Topic Editors

College of Energy and Mining Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
WASM Minerals Energy and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Kalgoorlie, WA 6430, Australia
Dr. Zhibo Zhang
School of Civil and Resource Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Dr. Baolin Li
School of Environment and Safety Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China

Advances in Coal Mine Disaster Prevention Technology

Abstract submission deadline
31 March 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
31 May 2026
Viewed by
4355

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

China’s natural energy reserves are characterized by “rich coal, poor oil, and little gas”. This unique foundation has established that coal will be as predominant an energy source for the nation in the foreseeable future as it is now. According to a forecast made by the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the proportion of coal consumption to total energy consumption will remain at 50% by 2050. In addition, under the dual carbon targets of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”, coal carbon still needs to continue to play its crucial role as a “ballast” in the energy system, with energy security being the highest priority. However, with the development of China's shallow coal resources, coal sources are becoming increasingly depleted, and deep mining has become a strategic demand for energy in China. As deeper layers of coal seams are accessed to facilitate coal mining, these seams show increasingly obvious characteristics of high geo-stress, strong gas adsorption, and low permeability, resulting in significant changes in the mining environment. Under the influence of mining disturbances, coal and gas outburst and rock burst disasters are becoming increasingly serious threats. The intertwining nature of these threats has contributed to the complexity and intricacy disaster mechanisms, making disaster prevention and control increasingly difficult. Therefore, this research topic endeavor is concentrated on the complex issues surrounding deep coal resource extraction, specifically in relation to coal and gas outbursts, rock bursts, and multifaceted coal–rock dynamic disasters. This research topic aims to elucidate the challenges of disaster prevention, and to propose innovative methods that will reduce the incidence of disasters in the civil and coal mine domains, among others. This research topic seeks to address a multitude of areas within civil and mining engineering fields, aiming at advancing a sustainable global landscape. We welcome both original research and review articles, including but not limited to the following topics:

  • Coal and gas outburst prevention technology;
  • Rock burst prevention methods;
  • Regional disaster risk assessment;
  • Risk assessments of the systematic classification of natural hazards;
  • Disaster risk reduction frameworks;
  • Methodologies for natural hazard warning alerts;
  • Coal mine ventilation;
  • Management of natural disaster reduction;
  • Disaster risk reduction models;
  • Gas extraction methods and materials.

Dr. Xuelong Li
Dr. Jia Lin
Dr. Zhibo Zhang
Dr. Baolin Li
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • coal and gas outburst prevention technology
  • rock burst prevention methods
  • regional disaster risk assessment
  • risk assessments of the systematic classification of natural hazards
  • disaster risk reduction frameworks
  • methodologies for natural hazard warning alerts
  • coal mine ventilation
  • management of natural disaster reduction
  • disaster risk reduction models
  • gas extraction methods and materials

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Energies
energies
3.0 6.2 2008 16.8 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Minerals
minerals
2.2 4.1 2011 18 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Mining
mining
- 2.8 2021 21.1 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Resources
resources
3.6 7.2 2012 26.1 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability
3.3 6.8 2009 19.7 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Processes
processes
2.8 5.1 2013 14.9 Days CHF 2400 Submit

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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26 pages, 40649 KiB  
Article
Evolution Characteristics of Roof Stress in Horizontal Segmental Mining of Steeply Inclined Coal Seams
by Guojun Zhang, Yong Zhang, Shigen Fu and Mingbo Chi
Processes 2025, 13(5), 1317; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051317 - 25 Apr 2025
Abstract
Steeply inclined coal seams, characterized by their significant inclination angles and complex storage conditions, are globally recognized as challenging seams to mine. An orthogonal test was conducted to study the influence of four key factors, including burial depth, inclination angle, lateral pressure coefficient, [...] Read more.
Steeply inclined coal seams, characterized by their significant inclination angles and complex storage conditions, are globally recognized as challenging seams to mine. An orthogonal test was conducted to study the influence of four key factors, including burial depth, inclination angle, lateral pressure coefficient, and maximum horizontal principal stress direction angle, on the force on the top slab of the sharply inclined extra-thick coal seam. The research findings indicate the following: The normal stress in the hollow area above the working face increases with greater burial depth, and the normal stress in the mining hollow area above the working face increases with an increase in the lateral pressure coefficient. Within the range of 4 m from the top edge of the seam, the normal stress distribution is approximately linear, and the influence of each factor on the average value of normal stress is in the following order: inclination angle > depth of burial > angle between the maximum horizontal principal stress and the strike angle of the seam > lateral pressure coefficient; outside the range of 4 m from the top edge of the seam, the distribution of normal stress is approximately linear, and the influence of each factor on the average value of normal stress is in the following order: angle between the maximum horizontal principal stress and the strike of the formation > inclination angle > depth of burial > lateral pressure coefficient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Coal Mine Disaster Prevention Technology)
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22 pages, 6330 KiB  
Article
The Dynamic Mechanical Response of Anchored Fissured Rock Masses at Different Fissure Angles: A Coupled Finite Difference–Discrete Element Method
by Guofei Chen, Haijian Su, Xiaofeng Qin and Wenbo Wang
Processes 2025, 13(3), 797; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030797 - 9 Mar 2025
Viewed by 510
Abstract
Anchored surrounding rock is prone to large nonlinear deformation and instability failure under dynamic disturbances. The fissures and defects within the surrounding rock make the rock mass’s bearing characteristics and deformation instability behavior increasingly complex. To investigate the effect of the fissure angle [...] Read more.
Anchored surrounding rock is prone to large nonlinear deformation and instability failure under dynamic disturbances. The fissures and defects within the surrounding rock make the rock mass’s bearing characteristics and deformation instability behavior increasingly complex. To investigate the effect of the fissure angle on the dynamic mechanical response of the anchored body, a dynamic loading model of the anchored, fissured surrounding rock unit body was established based on the finite difference–discrete element coupling method. The main conclusions are as follows: Compared to the indoor test results, this numerical model can accurately simulate the dynamic response characteristics of the unit body. As the fissure angle increased, the dynamic strength, failure strain, and dynamic elastic modulus of the specimen generally decreased and then increased, with a critical angle at approximately 45°. Compared to 0°, when the fissure angle was 45°, the dynamic strength, failure strain, and dynamic elastic modulus decreased by 17.08%, 15.48%, and 9.11%, respectively. Additionally, the evolution process of cracks and fragments shows that the larger the fissure angle, the more likely cracks are to develop along the initial fissure direction, which then triggers the formation of tensile cracks in other regions. Increasing the fissure angle causes the specimen to rupture earlier, making the main rupture plane more directional. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Coal Mine Disaster Prevention Technology)
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27 pages, 32408 KiB  
Article
Study on Overlying Strata Movement and Stress Distribution of Coal Mining Face with Unequal Thickness Bedrock
by Chuanwei Zang, Feng Bai, Miao Chen, Zihao Liu, Guangchao Zhang, Yining Zheng, You Li and Peidong Li
Processes 2025, 13(3), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030752 - 5 Mar 2025
Viewed by 467
Abstract
The variation in roof structure induced by changes in bedrock thickness exerts a direct influence on the stress distribution within lower strata, consequently governing the stability of roadway surrounding rock. To investigate the impact of bedrock thickness variations on overburden fracture behavior and [...] Read more.
The variation in roof structure induced by changes in bedrock thickness exerts a direct influence on the stress distribution within lower strata, consequently governing the stability of roadway surrounding rock. To investigate the impact of bedrock thickness variations on overburden fracture behavior and stress evolution in deep-buried thick loose layers, a numerical simulation model of an unequal-thickness bedrock working face was developed using discrete element numerical simulation software. This model was utilized to conduct a systematic investigation into the fracture characteristics of the overburden, displacement characteristics, and stress evolution during the mining process. The results demonstrate that as the working face advances and bedrock thickness progressively increases, several significant changes occur: the caving interval of the immediate roof extends; the degree of fragmentation, overall separation, and subsidence of the caving rock layer above the goaf gradually diminish; the peak stress at the working face shifts deeper into the coal wall; and the stress influence zone expands. Through the establishment of a mechanical model of the key strata, a fracture formula for the overburden was derived, elucidating the fracture mechanics of bedrock with varying thicknesses. A combined support measure tailored to varying bedrock thicknesses has been developed. Practical applications have demonstrated the technology’s effectiveness in maintaining roadway stability, offering valuable guidance for safe and efficient mining operations under comparable geological conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Coal Mine Disaster Prevention Technology)
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19 pages, 27198 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Wind-Oxidized Sandstone Reinforced by Grouting Under Cyclic Loading and Unloading
by Benliang Deng, Shaojie Chen, Maolin Tian and Dawei Yin
Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2190; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052190 - 3 Mar 2025
Viewed by 426
Abstract
To investigate the failure mechanisms of roadway-surrounding rock in the wind oxidation zone, where the rock experiences instability under cyclic excavation-induced loading and unloading, this study conducted experiments leveraging acoustic emission analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and a digital image correlation (DIC) system. The [...] Read more.
To investigate the failure mechanisms of roadway-surrounding rock in the wind oxidation zone, where the rock experiences instability under cyclic excavation-induced loading and unloading, this study conducted experiments leveraging acoustic emission analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and a digital image correlation (DIC) system. The research focused on grouting reinforcement under varying gradation indices, examining its mechanical properties, deformation characteristics, and microscopic structure post-failure. Results show that as the gradation index increases, the peak strength of the grouted solid exhibits a non-linear trend, initially decreasing to a minimum of 9.40 MPa (a 40.4% drop) before rising again to a maximum of 15.76 MPa. The hysteresis loop observed follows a pattern of ‘sparse–dense–sparse’. Additionally, the acoustic emission cumulative ringing count demonstrates a three-stage pattern of ‘rising–active–quiet’, with a similar initial decrease followed by an increase correlated with the gradation index. Using digital image correlation (DIC) technology, the study revealed the crack development characteristics of the grouting reinforcement. Higher gradation indices lead to wider localization zones, more extensive crack propagation, and greater damage. Microstructural analysis showed that PVA enhances the formation of hydration products, fostering stronger adhesion between these products and the cement matrix. This leads to a denser and more uniform microstructure, thereby enhancing the macroscopic strength of the samples. It provides a basis for practical mining engineering applications of grouting reinforcement of roadways in wind oxidation zones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Coal Mine Disaster Prevention Technology)
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18 pages, 4360 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Hydraulic Measures for Improving Coal Seam Permeability: A Case Study
by Yuxi Huang, Xiaoyang Cheng and Huan Zhang
Processes 2025, 13(3), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030626 - 22 Feb 2025
Viewed by 353
Abstract
Hydraulic measures are widely used to improve coal seam permeability, but not all hydraulic measures have a positive effect on coal permeability in soft coal seams, and the permeability-enhancing effect of hydraulic measures in soft coal seams is not clear. To further study [...] Read more.
Hydraulic measures are widely used to improve coal seam permeability, but not all hydraulic measures have a positive effect on coal permeability in soft coal seams, and the permeability-enhancing effect of hydraulic measures in soft coal seams is not clear. To further study the permeability-enhancing mechanism of hydraulic measures and compare the effect of hydraulic punching and reaming in soft coal seams, this study takes Changping Mine, China, as its case study. A comparative analysis was conducted on the influence range and gas extraction effect of hydraulic reaming and punching on coal seam permeability enhancement. The following conclusions were mainly drawn: A mathematical calculation model was established for the strength and impact velocity of high-pressure water jet damage to the coal body, and the critical theoretical pressure threshold and jet velocity were obtained. During the implementation of hydraulic measures at the Changping Mine, the effective radius of hydraulic reaming is around 4.5 m, and the influence radius of hydraulic reaming is approximately 7.5 m; the effective radius of hydraulic punching is about 6.5 m, and the influence radius of hydraulic punching is approximately 7–9 m. The gas data from field monitoring show that hydraulic measures have significantly improved the extraction gas concentration and purity, and hydraulic punching has a more significant effect on enhancing permeability in soft coal seams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Coal Mine Disaster Prevention Technology)
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15 pages, 7921 KiB  
Article
Research on the Safety Risk Analysis Framework and Control System for Multi-Type New Energy Storage Technologies
by Ningning Lian, Wentao Ji and Jie Chen
Energies 2025, 18(4), 798; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18040798 - 8 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 925
Abstract
In the context of the global energy landscape restructuring driven by the “dual-carbon” goals, new energy storage technologies have emerged as a critical enabler for energy transformation and the development of a new power system. However, as these technologies advance and the market [...] Read more.
In the context of the global energy landscape restructuring driven by the “dual-carbon” goals, new energy storage technologies have emerged as a critical enabler for energy transformation and the development of a new power system. However, as these technologies advance and the market expands, ensuring safety remains a significant and long-term challenge. This paper focuses on the safety risk prevention and control of new energy storage systems. It systematically reviewed various new energy storage technology pathways and their associated potential risks. Furthermore, it analyzed the challenges and difficulties faced in safety risk prevention and control across different stages of new energy storage projects, including large-scale application, pilot demonstration, and R&D reserves. Considering the technical uncertainties in the future development of new energy storage, this study evaluated potential safety risks and proposed corresponding strategies and measures for risk management. By addressing these challenges, this study aims to safe-guard the security and reliability of new energy storage technologies, thereby supporting the construction of a robust and sustainable new power system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Coal Mine Disaster Prevention Technology)
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24 pages, 9610 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation Analysis and Prevention Measures of Dynamic Disaster Risk in Coal Seam Variation Areas During Deep Mining
by Chenglin Tian, Xu Wang, Yong Sun, Qingbiao Wang, Xuelong Li, Zhenyue Shi and Keyong Wang
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030810 - 21 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 776
Abstract
Deep coal mining is essential for energy use and sustainable development. In a situation where coal–rock–gas dynamic disasters are prone to occur in coal seam variation areas affected by different degrees of roof angle during deep coal seam mining, a disaster energy equation [...] Read more.
Deep coal mining is essential for energy use and sustainable development. In a situation where coal–rock–gas dynamic disasters are prone to occur in coal seam variation areas affected by different degrees of roof angle during deep coal seam mining, a disaster energy equation considering the influence of roof elastic energy is established, and the disaster energy criterion considering the influence of roof elastic energy is derived and introduced into COMSOL6.1 software for numerical simulation. The results show that, compared with the simple change of coal thickness and coal strength, the stress concentration degree of a thick coal belt with small structure is higher, and the maximum horizontal stress can reach 47.6 MPa. There is a short rise area of gas pressure in front of the working face, and the maximum gas pressure reaches 0.82 MPa. The plastic deformation of the coal body in a small-structure thick coal belt is the largest, and the maximum value is 18.04 m3. The simulated elastic energy of rock mass is about one third of that of coal mass, and the influence of the elastic energy of roof rock on a disaster cannot be ignored. When the coal seam is excavated from thin to thick with a small-structural thick coal belt, the peak value of the energy criterion in front of the excavation face is the largest, and the maximum value is 1.42, indicating that a dynamic disaster can occur and the harm degree will be the greatest. It is easy to cause a coal and gas outburst accident when the excavation face enters a soft coal seam from a hard coal seam and a small-structural thick coal belt from a thin coal belt. Practice shows that holistic prevention and control measures based on high-pressure water jet slit drilling technology make it possible to increase the average pure volume of gas extracted from the drilled holes by 4.5 times, and the stress peak is shifted to the deeper part of the coal wall. At the same time, the use of encrypted drilling in local small tectonic thick coal zones can effectively attenuate the concentrated stress in the coal seam and reduce the expansion energy of gas. This study enriches our understanding of the mechanism of coal–rock–gas dynamic disaster, provides methods and a basis for the prevention and control of dynamic disaster in deep coal seam variation areas, and promotes the sustainable development of energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Coal Mine Disaster Prevention Technology)
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