<p>The little understanding of mining-induced coal face behaviour under near-seam and thick strong strata embedded with pre-existing discrete fractures is addressed in this study. The deeper understanding of longwall stress distribution and resultant face behaviour (deformation, failure, spall, fall) are reliably achieved through panel-scale numerical simulations with realistic incorporation of discrete fractures in not only coal seam but also main roof strata. The study better characterises the shape of stress release zone, which should be “pear” rather than “elliptical” shape. The stress change in direction and magnitude is extensively demonstrated from coal seam to surrounding rocks. The front abutment stress is found up to 2.88 times the pre-mining stress and located 24&#xa0;m ahead of coal face. The compressive stress is confirmed to re-develop in the reconsolidated rocks to its pre-mining value and can be greater in places. The study reveals that the coal face is more stable when the strength and elastic modulus of main roof rock increase. Similar face behaviour is manifested when the distance between coal seam and main roof increases. In contrast, the face is found to be less stable when the thickness and fracture density of main roof increase. Behind shield support, the top coal behaviour shows clear relationships with main roof rock strength, main roof strata thickness, and distance between main roof and seam floor. The study’s findings help engineers in better understanding longwall coal face behaviour in less favourable geo-mining conditions from which safe and environmentally sustainable coal mining can be better maintained.</p>