Geomechanical and Gas-Dynamic Mechanisms of Sudden Outbursts of Coal and Gas: Prediction, Modeling, and Prevention Methods

The article is devoted to the problem of sudden outbursts of coal, rock, and gas—a hazardous geomechanical and gas-dynamic phenomenon accompanying underground mining operations. The authors consider historical examples of such outbursts, statistics of their occurrence in Russia and abroad, and analyze the main theories of their origin, including the gas pressure hypothesis, the rock pressure hypothesis, their combined effect, and the theory of S.A. Khristianovich concerning the role of free gas in coal seams. The results of studies on the filtration and mechanical properties of coal, the dependence of its permeability on the stress–strain state, as well as the development of a methodology for physical modeling of fracturing processes during seam unloading are presented. Based on these studies, technological solutions are proposed for the implementation of the method of directed unloading of coal seams under various mining and geological conditions. The article emphasizes the relevance of developing effective technologies for the prediction and prevention of hazardous outburst situations, which are necessary to ensure the safety of mining operations and reduce the risk of accidents.