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.

This article presents an environmental assessment of emissions from a solid waste landfill in the Karaganda Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan in order to study the dynamics of methane release and determine its energy potential. The study is based on an analysis of a 13-hectare facility that has been operating since 2015 in a reclaimed quarry with an average annual accumulation volume of up to 4000 tons. The methodology includes a detailed analysis of the morphological composition of waste (57% of the organic fraction) and consideration of regional climatic parameters for modeling the phase-specific formation of biogas, according to the approved national methodology. It has been established that, by 2030, the volume of methane will be 81.7–92.6 tons/year. Based on the data obtained, a set of environmental protection measures is proposed, including the installation of special pipes for degassing and the introduction of automated monitoring based on stationary sensors. The results confirm the technical feasibility of using landfill gas as an alternative energy resource and can serve as a scientific and methodological basis for designing environmentally safe landfills in a sharply continental climate and intensive industrial infrastructure.

This article addresses the problem of floor heave in preparatory mine workings of the Karaganda Coal Basin and proposes technological solutions based on rock mass anchoring systems. Long-term field observations, supported by analytical interpretation and numerical modeling, made it possible to identify the principal factors controlling deformation processes around mine roadways, including floor rock fracturing, stress redistribution during longwall mining, and the interaction between adjacent workings. Special attention is given to the performance of different types of anchors installed in the floor and to their optimal arrangement depending on the width and geometry of the excavation cross-section. Empirical relationships are proposed for estimating the magnitude of floor heave and determining the required anchor length, and their applicability is supported by numerical simulations performed using RS2 software v. 11.027. Based on the results obtained, technological schemes aimed at reducing the intensity of floor heave and improving the stability of the surrounding rock mass were developed for mining in inclined and gently dipping coal seams. Field experiments conducted in the Kazakhstanskaya, Saranskaya, and Abayskaya mines of the Karaganda Coal Basin confirmed the effectiveness of steel–polymer anchors in stabilizing excavation contours.

In the present-day mining conditions, the ensuring of effective ventilation is the key factor in mine safety and energy efficiency. Calculating the aerodynamic drag of mine workings is the basis for designing and optimizing ventilation systems. Aerodynamic drag is determined by the aerodynamic drag coefficient, whose values in classical theory do not always correspond to actual mining conditions. This study examines the effect of the working cross-sectional area, the air flow velocity (taking into account leaks through the mined space), the support density, and the presence of reinforcement elements on the aerodynamic drag coefficient. Using statistical analysis, multivariate relationships were obtained for calculating the aerodynamic drag coefficient. The practical significance of the results consists of improving the accuracy of ventilation parameter calculations, optimizing the air flow and ventilation modes, and reducing risks in controlling aero-gas conditions in mining areas.

The maintenance of gate roadways after longwall retreat is a critical geomechanical and technological problem in underground coal mining, particularly under conditions of increasing mining depth and complex geological settings. This study investigates the influence of support elements on the stress state of surrounding rocks and the stability of gate roadways intended for repeated use in coal mines of Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The research combines numerical modeling and analysis of field experience from Dniprovska Mine of PJSC “DTEK Pavlogradugol”, Kostenco Mine, and PJSC “Mine Administration Pokrovske”. Elastoplastic deformation of the rock mass was simulated using the finite element method within a stationary formulation, with the Mohr–Coulomb criterion applied to describe rock failure. Different support schemes were analyzed, including steel arch frames, protective structures, rock bolts, and cable bolts. The geomechanical response was evaluated using the parameters Q* and P*, which characterize the heterogeneity of the stress field and the degree of stress relief, respectively, as well as the extent of inelastic deformation zones. The results showed that protective structures significantly improve the condition of surrounding rocks at relatively shallow depths by reducing stress heterogeneity and limiting the development of inelastic deformation. Rock bolting promotes the formation of a reinforced rock–bolt arch in the roof, increasing roadway stability after longwall passage. However, under deep mining conditions, protective structures alone are insufficient, and reinforcement with cable bolts becomes necessary to maintain the integrity of the reinforced roof zone and reduce the load on individual bolts. Field observations from operating mines confirmed the practical efficiency of the proposed support approaches. The study demonstrates the role of each support element in forming a stable reinforced structure around the roadway and provides a basis for selecting rational support systems for gate roadways reused for ventilation or repeated use.

This article examines the comprehensive assessment of the environmental and economic performance and social significance of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), using a company in Western Kazakhstan as an example. During the analysis of the treatment plant’s performance, the potential for using activated sludge as an alternative energy source was explored. Initially, it was found that activated sludge could be used as boiler fuel at the treatment plant. In the future, after drying the sludge, it could be used to replace coal at combined heat and power plants (CHPs) when production is set up. The article analyzes international research and modern approaches to sustainable water use and municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. The paper examines the role of wastewater treatment facilities in minimizing anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems and reducing production costs. It also assesses the prospects for greening protected areas and the social impact of modernizing the region’s infrastructure. The research aims to optimize wastewater treatment facilities through the conservation of resources, water reuse and the use of energy-saving technologies. Practical recommendations have been developed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of wastewater treatment plants, taking into account the climatic conditions of Western Kazakhstan. Water conservation is a goal of sustainable development. Conserving water resources through high-efficiency treatment plants will save natural water, which is also the goal of this study. The article’s materials may be useful for specialists in water management, environmental policy, environmental design, and regional planning.