Aiming at the problem of intense ground pressure manifestations caused by large-scale fracture instability of hard roof strata above coal seams in the Mengshan-Shaanxi deep mining area—which may induce rockburst under severe conditions—this study takes the 2202 working face of Balasu Coal Mine as its engineering context. Through theoretical analysis and field measurements, the research investigates the mechanism and application of ground hydraulic fracturing for weakening thick-hard roof strata and preventing rockburst in deep mines of this region. The conclusions are as follows:① Hydraulic fracturing creates fracture networks within thick-hard strata, weakening their physical and mechanical properties. This reduces fractured block sizes, diminishes energy accumulation capacity in thick-hard strata, and lowers dynamic loading during fracture. Simultaneously, it enhances energy dissipation, reducing the impact of dynamic loading from overlying fractured layers on stress distribution in underlying coal seams.② The target fracturing horizon and key parameters were determined based on comprehensive considerations: avoiding compromise to existing roadway support structures while effectively weakening energy accumulation capacity in thick-hard strata.③ During hydraulic fracturing, pressure-flow-time curves and water discharge from underground drainage boreholes demonstrate successful fracture generation in thick hard strata, confirming effective fracturing. Post-fracturing data show significant reductions in: total energy and frequency of microseismic events; frequency of high-energy events (>5,000 J); average periodic weighting interval; and average dynamic loading coefficient.The results demonstrate that hydraulic fracturing can substantially mitigate ground pressure manifestations at working faces, offering valuable insights for rockburst prevention in mines with similar geological conditions across the mining area.