The elastic strain energy accumulation in a retreating longwall mining panel is dependent on several parameters which have been identified using elastic theory for beams in an elastic supporting medium. The identified parameters were varied to identify the parameters that have a strong influence on the elastic strain energy accumulation. Upon sensitivity analysis, mining depth, length of cantilever roof in the goaf, coal seam thickness, roof thickness, Young’s modulus of coal seam and roof were identified as the main influencing parameters. The analytical equations were validated by comparing the results with previous studies and a case-specific numerical model. The results obtained from analytical equations were comparable with those obtained from a numerical model. The developed analytical equations will provide a handy tool to make daily, weekly and monthly prediction of areas of high elastic strain energy accumulations inside the solid coal pillar. Hence, the paper finds direct application in improving the safety of people working in coal mines, minimising machine downtime and production delays.