OICC Press Iranian Journal of Earth Sciences 2228-785X 2026 07 14 Integrating Geotechnical and Environmental Strategies for Sustainable Mining Operations: A Case study of Makerwal Coal Mine, Pakistan 10.57647/j.ijes.2025.17564 EN Talal Ahmed Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan Sidra Ahmad Agro Paris Tech, Paris, France Noor ul Huda Abdus Salam School of Sciences, Earth Science Department, Nusrat Jahan College, Rabwah, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3601-7229 Hareem Akhtar Department of Environmental Sciences, Forman Christian College University, Lahore, Pakistan Eman Zahid Department of Geology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan Itrat Fareeda Abdus Salam School of Sciences, Earth Science Department, Nusrat Jahan College, Rabwah, Pakistan Maria Faheem Abdus Salam School of Sciences, Earth Science Department, Nusrat Jahan College, Rabwah, Pakistan Journal Article 2026 07 14 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.