Purpose. The research aims to substantiate the technological solutions to ensure the rock mass stability through a rational approach to strengthening the zones of increased rock pressure behind the longwall face. Methods. To achieve the purpose set, a complex research method is used, which includes an analysis of practical experience in mining medium-thickness flat-lying coal seams, a study of the stress-strain state of rocks above the coal mass marginal area, and mine research into the influence of mining-technical factors on the state of zonal preparatory workings. Findings. The patterns of stress influence on the mine working stability have been determined depending on the mining-technological parameters of mining operations. Empirical dependences of the stress influence on the mine working stability have been revealed. The parameters of stress influence on the mine working stability have been found depending on the mining-technological parameters of mining operations. Originality. The conducted research made it possible to determine the degree of influence of mining-technical conditions of mining operations on deformations in border rocks with various types of support in extraction workings, which helps to understand the dynamics of deformation processes occurring in the coal-rock mass surrounding mine workings maintained behind the longwall face. Practical implications. The revealed deformation patterns can be used in calculating the rock pressure manifestations when conducting mine workings on deep levels under various mining-technical conditions of mining operations, which has practical significance for ensuring the stability and safety of maintaining mine workings at the stage of mining operations. The use of roof-bolt support is proposed as an effective means not only to ensure stability, but also to maintain safe operating conditions in mine workings.

Purpose. The research purpose is to develop a geomechanical model for ensuring the safety of mining operations by determining the optimal slope angles and probabilistic assessment of the stability of the open-pit walls. Methods. Three-dimensional geomechanical models for surface mining of deposits have been developed based on calculations of the stability factor (safety factor SF) of the open-pit walls in the Rocscience program to determine the rock mass stress-strain state at the end of mining using the finite element method. The geological wireframe model (GWM) has been built on the basis of the available geological sections, horizon plans and the results of the engineering-geological surveys using the Surpac geoinformation system. Findings. Strength reduction factor (SRF) has been determined taking into account the physical-mechanical properties of rocks that constitute the near-wall mass. An assessment of the stability of walls according to the selected geological sections is given, taking into account the projected contour of the Severny Katpar open-pit walls. The calculation of the projected contour stability of the open-pit walls by several different methods has revealed that the open-pit walls are generally stable. The open-pit parameters at the end of mining have been determined. Originality. For the first time, it has been determined that in the Southern and South-Western area of the Severny Katpar open-pit wall in the horizons +700…+400, there is a decrease in SF from 1.18 to 1.41 due to the predominant occurrence of siltstones and tectonic disturbances of the walls. Practical implications. The mathematical calculation results of the stability of the projected contour walls in the Severny Katpar open pit have been generalized. In addition, a geological and structural wire-frame model of the deposit has been developed, which makes it possible to ensure the safety of mining operations in the open pit.

In the Karaganda coal basin, deteriorating geomechanical conditions have been observed, including seam disturbances, diminished strength of argillite–aleurolite strata, water ingress, and pronounced floor heave, all of which markedly increase the labor intensity of maintaining developmental headings. The maintenance and operation of these entries for a reference coal yield of 1000 t necessitate 72–75 man-shifts, of which 90–95% are expended on mitigating ground pressure effects and restoring support integrity. Conventional heave control measures—such as relief drifts, slotting, drainage, secondary blasting, and the application of concrete or rock–bolt systems—deliver either transient efficacy or incur prohibitive labor and material expenditures while lacking unified methodologies for predictive forecasting and support parameter design. This study therefore advocates for an integrated framework that synergizes geomechanical characterization, deformation prognosis, and the tailored selection of reinforcement schemes (incorporating both sidewall and floor-anchoring systems with directed preloading), calibrated to seam depth, geometry, and lithological properties. Employing deformation state assessments to optimize reinforcement layouts for floor stabilization in coal mine workings is projected to curtail repair volumes by 30–40% whilst significantly enhancing operational safety, efficiency, and the punctuality of face preparation.

Purpose. The research purpose is to determine the instability zones in the host rocks and the dynamics of propagation of active fracturing zones to ensure the stability of the rock mass surrounding the mine workings. Methods. The research uses a set of analytical and experimental studies to determine the dynamics of the deformation process development in the coal-rock mass surrounding the mine workings. Mathematical modeling of the stress-strain state of the rock mass surrounding the active extraction workings is performed using the numerical method of finite elements in modern AN-SYS, Mergel and KMS-III software products. Findings. The influence has been studied of the mine working section shape and the coal seam dip angle on the value of the maximum stresses that arise in the rock mass when the mine working is fastened with the roof-bolt support. The instability zones in the host rocks and the dynamics of propagation of active fracturing zones have been determined both ahead of the front of the conducted mine working and on its sides for rocks of different strength. Originality. For the conditions of the Karaganda coal basin, the dependence of a change in the development of conventional inelastic deformation zones (CIDZ) on the host rock strength has been revealed. The influence of the coal seam dip angle on the dynamics of stratifications around preparatory working has also been substantiated. In addition, new data have been obtained on the influence of the roof rock strength on the stratification of the rock mass surrounding the mine working. Practical implications. By determining instability zones in the host rocks and the dynamics of propagation of active fracturing zones, it is possible to control geomechanical processes in the border rock mass of a mine working and influence it in order to prevent the occurrence of negative rock pressure manifestations. The data obtained are the basis for the development of recommendations on the use of roof-bolting technology for fastening extraction workings to ensure their stability and reduce the cost of their operation.

This article presents possible reasons for the low productivity of wells for coal methane extraction and ways to resolve them using hydrochloric acid treatment of wells. A common reason for the low productivity of wells is a decrease in the permeability of the bottom-hole formation zone. Starch, calcium carbonate, and drilling rocks, which are part of the drilling mud, change the filtration properties of the layer during the formation of a filtration crust and lead to a decrease in the initial permeability. Hydrochloric acid treatment, during which clay rocks are dissolved, is an effective method of increasing the productivity of wells. It is used to increase pick-up and prevent contamination of the bottom-hole zone of the carbonate formation. The parameters affecting the effectiveness of hydrochloric acid treatments were considered. The results of the experience of the interaction of hydrochloric acid with a clay crust are presented and analyzed using approaches to the mechanics of multiphase media. Dependences of the rate of dissolution of clay rock on the concentration of acid solution are obtained. It is established that the treatment of the productive intermediate layer of the well with hydrochloric acid in a certain concentration, its use increases the technological and economic efficiency of wells. As a result of experimental work, it was found that hydrochloric acid with an HCL concentration above 18% has a negative effect on the internal equipment of the well when processing clay shells.

The development of a geomechanical model is aimed at enhancing the safety of mining operations through the determination of optimal slope angles and the probabilistic assessment of pit wall stability. For the conditions of open-pit mining, three-dimensional geomechanical models were constructed based on the calculation of the slope stability factor using the Rocscience Slide2/Slide3 (v.9.027, 2023) software package. The stress–strain state of the rock mass at the final stage of extraction was evaluated using the finite element method. Strength reduction factors (SRF) were determined considering the physico-mechanical properties of the rocks forming the near-contour zone of the massif. The stability of the pit slopes was assessed along individual geological cross-sections in accordance with the design contours of the Northern Katpar open pit. Calculations performed using several methods confirmed the overall stability of the pit walls. The final design parameters of the projected open pit were determined. For the first time, it was established that in the southern and southwestern sectors of the Northern Katpar pit, within the elevation range of +700 to +400 m, a reduction in the SFR (from 1.18 to 1.41) occurs due to the predominance of siltstones and the presence of tectonic disturbances. The generalized results of numerical slope stability analyses for the design pit contour, together with the developed geological–structural model of the deposit, provide a basis for ensuring the safe conduct of mining operations at the site.