Integrated geophysical assessment of coal mass structural weakening zones for optimization of drilling-blasting operations and coal size control

Інтегрована геофізична оцінка зон структурного ослаблення вугільного масиву для оптимізації буровибухових робіт та управління крупністю вугілля
Mussin R. Małkowski P. Murtazina F. Kainazarova A. Akhmatnurov D. Zamaliyev N. Doni D.
2025 Dnipro University of Technology

Mining of Mineral Deposits
2025 #19 Issue 4 99 - 118 pp.

Purpose. The purpose of this research is to develop a scientifically sound system for managing the coarse-grained raw coal at JSC Shubarkol Komir enterprise based on comprehensive geophysical diagnostics of structural weakening and fracturing zones in coal seams. The research aims at improving the efficiency of drilling-blasting operations, reducing the proportion of fines and ensuring the stability of quarry benches through the use of geophysical rock mass state indicators. Methods. The research was performed using a set of geophysical methods, including electrical resistivity prospecting using the Electrical Tomography (ERT) method, electrical prospecting using the Mean Gradient (MG) installation, seismic prospecting using refracted waves (Refraction Seismic, RS) method, Spectral Seismic Profiling (SSP), ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveying and radonometry (emanation surveying). Complex data interpretation was performed using 3D modeling of the specific electrical resistance (ρ) and longitudinal wave velocity (Vₚ) distributions, as well as statistical analysis of correlations between ρ, Vₚ and C(Rn) parameters. Findings. It has been found that a decrease in specific electrical resistance below 60-100 Ohm·m and a decrease in longitudinal wave velocities below 1500-1800 m/s reliably reflect the development of fracturing and loosening of the rock mass. Radon concentration increases by 1.5-2 times in the same zones, confirming their tectonic activity. ERT and MG methods are recognized as basic for diagnosing weakened zones, RS method – as a calibration method, radonometry – as a verification method, and SSP and GPR methods – as methods that are limited in their applicability in conditions of high water content. Originality. For the first time for the Shubarkol deposit, a comprehensive methodology for cross-spectrum analysis of electrical, seismic and radiation parameters has been developed and tested, providing a quantitative assessment of the geomechanical state of the mass and a prediction of its structural changes. Practical implications. The implementation of the proposed methodology allows for the identification of weakening zones with an accuracy of ±5 m in depth and ±10 m along the strike, the adjustment of parameters of drilling-blasting operations, a 3-5% reduction in the proportion of fine material (< 6 mm), and an increase in the stability of quarry benches.

coal , deposit , fracturing , geophysical assessment , stability , weakening

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Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
AGH University of Krakow, Krakow, Poland
Ekibastuz Technical and Engineering Institute named after the academician K. Satpayev, Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan

Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University
AGH University of Krakow
Ekibastuz Technical and Engineering Institute named after the academician K. Satpayev

10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель

Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026