## 6 Conclusions  
In this study, a new method for rapidly crossing large faults, specifically the \"PDRs with Rock Pillars\", is proposed. On this basis, the study examines the specific implementation steps of key technologies for rapidly crossing large faults and evaluates the practical engineering application and overall benefits of the method. Based on the research findings, the following conclusions can be drawn:  
(1) Based on the mining geological conditions, two solutions for the #3 up1101 coalface at GCM to pass through the fault F6 were proposed. A comparison of the two solutions suggests that the PDRs with rock pillars has both technical and economic advantages over the solution based on a single PDR without rock pillars.  
(2) Based on the characteristics of fault F6 revealed, six PDRs were parallel designed in proper positions, and the distribution of plastic zones in rock pillars and roof-to-floor convergence in the PDRs at were determined at different rock pillar widths (2.0 m, 3.0 m, and 4.0 m). The results reveal that the appropriate rock pillar width is 3.0 m.  
(3) In order to ensure PDRs with desired contours can be achieved, SWB was employed to construct the PDRs, which also improved the excavation efficiency and lowered the excavation cost. On this basis, combined with the corresponding initial support and strengthened support, the surrounding rock deformation was effectively controlled in a PDR. This demonstrates that the support parameters determined can allow for rapid passage through the large fault.  
4. The method of PDRs with rock pillars was implemented at the #3 up1101 coalface, GCM. The time taken to pass through the fault was significantly shortened compared to that required by traditional methods. Other benefits created by this method include stable coal production, lesser gangue rate, reduced wear and tear on the mining equipment, and considerable overall economic benefits amounting to CNY 71.1 million. In this way, it has improved the overall safety factor of the coalface, and achieved continuous, safe, and efficient mining.  
Conceptualization, W.Z., F.Y., and J.C.; methodology, W.Z., F.Y., and S.Z.; software, F.Y. and S.Z.; validation, W.Z. and B.X.; formal analysis, W.Z. and J.X.; investigation, F.Y. and J.X.; resources, W.Z., F.Y., S.Z., and B.X.; data curation, F.Y. and J.C.; writing--original draft preparation, W.Z., F.Y., and S.Z.; writing--review and editing, W.Z., J.C., and B.X.; visualization, J.C. and J.X.; supervision, W.Z. and F.Y.; project administration, W.Z., F.Y., and J.C.; funding acquisition, W.Z. and F.Y. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52374141), the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2024 YFC3013904), the Graduate Research and Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province (No. KYC24_2882), and the Graduate Innovation Program of the China University of Mining and Technology (No. 2024 WLJCRCZ1021).  
Not applicable.  
The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article; further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.  
We wish to thank the GCM for their support in conducting this important study. The authors are also grateful to the anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments and helpful suggestions.  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.