Ground control maturity levels: a conceptual model for transitioning from reactive to strategic management in coal mines

The evolution of underground coal mining technologies has led to a paradoxical situation: increasing technological capabilities are accompanied by growing uncertainty and risks. Ground control at most mines remains reactive and is not integrated into the life-of-mine planning system. This paper proposes a conceptual maturity model for ground control comprising three levels: operational (reactive), tactical (proactive), and strategic (preventive). For each level, management objects, decision-making approaches, typical tasks, tools, and the degree of integration into the planning system are defined. A matrix of criteria for diagnosing the current maturity level is proposed. The necessity of interdisciplinary integration (geology – techno-
logy – geomechanics – aerogasdynamics) as a condition for transitioning between levels is substantiated. Using the example of JSC SUEK-Kuzbass mines, the impact of depth and gas content on longwall productivity is demonstrated and the practical significance of transitioning to strategic management within an iterative life-of-mine planning system is justified.

Sidorenko A. A., Sidorenko S. A. Ground control maturity levels: a conceptual model for transitioning from reactive to strategic management in coal mines. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2026;(2-1):131-144. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2026_21_0_131.

A.A. Sidorenko, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Chief Expert for Underground Mining Planning, JSC «SUEK», Moscow, Russia, e-mail: SidorenkoAA@suek.ru,
S.A. Sidorenko, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Empress Catherine II Saint-Petersburg Mining University, 199106, Saint-Petersburg, Russia, e-mail: Sidorenko_SA@pers.spmi.ru

A.A. Sidorenko, e-mail: SidorenkoAA@suek.ru.

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