Focusing on mining subsidence research, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis using the CiteSpace citation network visualization tool based on literature from both the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WoS) databases. By analyzing publication volume, research institutions, and keyword clusters, this study maps knowledge graphs of research institutions and keywords to uncover research hotspots and frontier trends in the field of mining-induced subsidence. The results indicate that there is a high level of attention from the academic community regarding subsidence issues; Chinese institutions dominate in terms of publication quantity, with China University of Mining and Technology leading with 1456 papers. Currently, both domestic and international research hotspots focus on high-precision monitoring technology and subsidence prediction and monitoring in complex environments. The integration of multi-source data has become a significant trend in mining subsidence monitoring and research.

This study explores the environmental changes in the disturbed area of coal mining and presents the driving factors of ecological self-restoration. Specifically, we measured the soil nutrient and soil enzyme indicators in the mining area and non-mining area from 2014 to 2017 and 2019, and evaluated the stoichiometric characteristics of soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). The experimental results show that the total phosphorus concentration gradually recovered with the increase of mining years, while organic matter, available potassium, and urease first increased and then decreased with the increase of mining years. There were significant differences in total phosphorus, C/N ratio, N/P ratio, and C/P ratio between the working face and the subsidence disturbance zone. Random forest analysis showed that soil sucrase, urease, available potassium, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, C/P ratio, C/N ratio, and water-soluble salts were the key factors influencing soil nutrient cycling in different time periods; while C/N ratio, N/P ratio, total phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and water-soluble salts were the key factors influencing soil nutrient cycling at different locations. Mining years of the working face has differing influence path on soil factors and soil enzymes. This study could provide theoretical proof for the artificial guided self-restoration plan in coal mining subsidence areas and for ecological restoration in western mining areas.