This paper studies the key problems of mining enterprises activity, which is mainly based on monofunctionality. A synergistic approach is described, which is a constituent basis for perspective performance of coal mines. The possibilities for profile reorientation of the coal mine operation as an enterprise for obtaining a natural gas substitute are analysed. The design peculiarities of a laboratory setup for studying the coal gasification processes (carbonaceous feed, various types of waste, etc.) are described that will form new approaches to implementation of the pilot units for producing the natural gas substitutes on the territory of coal mining enterprises, and combine them into a single mine technological chain. The developed setup, aimed to study the gasification processes, makes it possible to substantiate and determine the parameters of the carbonaceous feed gasification technology for obtaining the end product as a natural gas substitute.