[PERSON] [16] embedded distributed fibre optic and fibre optic grating sensors to study the deformation and internal stress evolution characteristics of overlying strata after shallow and thick coal seam mining and used them to monitor the deformation of overlying strata during coal mining. [PERSON] [17] used drones, visible light cameras, and infrared cameras to determine the distribution characteristics and dynamic evolution of surface cracks. Based on the theory of rock movement and combined with monitoring results, a three-dimensional model of overlying rock fractures after mining in the 12,401 longwall working face was established. [PERSON] [18] studied the surface deformation during shallow coal seam mining and observed that as the working face depth increased, the surface deformation increased, reaching its maximum value near the coal seam. [PERSON] [19] used theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and similar simulation methods to study the evolution characteristics and formation mechanism of interlayer rock fractures during coal seam mining. [PERSON] [20] studied the mining pressure characteristics of shallow coal seams in extremely dense goals and overlying coal-rock working faces and proposed distinguishing areas of the working face with similar mining stresses according to the advancing length of the working face, namely, the high-pressure zone, transition zone, and low-pressure zone. [PERSON] [21] reported that the gradual reduction in shallow coal seam resources, increase in coal seam mining depth, and increase in underground temperature have led to an increasing risk of residual coal fires each year. The methods used in the study of thick and hard roof under the influence of mining mainly involve on-site measurement of mining pressure parameter data and analysis of mining pressure laws, similar simulation test research and inversion of overlying rock fracture structure morphology, numerical simulation calculation research and surrounding rock stress analysis, as well as construction mechanics models and theoretical analysis [22; 23]. When using theoretical analysis for research, it mainly includes elastic-plastic mechanics, analysing thick and hard rock layers as rock slabs overlapped with the coal rock mass below, or the use of material mechanics to simplify the overlying rock as a rock beam model for research. Alternatively, based on structural mechanics, the stress analysis of rock blocks after the fracture of thick and hard rock layers can be conducted to study the criteria for structural instability after the fracture of thick and hard rock layers. By using similar simulation research, it is possible to analyse the morphology and evolution law of overlying rock fracture structures under the influence of mining from a macro perspective, and to more intuitively study the fracture characteristics of thick and hard rock layers under the influence of mining [24,25]. Numerical simulation calculation research is a research method that has emerged with the help of computer software. Based on failure criteria and models, it can efficiently and conveniently calculate and simulate the fracture mechanism of thick and hard rock layers under the influence of mining. The mining pressure data and parameters obtained from on-site engineering tests are the results of the fracture behaviour of thick and hard rock layers under the influence of mining. However, for the fracture characteristics of overlying rock structures, comprehensive analysis needs to be carried out in combination with the above theoretical research methods to verify the fracture situation of thick and hard roof slabs under the influence of mining. The above research investigated the overlying rock failure in coal seams, the characteristics of crack development, the manifestation of shallow coal seam pressure, and effects of rock control measures. There is currently no systematic theory to guide the production of coal with high mining heights and ultralong working faces under shallow burial conditions.