The safety and stability of underground coal mining are largely determined by the structural features of coal seams and surrounding rocks. Geological heterogeneities such as faults, fracture zones, and lithological variations strongly influence the distribution of rock pressure and the occurrence of geodynamic hazards. This highlights the need for reliable geophysical methods capable of identifying such zones under mining conditions. Electrical prospecting represents a promising diagnostic approach, as it is highly sensitive to changes in the physical properties of rocks. Unlike conventional geological mapping, it enables the detection of hidden structures and weakened zones often invisible to direct observation. Advances in instrumentation and data processing have further expanded the applicability of electrical methods in complex environments. This study introduces a methodology of electrical prospecting observations for the diagnosis of coal seams. The analysis focuses on conductivity anomalies that reflect tectonic disturbances, fracture systems, and lithological heterogeneities. Field investigations demonstrated the sensitivity of the method to local environmental variations. Comparison with geological records confirmed the validity of the approach: the identified anomalous zones correlated well with documented tectonic features. The methodology showed a stable performance and revealed potential for integration into mine monitoring systems. It allows the identification of areas associated with elevated rock pressure and possible geodynamic activity, thereby contributing to safer underground operations. In the longer term, electrical prospecting may be applied to other coal deposits, including those with a high gas content and complex structure. The development of automated interpretation tools and machine learning algorithms could further increase processing efficiency and improve predictive reliability. Overall, the results confirm that electrical prospecting in mining environments can become an effective instrument for enhancing safety and building more accurate geological–geophysical models of coal seams.

Эндогенные пожары остаются серьезной проблемой угледобычи Казахстана, возникая из-за самовозгорания угольных пластов. В статье рассматриваются их основные причины, включая окисление, влажность и тектонические особенности, а также методы борьбы: вентиляция, закачка инертных газов, изоляция зон, применение аэрозольных составов и автоматизированный мониторинг. Уделяется внимание профилактике самонагревания угля, трудностям ликвидации глубоких очагов возгорания и техническим ограничениям существующих методов. Несмотря на принятые меры, полностью решить проблему не удается, что требует совершенствования технологий раннего обнаружения, эффективных методов тушения, разработки новых изоляционных материалов и усиленного контроля за опасными участками Эндогенді өрттер көмір өндіру саласындағы маңызды мәселе болып қалып отыр, олар көмір қабаттарының өздігінен тұтануы нәтижесінде пайда болады. Мақалада олардың негізгі себептері, соның ішінде тотығу, ылғалдылық және тектоникалық ерекшеліктер, сондай-ақ күресу әдістері: желдету, инертті газдарды айдау, қауіпті аймақтарды оқшаулау, аэрозольді құрамдарды қолдану және автоматтандырылған мониторинг қарастырылады. Көмірдің өздігінен қызуын алдын алу шараларына, терең өрт ошақтарын жоюдағы қиындықтарға және қолданыстағы әдістердің техникалық шектеулеріне назар аударылады. Қабыл- данған шараларға қарамастан, бұл мәселені толық шешу мүмкін болмай отыр, сондықтан ерте анықтау технологияларын жетілдіру, тиімді сөндіру әдістерін дамыту, жаңа оқшаулағыш материалдарды әзірлеу және қауіпті аймақтарды бақылауды күшейту қажет Endogenous fires remain a serious problem in Kazakhstan’s coal mining industry, occurring due to the self-ignition of coal seams. The article examines their main causes, including oxidation, moisture, and tectonic features, as well as firefighting methods such as ventilation, inert gas injection, zone isolation, aerosol compositions, and automated monitoring. Attention is given to measures for preventing coal self-heating, challenges in extinguishing deep fire sources, and technical limitations of existing methods. Despite the measures taken, the problem remains unresolved, requiring improvements in early detection technologies, more effective extinguishing methods, the development of new insulating materials, and enhanced monitoring of hazardous areas.

The article addresses the issues of improving the stability of the portal and the initial section of an inclined ramp constructed during the transition of an open pit to a combined mining system. It is in this zone that the effects of rock mass unloading, roof and sidewall instability, water inflow, as well as additional dynamic impacts caused by drilling-and-blasting operations and the movement of mine transport occur simultaneously. The aim of the study was to substantiate an integrated support scheme that ensures the early formation of a load-bearing rock mass contour, reduces deformations in the near-contour zone, and preserves technological compatibility with both drilling-and-blasting and mechanized excavation methods. The study was carried out on the basis of field observations, laboratory testing of concrete and injection materials, instrumental monitoring of deformations, and numerical modeling in the FLAC3D software environment. The proposed scheme includes the sequential application of a primary shotcrete layer, installation of advance inclined rock bolts along the excavation direction, arrangement of a staggered grid of injection anchors, concreting of a section at least 20 m long, and primary and control grouting after the concrete reaches 75% of its design strength. It was established that the application of this scheme ensures a 2.3-fold reduction in water inflow, a 1.8-fold decrease in roof deformations compared with the control section, and a reduction in the maximum calculated displacements from 42 to 12 mm when rock bolting and injection reinforcement are used jointly. The obtained results confirm the feasibility of applying a combined support system in unstable host rocks and make it possible to recommend it for practical implementation in the construction of inclined ramp portals.

The study focuses on assessing the industrial potential of coalbed methane production in the Karaganda Basin based on drilling and testing data from wells T7 and T8 at the Taldykuduk site. The goal is to develop and verify engineering solutions, ensuring efficient methane extraction from unstressed seams under real geological and technical conditions. The research object is the coal seams of the Karaganda suite, characterized by high gas content, developed fracturing, and heterogeneous reservoir structure. Vertical wells were drilled with local enlargement of productive intervals, zone isolation using packers, and controlled hydraulic stimulation. A set of geophysical surveys was conducted, including gamma, density, and neutron logs, caliper logging, inclinometry, gas-geochemical monitoring, and flow tests, to determine reservoir pressure and permeability. Laboratory analyses of core and coal samples examined adsorption–desorption properties, elemental composition, and formation water characteristics, enabling the selection of optimal reagents and gas treatment schemes. Stable methane inflows up to 30 m³/day were obtained under steady depression without water inflow, confirming readiness for pilot-industrial operation. After hydraulic stimulation and optimization of well regimes, an increase in gas flow rate was recorded, confirming the efficiency of reservoir stimulation. Based on pressure and flow curves, technological parameters were defined — perforation intervals, hydraulic treatment conditions, and requirements for gas collection, dehydration, and compression systems. The practical significance of the study lies in substantiating a technological scheme for industrial methane extraction and reducing methane hazards during mining. Implementation of the proposed approach will enable integration of extracted gas into the regional energy balance and reduce uncontrolled methane emissions, providing environmental and economic benefits.