In the future, oil shale mining conditions will worsen and environmental taxes will be increased. Higher calorific value and more homogeneous material are required for more effective usage of boilers and generator units in power stations and oil plants. The solution for the mining industry is related to the optimal usage of mineral and technological resources, utilizing the best available techniques and modelling and visualization of mining impacts for explaining the changes in technology to the influenced parties. The main challenges for technologies in the future are related to the mining in environmentally or socially sensitive areas. One of the solutions could be utilizing selective mining and backfilling. Related tests have shown good results and show a promising future for sustainable oil shale mining.

The 150-300 m thick Ediacaran-Devonian sedimentary cover of Estonia, which contains the commercial oil shale deposit, is divided into blocks by linear fracture and tectonic disturbance zones. Along these zones the bedrock is modified, its composition and strength parameters are changed. Often there are restrictions on the use of new surface-mining areas as local people oppose excavation activities near their homes. Indirect methods were used for determination of the uniaxial compressive strength of rock. A wide variety of rock structures were considered and different excavation methods studied. Feasible mining technologies near the zones of tectonic disturbances have been proposed.