Advances in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic aims to establish an international platform for advancing the exchange of knowledge and technological innovation to address critical challenges within mining and geotechnical engineering. We welcome original contributions covering all aspects of these disciplines, particularly focusing on intelligent mining systems, rock mechanics, ground support, slope stability analysis, precision blasting techniques, geotechnical infrastructure design, mine safety innovations, and sustainable resource extraction methodologies. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary research that effectively bridges theoretical frameworks with experimental validation and practical field applications.

We encourage the submission of papers on rigorous scientific investigations that combine theoretical mechanics, numerical modeling, artificial intelligence applications, and advanced rock mass characterization techniques. We particularly welcome studies that discuss disaster prediction/prevention mechanisms, innovative design paradigms, and cutting-edge analytical methods that push the boundaries of conventional practice in mining and geotechnical engineering.

This Topic seeks to highlight emerging approaches incorporating smart sensor networks, machine learning applications, digital twin technologies, and green mining practices. We invite authors to submit contributions that demonstrate substantial advancements in either fundamental understanding or practical implementation, with priority given to studies that validate theoretical concepts through laboratory experiments, field monitoring data, or successful case studies in operational environments. This collection of papers aims to further transform innovative concepts into implementable engineering solutions to mitigate contemporary challenges in geological resource development and subsurface construction.

Dr. Jielin Li
Dr. Yong Zhao
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.5	2011	16 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Geosciences geosciences	2.1	5.1	2011	23.6 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Minerals minerals	2.2	4.4	2011	17.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

Preprints.org is a multidisciplinary platform offering a preprint service designed to facilitate the early sharing of your research. It supports and empowers your research journey from the very beginning.

MDPI Topics is collaborating with Preprints.org and has established a direct connection between MDPI journals and the platform. Authors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by posting their preprints at Preprints.org prior to publication:

1. Share your research immediately: disseminate your ideas prior to publication and establish priority for your work.
2. Safeguard your intellectual contribution: Protect your ideas with a time-stamped preprint that serves as proof of your research timeline.
3. Boost visibility and impact: Increase the reach and influence of your research by making it accessible to a global audience.
4. Gain early feedback: Receive valuable input and insights from peers before submitting to a journal.
5. Ensure broad indexing: Web of Science (Preprint Citation Index), Google Scholar, Crossref, SHARE, PrePubMed, Scilit and Europe PMC.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Order results

Content type Publication Date

Result details

Normal Extended Compact

Journals

All Applied Sciences Geosciences Minerals

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Plain Text BibTeX BibTeX (without abstracts) Endnote Endnote (without abstracts) Tab-delimited RIS

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Ok

clear

29 pages, 6840 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Study on Key Parameters of Roof Cutting and Surrounding Rock Control Technology for Gob-Side Entry Retaining in Fully Mechanized Top Coal Caving Mining of Thick Coal Seams

by Menglong Zha, Chong Li, Yadong Zheng, Huan Xia, Menghu Sun and Shuaishuai Jiang

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031293 - 27 Jan 2026

Viewed by 81

Abstract

In thick coal seam conditions, the surrounding rock deformation in the longwall mining faces’ along-the-goal roadway is severe, and the support strength struggles to meet roadway retention requirements. A coordinated control strategy, termed “pressure-relief and support,” is proposed, which includes an “Optimization of [...] Read more.

In thick coal seam conditions, the surrounding rock deformation in the longwall mining faces’ along-the-goal roadway is severe, and the support strength struggles to meet roadway retention requirements. A coordinated control strategy, termed “pressure-relief and support,” is proposed, which includes an “Optimization of Roof Cutting in Surrounding Rock Structure, Reinforcement of surrounding rock support, high-strength temporary support, and roadside gangue-blocking support.” A numerical model for roof-cutting pressure relief in thick-seam caving mining gob-side entries was established to simulate various roof-cutting heights and angles. This model analyzes the evolution patterns of stress and displacement under different cutting parameters to identify optimal values. The study presents a coordinated “pressure-relief and support” control scheme for gob-side entries in thick-seam caving mining, with its feasibility validated through numerical simulation analysis and field industrial tests. The findings demonstrate that the selection of the roof-cutting height and angle exerts a significant influence on the deformation behavior of the retained roadway roof. By severing the roof strata, this technique disrupts the load-transfer path from the goaf to the entry, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of overlying strata fracturing and facilitating more effective ground control. As a result, roof-cutting and pressure relief substantially reduce the stress imposed on the supporting structures. The coordinated “pressure-relief & support” control strategy employed in gob-side entry retaining for thick-seam longwall top-coal caving faces notably improves the surrounding rock stress regime and effectively restrains roadway convergence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)

21 pages, 4102 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Study on Gas–Solid Particle Dynamics and Optimal Drilling Parameters in Reverse Circulation DTH Drilling Based on CFD and Machine Learning

by Kunkun Li, Jing Zhou, Peizhi Yu, Hao Wu and Tianhao Xu

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031253 - 26 Jan 2026

Viewed by 170

Abstract

The reverse circulation pneumatic down-the-hole (DTH) drilling system employs percussive drilling to achieve high efficiency and strong adaptability across diverse rock formations. However, its cutting removal efficiency remains suboptimal. To enhance reverse circulation performance, a comprehensive understanding of airflow and solid particle dynamics [...] Read more.

The reverse circulation pneumatic down-the-hole (DTH) drilling system employs percussive drilling to achieve high efficiency and strong adaptability across diverse rock formations. However, its cutting removal efficiency remains suboptimal. To enhance reverse circulation performance, a comprehensive understanding of airflow and solid particle dynamics at the borehole bottom is essential. This study investigates rock cutting transportation and distribution under varying drilling parameters and evaluates reverse circulation flow ratio using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) multiphase flow model, coupled with finite volume analysis of the reverse circulation bit. Simulation results reveal that increasing the input gas flow rate (Q), reducing the equivalent particle diameter (D), and minimizing the borehole enlargement ratio (E) significantly improve cutting removal efficiency, with optimal values identified for each parameter. Additionally, solid volume fraction contours at the borehole bottom indicate that the arrangement of spherical teeth influences the flow field. Optimal values for rock cutting density (ρ), rate of penetration (ROP), and rotational speed (N) were also determined to maximize reverse circulation flow ratio. The Genetic Algorithm–Least Squares Support Vector Machine (GA-LSSVM) method was used to train the response surface data and construct a predictive model, which was then further optimized using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to determine accurate parameter settings. These findings provide operational insights into optimizing drilling parameters to advance efficient drilling performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

attachment

Supplementary material:
Supplementary File 1 (ZIP, 11 KB)

13 pages, 15387 KB  

Open AccessArticle

An Example of Hydromagnesite Distribution Mapping: Akgöl (Türkiye, Burdur)

by Abdurrahman Cihan Bayraktaroğlu and Hulusi Kargı

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11536; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111536 - 29 Oct 2025

Viewed by 548

Abstract

This study investigates the spatial distribution of the hydromagnesite (HM) mineral in Akgöl, a closed basin located in the arid southwestern region of Türkiye, through the integration of geochemical analyses and remote sensing techniques. A total of 70 sediment samples were analyzed using [...] Read more.

This study investigates the spatial distribution of the hydromagnesite (HM) mineral in Akgöl, a closed basin located in the arid southwestern region of Türkiye, through the integration of geochemical analyses and remote sensing techniques. A total of 70 sediment samples were analyzed using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and spectroradiometry to determine their mineralogical composition. The resulting data were integrated with ASTER satellite imagery, and mineral distribution maps were generated across 13,293 pixels using multiple linear regression and Kriging interpolation techniques within the ArcGIS environment. The findings indicate that hydromagnesite is predominantly concentrated in the central part of the lake, where it represents the dominant mineral phase in contrast to lower concentrations observed along the periphery. The endorheic nature of Akgöl is comparable to other saline lakes with similar geological and climatic settings, such as Salda and Acıgöl, supporting the applicability of this methodological approach to mineral exploration in other arid and semi-arid environments. The study contributes not only to the regional assessment of mineral potential but also to the advancement of remote sensing and GIS-based analytical methods in geoscientific research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3548 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Partitioning Early Warning in the Mining Process of Residual Ore Bodies via Microseismic Monitoring—Taking the Xianglushan Tungsten Mine as an Example

by Chang Liu, Congcong Zhao, Yinghua Huang and Guanying Lyu

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(20), 11172; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152011172 - 18 Oct 2025

Viewed by 424

Abstract

The regular ore body of the Xianglushan tungsten mine has been completely exploited. The remaining residual ore bodies face numerous hidden dangers, such as large and numerous abandoned mining areas, disorderly and small-scale mining sequences, delayed filling processes, and poor effectiveness. To achieve [...] Read more.

The regular ore body of the Xianglushan tungsten mine has been completely exploited. The remaining residual ore bodies face numerous hidden dangers, such as large and numerous abandoned mining areas, disorderly and small-scale mining sequences, delayed filling processes, and poor effectiveness. To achieve the zoning warning of ground pressure disasters such as roof caving, caving, and pillar collapse during the mining process of the hidden-danger ore body in the mine, a targeted warning technology system is proposed. We use microseismic monitoring systems to analyze events in the main monitoring areas and summarize specific ground pressure manifestation areas and event characteristics. Based on microseismic monitoring data that identified areas of significant ground pressure, a zoning model was constructed for risk rating and area locking. Based on this model, a safety warning technology for mining residual ore bodies with hidden dangers was established. Summarizing and analyzing, it is found that the disaster warning mode for controlling hidden dangers and residual ore body mining processes through microseismic monitoring is effective and has played a certain demonstration role, providing reference value for other similar mines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1538 KB  

Open AccessArticle

The Gas Migration During the Drainage Process of Ultra-Long Directional Boreholes in Coal Seams

by Shuaiyin He, Mingyao Wei and Yingke Liu

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10420; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910420 - 25 Sep 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 492

Abstract

The use of ultra-long directional drilling holes for large-scale pre-drainage of gas in coal seams offers advantages such as extensive coverage and high efficiency, but its effectiveness in deep coal seams remains unclear. Focusing on the seepage characteristics of the No. 8 coal [...] Read more.

The use of ultra-long directional drilling holes for large-scale pre-drainage of gas in coal seams offers advantages such as extensive coverage and high efficiency, but its effectiveness in deep coal seams remains unclear. Focusing on the seepage characteristics of the No. 8 coal seam in the Baode Mining Area of Shanxi Province, experimental tests were conducted to investigate the evolution of dual-scale porosity permeability. The relationship between matrix/fracture permeability and effective stress were built. Utilizing numerical simulations, this study reveals the nonlinear mechanism in which permeability behavior during gas drainage is jointly influenced by pore pressure reduction and matrix shrinkage. Field measurements and simulation results demonstrated that in shallow borehole regions (<1500 m), permeability increased by up to 3.5 times, while in deeper regions (>2000 m), drainage efficiency significantly declined due to limited pressure drop propagation. These findings provide theoretical support for optimizing the layout of ultra-long directional drilling holes, enhancing gas drainage efficiency, and ensuring safe mining operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 11011 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Deviatoric Stress Mode and Control of the Surrounding Rock in Close-Distance Double-Thick Coal Seam Roadways

by Dongdong Chen, Jiachen Tang, Wenrui He, Changxiang Gao and Chenjie Wang

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10416; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910416 - 25 Sep 2025

Viewed by 419

Abstract

To address the issue of sustained deformation in the main roadway surrounding rock triggered by intense movement of overlying strata following the reduction of width of the stopping pillar (WSP) in closely spaced double extra-thick coal seams (CSDECS). Analyze the evolution patterns of [...] Read more.

To address the issue of sustained deformation in the main roadway surrounding rock triggered by intense movement of overlying strata following the reduction of width of the stopping pillar (WSP) in closely spaced double extra-thick coal seams (CSDECS). Analyze the evolution patterns of abutment pressure, principal stress vector lines, and zones of deviatoric stress concentration (ZDSC) of the main roadways using multi-method approaches. The findings are as follows: As the WSP is reduced, the maximum abutment pressure (MAP) on both sides of the gate roadways’ surrounding rock becomes significantly more asymmetric and intense. The deflection trajectory of the maximum principal stress line (MPSL) in the two coal seams, induced by the advancing underlying panel, follows an approximate inverted ︺ shape. The evolution of the ZDSC and the main roadways in the adjacent working faces all shows three-stage characteristics. For the upper coal seam, it is characterized by crescent-shaped symmetry → slow and asymmetric increase of the peak value and the offset of the ZDSC → the ZDSC on the non-mining side (NM-S) reaches the maximum while the mining side (M-S) shows the reverse trend. For the lower coal seam, it is characterized by crescent-shaped symmetry → quasi-annular distribution with a slight increase in the peak value → significant and asymmetric increase of the peak values. Based on the identification of the key control zones in the ZDSC, an asymmetric reinforcement segmented control method was proposed. The findings provide useful guidance for analogous engineering projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 8049 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Determination of the Magnetic Field Coordinates of BMM Sensors Under a Collapsed Rock Mass Array for Assessing Ore Body Contour Displacement

by Andrey O. Shigin, Danil S. Kudinov, Ekaterina A. Kokhonkova and Vyacheslav V. Romanov

Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080292 - 1 Aug 2025

Viewed by 781

Abstract

This article analyzes the operating principle of the BMM sensor emitter in order to improve the accuracy of the wireless determination of the BMM sensor coordinates under a massif of destroyed rock in the context of the problem of determining the shift of [...] Read more.

This article analyzes the operating principle of the BMM sensor emitter in order to improve the accuracy of the wireless determination of the BMM sensor coordinates under a massif of destroyed rock in the context of the problem of determining the shift of rocks during gold ore mining. Using numerical simulations, FEM has been developed to develop digital models reflecting individual cases of the propagation of the magnetic field of the emitter located in various geological conditions and positions relative to the rock surface and the vertical axis. The accuracy of determining the coordinates of the radio beacon in the rock has been analyzed, and data on the deviation of the coordinates of the peaks of the magnetic field strength from the radio beacon axis have been obtained in cases of a heterogeneous composition of the rock massif, the influence of the deviation of the emitter axis angle from the vertical, the influence of the unevenness of the collapse relief, and the influence of the superposition of fields from different radiation sources. A study has been carried out to determine the direction of the radio beacon search based on the resulting vector of the emitter’s magnetic field strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Mining and Geotechnical Engineering)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Plain Text BibTeX BibTeX (without abstracts) Endnote Endnote (without abstracts) Tab-delimited RIS

 

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Ok

clear

Displaying articles 1-7