Papers that address rock mechanics problems using coal as a material of interest may be considered within the scope of the journal. However, we recognize that the uniqueness of coal as a material and coal mining methods mean that some studies focused on coal mining may not have broader significance that can inform understanding of other rocks or rock engineering scenarios. Accordingly, studies specifically focused on coal mining without broader significance will not be considered within the scope of the journal. This includes studies focused on coal mining technology, but also studies focused on coal mechanics in the context of specific coal mining methods (e.g. site-specific coal mining case studies).