Unsolved problems in the study of coal formation processes and the manifestation of hazardous properties of coal seams

Abstract

To establish problems, the solution of which for a specific stage of coal formation will allow a scientifically sound prediction of the occurrence and manifestation of hazardous properties of a specific coal seam during mining operations. The methodology is based on modern concepts of coal formation processes to confirm or establish the discrepancy between the processes occurring at different stages. Hazardous properties of coal seams during mining operations are formed not only at the stage of metamorphic transformations, and their occurrence is genetically associated, to a large extent, with previous processes of accumulation of the source material, which was subjected to successive transformation at the peat, brown coal, coal, or anthracite stages of coal formation. Based on the conducted research, scientifically substantiated proposals have been developed to clarify the general scheme of coal formation, which significantly changes the understanding of the formation of hazardous properties of mine seams and indicates the need to solve a number of urgent scientific problems associated with improving the regulatory framework for safe mining operations and clarifying geological processes at individual stages of coal formation.