In this undated photo, workers in Zhang’s team walk on a wooden plank road carrying saplings. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Some local governments around the province have approached Zhang, trying to take a page out of his book to treat and green their abandoned mines.

In 2009, Zhang was recognized as one of the nation's 19 "outstanding veterans" for his contribution to public welfare.

He has been nicknamed the Modern Yugong, a Sisyphus-like figure in a Chinese fable who spent his lifetime removing two mountains standing in his way.