Abstract
This study investigates the fracturing of the rock mass and coal-bearing strata at the Sherubaynurinsky site of the Karaganda Coal Basin, under the complex geological and geomechanical conditions characteristic of this methane-bearing sector of the basin, in order to support coalbed methane development. Borehole image logging was carried out in exploration well Sh-9 over the depth interval of 155–905 m using a Formation MicroImager (FMI) together with standard open-hole logs. The interpretation made it possible to determine bedding dip angles, identify intra-seam layering, and detect faults, microfaults, conductive, partially conductive, and healed fractures, as well as borehole breakouts and drilling-induced fractures. Four structural zones were distinguished within the studied interval, and the predominant fracture orientation was found to be NE–SW. The obtained results improve the understanding of fracture distribution and stress-related features of the massif and can be used for geological modeling, well trajectory design, and the selection of promising methane-drainage zones.