsidence area covering approximately 2/3 of the direct roof area. The predicted maximum subsidence values from simulation were 4.21 m (strike) and 3.36 m (dip), closely aligning with field data. A probability integral model was calibrated using observed data, yielding key parameters: subsidence coefficient = 0.537, main influence angle tangent = 4.435, horizontal movement coefficient = 0.20, inflection point offset = 76.90 m, and propagation angle = 86.2°. This study provides a validated methodology for predicting surface deformation in western mining areas and offers practical insights for subsidence mitigation and land restoration.