Full Breakdown
Chinese Scientists Propose Turning Abandoned Coal Mines into Underground Farms
9/8/2026, 12:45:32 PM
Proposal for Underground Agriculture in Abandoned Coal Mines
Researchers from the Shanxi Province Coal-based Resources Green and High-efficiency Development Engineering Centre have outlined a plan to convert the tunnels of decommissioned coal mines into controlled-environment farms. Their concept, described in a recent article in *China Mining Magazine*, argues that the existing underground infrastructure—tunnels, power grids, ventilation, and groundwater—can be repurposed to grow crops shielded from surface weather and natural disasters. The team emphasizes that “closed-environment farming” could address the growing instability of traditional surface agriculture amid accelerating climate change.
Context and Rationale
China’s mining sector faces a wave of closures, with an estimated 15,000 abandoned mines slated to cease operation by 2030. The government’s broader push for a green, circular economy seeks to mitigate the environmental legacy of coal extraction while finding new uses for existing assets. By situating agriculture underground, the proposal aligns with these policy goals and offers a potential solution to land-use pressures and climate-related agricultural risks.
Data and Feasibility Factors
The researchers assess three critical variables for underground farming: light, temperature, and water. They note that the subterranean environment naturally insulates crops from extreme temperature fluctuations and protects them from storms, but artificial lighting and climate control would be required to meet plant growth needs. Existing ventilation systems could support air circulation, while groundwater sources may supply irrigation. The paper evaluates whether these factors can be optimized within the constraints of former mine structures.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
If proven viable, repurposing abandoned mines could create a new class of agricultural space, contributing to food security and reducing pressure on arable land. The approach also promises to give economic purpose to sites that would otherwise remain idle, supporting regional development in coal-dependent provinces such as Shanxi. The researchers intend to conduct pilot experiments to test crop performance under controlled underground conditions, with results expected to inform broader adoption across China’s extensive network of closed mines.
