10.57647/j.ijes.2025.17564

Integrating Geotechnical and Environmental Strategies for Sustainable Mining Operations: A Case study of Makerwal Coal Mine, Pakistan

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  • Talal Ahmed1,
  • Sidra Ahmad2,
  • Noor ul Huda*3,
  • Hareem Akhtar4,
  • Eman Zahid5,
  • Itrat Fareeda3,
  • Maria Faheem3,
  1. Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan
  2. Agro Paris Tech, Paris, France
  3. Abdus Salam School of Sciences, Earth Science Department, Nusrat Jahan College, Rabwah, Pakistan
  4. Department of Environmental Sciences, Forman Christian College University, Lahore, Pakistan
  5. Department of Geology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan

Received: 2024-10-29

Revised: 2025-04-26

Accepted: 2025-07-07

Published Online: 2025-10-04

Copyright (c) -1 Talal Ahmed, Sidra Ahmad, Noor ul Huda, Hareem Akhtar, Eman Zahid, Itrat Fareeda, Maria Faheem (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Ahmed, T., Ahmad, S., ul Huda, N., Akhtar, H., Zahid, E., Fareeda, I., & Faheem, M. (2026). Integrating Geotechnical and Environmental Strategies for Sustainable Mining Operations: A Case study of Makerwal Coal Mine, Pakistan. Iranian Journal of Earth Sciences. https://doi.org/10.57647/j.ijes.2025.17564
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Abstract

Coal mining poses significant risks and environmental concerns. Our main focus is particularly on the Makerwal coal mine located in the Surghar Ranges, Pakistan. This study focuses on geotechnical and environmental evaluations to improve the safety and sustainability of the Makerwal coal mine. Geotechnical assessments of sandstone, shale, and coal seams determined critical parameters to check the geotechnical metrics and environmental compliance for safe mining exploration and exploitation, including rock strength, cohesion, friction angle, and hydraulic conductivity. Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) values varied from 110 MPa for sandstone to 11 MPa for coal, indicating structural deformation and reduced stability. Proximate and ultimate coal analysis revealed variations in physical and chemical properties, affecting combustion efficiency and emissions. Slope stability analysis using Geo5 software and Bishop’s method identified critical zones with a factor of safety (FoS) ranging from 1.1 to 2.8 under dry and saturated conditions and hydraulic conductivity (10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁶ m/s). Environmental evaluations highlighted elevated particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) levels exceeding WHO standards by 35% and 45%, while groundwater pH and noise levels were mostly within limits. Mitigation strategies include reinforced rock bolting, retaining structures, slope monitoring systems, eco-friendly backfilling, and groundwater recharge systems. These measures address subsidence, enhance slope stability, and reduce environmental impacts. This framework integrates advanced geotechnical methods and environmental management strategies to support safer, more sustainable coal mining in Makerwal.

Keywords

  • World Health Organization,
  • Makerwal Coal Mine,
  • Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation,
  • Safety in Mines Research Advisory Committee,
  • Environmental Management System
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