# Research Progress on the Mechanisms and Control Methods of Rockbursts under Water-Rock Interactions
## 4 Consideration of Water's Impact on Rockburst Prediction and Prevention
### Integration of Water-Prevented Rockbursts  
Water injection technology plays a significant role in preventing rock bursts and has been widely used in mining operations. The primary purpose is to reduce stress concentration in the rock mass by injecting water, thereby reducing the probability of rock bursts. Below are the steps and potential challenges of integrating water injection technology into rock burst prevention protocols:  
1. Challenges in Coal Mining Environments 1. Poor permeability of coal seams: Coal seams are usually compact and have low permeability, which may result in poor diffusion of water injection. Higher injection pressures or longer injection durations may be needed to ensure adequate penetration into the coal seams. 2. Risks of methane release: In coal mines, the water injection process may release gaseous methane, increasing the risk of gas explosions. Thus, gas monitoring and venting measures must be integrated to ensure the safety of the injection process. 3. Deformation and support challenges in tunnels: Water injection may soften and deform the rock layers surrounding tunnels, presenting new challenges for tunnel support. Support designs and injection plans must be combined to balance the geological changes caused by water injection with support stability.
2. Challenges in Metal Mining Environments 1. Diversity of rock types: The rock layers in metal mines vary, including hard rocks (like granite) and soft rocks (like shale). The stress concentration and permeability characteristics differ significantly between different rock layers, necessitating tailored water injection strategies for each type. 2. Seismic activity induced by water injection: In metal mines, especially under hard rock conditions, high-pressure water injection may induce small earthquakes or fault slips, increasing the risk of local geological disasters. Detailed seismic monitoring and risk assessments are required. 3. Water resource management in mining areas: In some metal mines, groundwater resource management is a critical issue. Water injection may alter the hydrological conditions of the mining area, necessitating a balance between sustainable water resource utilization and rock burst prevention needs. Incorporating water injection techniques into existing rock burst prevention programs may present several challenges. Water injection can potentially trigger groundwater contamination, especially if the water quality is not adequately treated or if the rock chemistry is complex. Therefore, using treated water sources and implementing on-site water quality monitoring can help mitigate contamination risks and ensure environmental safety. Secondly, in regions where water resources are scarce, managing the amount of water injected is crucial to avoid overconsumption. Implementing water reuse and conservation measures, such as rainwater harvesting systems, can reduce dependence on traditional water sources. Lastly, the long-term effects of water injection on rock stability must be carefully considered, as prolonged water exposure may weaken rocks and affect their stability. Long-term monitoring, combined with reinforcement support measures and stability prediction modeling,is recommended to manage potential impacts. Addressing these challenges effectively will help minimize negative environmental and resource impacts while improving rock burst prevention and control, providing a scientific and technical basis for engineering practice.