The reliability of forensic mining engineering examinations largely depends on the methodological rigor of causal analysis applied to accident reconstruction. However, existing approaches are often characterized by fragmented reasoning, limited reproducibility, and insufficient formalization of cause–effect relationships, particularly in complex underground environments. This study addresses these limitations by proposing a structured phase-modular methodology for reconstructing mining engineering incidents. The approach conceptualizes an accident as a dynamic, multi-stage process evolving from a safe state to the realization of a hazardous event. It integrates phase-based analysis with modular decomposition of causal factors, enabling systematic identification of critical nodes and causal chains. A key contribution of the methodology lies in the formalization of causal reasoning through a combination of sequential phase modeling, causal graph construction, and expert-driven evaluation of critical conditions. This allows moving beyond linear attribution of causes toward a multidimensional representation of incident development. The proposed methodology was tested on a case derived from forensic practice, demonstrating its capability to ensure structured reconstruction of incident mechanisms, consistent identification of necessary conditions, and improved transparency of expert conclusions. The results indicate that the phase-modular approach enhances analytical consistency, reproducibility, and evidentiary value in forensic examinations. The methodology can be applied as a methodological framework for improving the quality and standardization of forensic mining engineering expertise.
Puhach et al. (Mon,) studied this question.