Perspective technological schemes of layer mining of thick gentle seams of Kuzbass are analyzed. It is concluded that it is necessary to take into account the influence of the 2nd layer overworking when determining the ultimate capacity of the interlayer coal bundle. Analytical studies of stress-strain state of the overworked massif have been carried out. The dimensions of the zones of unstrengthened coal have been determined and recommendations for determining the ultimate thickness of the protective bundle have been given.
