Abstract: To investigate the evolution law of mining-induced fractures in overlying strata and the distribution characteristics of abutment pressure in deep thick coal seam mining under protective layers, this study employed UDEC numerical simulation and in-situ borehole monitoring methods to analyze the impacts of oil shale protective layer and thick coal seam mining on the evolution characteristics of fracture fields and stress fields in overlying strata. The results demonstrate that deep thick coal seam mining significantly intensifies large-scale deformation and failure of roof strata. With dramatic variations in mining thickness, the development height of fracture zones exhibits distinct mutation phenomena. Deep thick coal seam mining induces stress redistribution and high stress concentration in intact coal within the pressure-relief range of protective layers. Above the goaf, the articulated structure formed by broken key strata blocks interlocking with roof strata ahead of the working face generates rotational compression through articulation points, transferring partial overburden loads to the floor of adjacent oil shale goaf. Simultaneously, key stratum structures above fracture zones undergo significant deflection deformation under mining influence, exerting compressive effects on oil shale goaf and transferring partial overburden loads to the front coal-rock mass of thick coal seam working faces. High-position hard strata with superior bearing capacity transfer large-scale overburden loads to solid areas on both sides of oil shale goaf. The leakage monitoring results of flushing fluid in overburden movement observation boreholes indirectly verify the fracture evolution patterns, providing theoretical basis for preventing dynamic disasters in similar mining conditions. This research establishes a theoretical foundation for controlling spatial dynamic hazards in mining areas under analogous geological conditions.