Aquifer protection during longwall mining of shallow coal seams: A case study in the Shendong Coalfield of China

Abstract
Research Highlights ► Aquifer protection mining can be successfully applied by some adjustments. ► The crack development is finally controlled by the soft aquiclude. ► The weathered bedrock zone will remain impermeable after mining. ► Key strata and weathered zone affect the aquifer protection mining in geology.