Assessment of permeability models for coal-bearing massifs considering stress-strain state
N.V. Ledyaev1, A.A. Chernukhin1, K.S. Kolikov2, A.I. Manevich2, 3
1 SUEK-Kuzbass JSC, Leninsk-Kuznetsky, Russian Federation
2 National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Moscow, Russian Federation
3 Geophysical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №6/ 2025 p. 194-198
Abstract: Assessment of coal seam permeability forms the basis for calculating methane content in mine workings and determining parameters for preliminary gas drainage from a coal seams. A correct model of coal mass permeability is essential for an adequate assessment of the gas factor load on the working face, the design of gas drainage systems, and management of accident risks in coal mines. The paper examines the main empirical and analytical relationships describing the permeability of coal seams as a function of their stress-strain state. It is shown that each of the considered models reflects its own set of factors, i.e. the sorption-elastic deformations, thermoelastic effects, changes in porosity, or the strength of the coal seam. A variational calculation performed in the range of effective stresses from 0 to 50 MPa and the depths up to 1,500 meters confirmed a general trend that permeability decreases nonlinearly, with the main reduction zone occurring at the effective stress of (σэфф) ≈ 5–15 Mpa. An extensive database of input data is required for a reliable 3D forecast of coal mass permeability. The key parameters include lithostatic and tectonic stresses according to the depth map, Young modulus and Poisson ratio of the host strata, coal porosity and fracturing, adsorption and desorption factors, and the temperature gradient. Integrating the results into a block GIS model makes it possible to take into account the spatial variability of properties and move from averaged estimates to local permeability, which is essential for designing methane drainage boreholes and calculating their flow rates.
Keywords: coal permeability, stress-strain state, effective stress, sorption-elastic deformations, gas drainage, coal seams
For citation: Ledyaev N.V., Chernukhin A.A., Kolikov K.S., Manevich A.I. Assessment of permeability models for coal-bearing massifs considering stress-strain state. Russian Mining Industry. 2025;(6):194–198. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2025-6-194-198
Article info
Received: 03.09.2025
Revised: 23.10.2025
Accepted: 24.10.2025
Information about the authors
Nikolay V. Ledyaev – Head of the Department of Emergency Management of Enterprises, SUEK-Kuzbass JSC, Leninsk-Kuznetsky, Russian Federation
Alexey A. Chernukhin – Deputy Chief Engineer for Ventilation of the Kirov Mine, SUEK-Kuzbass JSC, Leninsk-Kuznetsky, Russian Federation
Konstantin S. Kolikov – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Head of Department of Safety and Ecology of Mining, Mining Institute, National University of Science and Technology MISIS, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8831-1927; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alexander I. Manevich – Researcher at the Laboratory of Geodynamics, Geophysical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation; Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mining Safety and Ecology, Mining Institute, National University of Science and Technology MISIS, Moscow, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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