Improving the efficiency of surface mining systems through formation of man-made new terrains

A.N. Dobrov, A.A. Khoreshok, S.O. Markov, M.A. Tyulenev
¹ T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №2/ 2026 p. 86-91

Abstract: Surface mining is accompanied by a disruption of the natural balance established in the Earth's crust where new landforms are created, areas of the Earth's surface subside, the water regime of the area changes, etc. In addition, spoil heaps and abandoned open-pit mines become significant and permanent terrain features, limiting growth of the cities and requiring withdrawal of lands for their allocation. In this regard, it is important to improve the surface mining technology in order to preserve the land resources, form new terrains, and design spoil heaps for biological reclamation. This paper identifies a number of priority tasks for improving the efficiency and environmental safety of the surface mining systems when developing flat and gently dipping coal seams: (1) Development of mining operation plans involving fan spreading over the surface of the internal spoil heaps; (2) Assessment of economic efficiency of the fan spreading method to cover the surface of the internal spoil heaps; (3) Technical and economic assessment of the mining plans for specific mining areas without forming individual ridges on the highwall with the aim of conserving the land resources.

Keywords: reclamation, mining system, surface mining, direct dumping method, new terrain, geoecology, ESG transformation

For citation: Dobrov A.N., Khoreshok A.A., Markov S.O., Tyulenev M.A. Improving the efficiency of surface mining systems through formation of man-made new terrains. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(2):86–91. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-2-86-91

Information about the article

Received: 26.12.2025

Revised: 16.02.2026

Accepted: 24.02.2026

Information about the authors

Alexander N. Dobrov – External PhD Student, Department of Mining Machines and Complexes, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation

Alexey A. Khoreshok – Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Professor, Department of Mining Machines and Complexes, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3261-0933; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sergey O. Markov – Candidate of Engineering Sciences, Associate Professor, Department of Surface Mining, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3209-0296

Maxim A. Tyulenev – Candidate of Engineering Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Surface Mining, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0227-8837

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