In this study, the shape and size of a combustion cavity with a fracture zone in the gasified coal seam was determined with the use of control boreholes and a ground-penetrating radar (BGPR) test. The underground coal gasification (UCG) field-scale experiment was performed in Carboniferous strata in coal seam 501 at a depth of approx. 460 m in the Wieczorek hard coal mine in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland. After the termination of the UCG reactor, five coring boreholes were drilled to identify the geometry of the resulting combustion cavity and the impact of the UCG process on the surrounding rock mass. Borehole ground-penetrating radar measurements were performed using a 100 MHz antenna in three boreholes with a length of about 40–50 m. This enabled the identification of the boundaries of the combustion cavity and the fracture zone in the coal seam. The fracture zones of rock layers and lithological borders near the control borehole were also depicted. As a result, the cavity was estimated to have a length of around 32 m, a width of around 7 m and a height of around 5 m. The analyses performed with the control boreholes and the BGPR provided sufficient information to determine the geometry of the combustion cavity and the fracture zone.

The paper presents the results of experimental and model tests of transport of dispersed fluid droplets forming a cloud of aerosol in a stream of air ventilating a selected section of the underground excavation. The excavation selected for testing is part of the ventilation network of the Experimental Mine Barbara of the Central Mining Institute. For given environmental conditions, such as temperature, pressure, relative humidity, and velocity of air, the distribution of aerosol droplet changes in the mixture of air and water vapor along the excavation at a distance was measured at 10 m, 25 m, and 50 m from the source of its emission. The source of aerosol emission in the excavation space was a water nozzle that was located 25 m from the inlet (inlet) of the excavation. The obtained results of in situ tests were related to the results of numerical calculations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Numerical calculations were performed using Ansys-Fluent and Ansys-CFX software. The dimensions and geometry of the excavation under investigation are presented. The authors describe the adopted assumptions and conditions for the numerical model and discuss the results of the numerical solution.

In response to the imperative to mitigate methane—one of the most potent greenhouse gases—this study proposes and tests an integrated workflow for designing methane drainage boreholes targeting post-mining areas in an active underground coal mine (Pniówek, Poland). The workflow combines the following: (1) forecasting methane emissions from goafs and active longwalls for 2024–2040; (2) 3D geological characterization (structural and lithofacies models); (3) selection and sealing of goaf zones; and (4) optimization of well placement, drilling, and performance evaluation of drainage boreholes, including an assessment of energy use from the recovered gas. Applying the method delineated priority capture zones and estimated recoverable rates under multiple scenarios. Preliminary field data from a borehole near seam 362/1 indicate stable methane inflow to the drainage system and a concomitant reduction in methane load within the ventilation network. The integrated design improves targeting efficiency and provides a quantitative basis for scheduling, risk management, and sizing of surface-to-underground infrastructure. The results suggest that systematic drainage of post-mining voids can enhance safety, limit fugitive emissions, and create opportunities for on-site power generation. The approach is transferable to other active mines with legacy workings, provided site-specific calibration and monitoring are implemented.

Purpose: in the cognitive space, the article focuses on cybersecurity as one of the top priorities of the European Commission and a cornerstone of a digital and connected Europe. The increase in cyberattacks during the coronavirus crisis has shown how important it is to protect hospitals, research centers and other infrastructure. Decisive action is needed in this area to future-proof the EU's economy and society. Therefore, cybersecurity is a key element to ensure the safe and effective implementation of the European Green Deal plan. Methodology: the theses presented in the article were verified using the following methods: literature review, critical analysis of literature, analysis and comparison of documents and an example of good practices. Result: the results of analyzes and research clearly revealed that cyberattacks do not stop at state borders, therefore it is necessary to strengthen cooperation between EU Member States, exchange information on threats and develop common standards and best practices in the field of cybersecurity. This allows for effective protection against attacks and minimization of risk to critical infrastructure related to the European Green Deal. Originality: in the perspective described in the article, important and significant challenges arise in the field of protecting critical infrastructure against cyber threats. One of them is the transformation of underground workings of hard coal mines into facilities critical for national cybersecurity. The theses presented in the article were verified using the following methods: literature review, critical analysis of literature, analysis and comparison of documents and examples of good practices. Keywords: transforming, coal, cyber security.

In this study, the shape and size of a combustion cavity with a fracture zone in the gasified coal seam was determined with use control boreholes and a ground-penetrating radar (BGPR) test. The underground coal gasification (UCG) field-scale experiment was performed in Carboniferous strata in coal seam 501 at a depth of approx. 460 m in the Wieczorek hard-coal mine in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland. After the termination of the UCG reactor, five coring boreholes were drilled to identify the geometry of the resulting combustion cavity and the impact of the UCG process on the surrounding rock mass. Borehole ground-penetrating radar measurements were performed using a 100 MHz antenna in three boreholes with a length of about 40-50 m. This enabled the identification of the boundaries of the combustion cavity and the fracture zone in the coal seam. The fracture zones of rock layers and lithological borders near the control borehole were also depicted. As a result, the cavity was estimated to have a length of around 32 m, a width of around 7 m and a height of around 5 m. The analyses performed with the control boreholes and the BGPR provided sufficient information to determine the geometry of the combustion cavity and the fracture zone.