The analysis of the modern view of the process of destruction of coal by cutters of mining machines is carried out. The purpose of the research is to study the compaction core and its impact on the cutting process. New factors that were not previously taken into account in the formulas describing the cutting process are outlined. A hypothesis is formulated that qualitatively reveals in a new way the process of compaction core formation, its impact on the cutting process and differentiation of the zone structure of the core during its formation. The results of experimental and theoretical studies of the dependence of the densification core viscosity on the core temperature at a given pressure are described. The tasks for further research are formulated.
