Theoretical framework, key technologies and engineering applications of geological layer modification in mining

The modern coal industry has put additional demands on geological support work in its quest for superior development. Conventional geological exploration theories and technical approaches, which are mainly concerned with resource survey, need to be further improved in order to meet the new demands of efficient, safe, and intelligent mining, environmentally friendly and green development, and comprehensive mine resource utilization.According to this study, the resource, safety, and ecological problems that arise during the development of mines are essentially geological in nature and are closely related to the geological characteristics of geological bodies, or strata, like rock formations.The directed modification of geological properties through artificial measures has emerged as a new aspect of geological exploration work, effectively enhancing the geological support capability of mines.Starting from an investigation into the variations in geological conditions, this paper introduces the concept of mine geological modification. It establishes a theoretical and technical framework for mine geological modification in terms of its theoretical structure, research content, engineering and technological applications, and development directions.The scientific essence of geological modification lies in achieving positive improvement of local areas or partial rock stratum geological properties without compromising the stability of the shallow Earth system.The scientific inquiry revolves around the constraining mechanisms governing the geological properties of geological bodies under the influence of both original geological conditions and mining activities.The core technology revolves around precise identification and targeted modification of mine geological bodies based on differences in their geological properties.The technical objective is to transform geological bodies from negative properties that hinder development into positive properties that meet preset conditions. This involves improving adverse resource geological properties that hinder comprehensive resource utilisation, mitigating safety-related geological hazards such as rock bursts, water disasters, and gas outbursts induced by mining activities, and reducing ecological imbalances such as surface subsidence, landform destruction, watercourse drying up, and groundwater contamination in mines. This provides geological support for the comprehensive utilisation of mine resources, safe coal development, and environmental friendliness.The theory of mine geological modification integrates the concept of shallow Earth system geological bodiesthroughout the modification process, highlighting the significance of geological properties and their evolution patterns under the influence of field effects and multi-field superposition. It emphasises the systematic application of modification techniques such as bionic improvement and approximate restoration and reconstruction based on natural superior properties. This theory ensures the overall stability of the shallow Earth system from its source, systematically advancing the modification of resource, safety, and ecological geological properties in an integrated manner. It offers novel theoretical and technical support for geological safeguarding of green, safe, and efficient mine production.