Interaction of rock-bolt supports while weak rock reinforcing by means of injection rock bolts

Purpose is to analyze changes in shape and dimensions of a rock mass area, fortified with the help of a polymer, depending upon the density of injection rock bolts as well as the value of initial permeability of enclosing rocks to substantiate optimum process solutions to support roofs within the unstable rocks and protect mine workings against water inflow and gas emission. Methods. Numerical modeling method for coupled processes of rock mass strain and filtration of liquid components of a polymer has been applied. The model is based upon fundamental ideas of mechanics of solids and filtration theory. The problem has been solved using a finite element method. Its solution took into consideration both the initial permeability and the permeability stipulated by mine working driving, injection time of reagents and their polymerization, and effect of po-lymer foaming in the process of mixing of its components. Changes in physicomechanical and filtration characteristics of rock mass during polymer hardening were simulated. It has been taken into consideration that a metal delivery pipe starts operating as a reinforcing support element only after the polymer hardening. Findings. If three and five injection rock bolts are installed within a mine working section then stresses, permeability coefficients, pressure of liquid polymeric composition, and geometry of the fortified area of rock mass have been calculated. It has been shown that rock bolt location is quite important to form a rock-bolt arch. It has been demonstrated for the assumed conditions that if five injection rock bolts are installed within the mine working roof then close interaction between rock-bolt supports takes place; moreover, the integral arch is formed within the mine working roof. Originality. Dependence of change in the polymer reinforced area upon a value of initial permeability of enclosing rocks has been derived. It has been shown that in terms of low values of initial permeability, geometry of rock-bolt supports as well as its size is identified only by means of a value of the unloaded zone around the mine working. In this context, initial permeabi-lity increase results in the enlarged diameter of the reinforced rock mass area in the neighbourhood of the injection rock bolt. Practical implications. The findings are recommended to be applied while improving a method to support the mine working roof and decrease water inflow as well as gas emission from the rocks, being undermined, into the working.

Vendian Hydrogeochemistry of the Siberian Platform

—The Vendian deposits of the Siberian Platform are represented by four regional horizons (from bottom to top): Nepa, Vilyuchan, Tira, and Danilovka. The TDS of brines in the Nepa and Vilyuchan horizons varies from 170.3 to 470.1 g/L, and the TDS in the overlying Tira and Danilovka horizons, from 84.6 to 583.1 g/L. Brines of Cl Na, Cl Na–Ca, Cl Ca–Na, Cl Ca, and Cl Ca–Mg types have been identified. The pH values of the brines vary from 3.0 to 7.0; acidic and weakly acidic brines (pH = 3.0–5.5) prevail. The redox potential Eh varies from –440 mV (highly reducing conditions) to +130 mV (oxidizing conditions), averaging –176 mV. Areal regional hydrogeochemical zoning is controlled by the outer (on the periphery of the Siberian Platform, where infiltration of meteoric waters took place) and inner feeding areas. The outer feeding areas bear infiltrogenic brines of different ages (group I), mostly of Cl Na composition. They are characterized by TDS ≤ 280 g/L, rNa/rCl ≤ 1.55, Cl/Br ≤ 2512, and average Ca/Cl = 0.3. The average values of the integrated brine metamorphization index S (according to S.L. Shvartsev) range from 50 to 200. In the intraplatform feeding areas, there are several phases of brines that underwent gravitational sinking into the Vendian horizons in the periods when Cambrian salt-bearing basins existed on the platform. These brines were metamorphosed during filtration along the fracture and fault zones. The intrusion of traps in the late Permian–early Triassic was accompanied by hydrothermal activity. The waters of the enclosing Cambrian dolomite horizons were heated to 800–1000 °C; their subsequent interaction with carbonate rocks and evaporites (in particular, chlorides) resulted in extrastrong saturated brines. These brines were also subjected to gravitational sinking into the Vendian reservoirs, which was the main cause of the inverse vertical hydrogeochemical zoning in the hydrogeologic subsalt formation. The brine metamorphism processes and temperature changes in the rock horizons during the intrusion of traps and their subsequent cooling led to a significant alteration of the enclosing rocks under interaction with brines and to salinization of the reservoirs, an increase in the total salinity of the brines, and catagenetic changes in their composition. The brines closest to the maximum saturation with halite were found in reservoir zones with the highest salinization and near faults and boundaries of intrusive bodies. During the pre-Vilyuchan, pre-Nepa, pre-Tira, and pre-Danilovka sedimentation breaks, infiltrogenic waters penetrated into the Vendian sediments. Geochemically, the sedimentogenic, infiltrogenic, and metamorphic strong brines (group II) have a predominantly Cl Ca or Cl Ca–Mg composition with TDS > 350 g/L. They are characterized by low rNa/rCl ratios (on average, 0.3), Cl/Br ≤ 100, high Ca/Cl values (on average, 0.4), and S > 250.

EVALUATION OF THE STABILITY OF A TEMPORARY PILLAR WHEN MIINING ORE HORIZONS WITH BACKFILLING AND CAVING

A method is proposed for mining thick and flat ore deposits at great depths in conditions of a decline in the value of extracted mineral raw materials. It is found that safe mining with solidifying backfill and caving is achieved by determining the parameters of stable spans of rooms, in place of which artificial supports and temporary ore pillars are formed. These pillars are recovered with a lag behind room-and-pillar mining by caving of ore and enclosing rocks. It is shown that, depending on the type of geomechanical model of geomedium and orientation of the initial natural stresses acting in the rock mass relative to the mining front, the field of application of the mining system is limited by the depth and parameters of excavation. Predictive areas of possible rock failure are determined applicably to rock masses with different degree of disturbance.

Assessing physical and mechanical properties of enclosing rock in the course of Malmyzhskoe gold-copper-porphyry deposit development

Introduction. This work presents the results of complex technological and mineralogical studies. It has been discovered that some natural rocks are characterized by physical and mechanical properties variability 58 "Izvestiya vysshikh uchebnykh zavedenii. Gornyi zhurnal". No. 3. 2021 ISSN 0536-1028 even within a local area. It must be taken into account when assessing enclosing rocks utilization options. The results of Malmyzhskoye rock physical and mechanical properties study at the stage of geological exploration are considered. Research aim is to carry out integrated technological and mineralogical research and laboratory tests on rock physical and mechanical properties to assess the feasibility of using hard enclosing rock for construction. Research methodology. The geological and structural features of the field were established by comparative analysis of geological sections and maps, structural documentation of the core. In laboratory conditions, the physical and mechanical properties of the host rocks that make up the gold-copper-porphyry deposit were established. Results. After studying the mineral (chemical) composition and physical and mechanical properties of rocks, it was possible to obtain the dependence of the strength index on the structure, as well as on the content of dark-colored minerals and plagioclases. At the same time, there are no significant correlations between strength and density within the same rock type. Conclusions. The analysis shows that rocks with the same mineral composition and equal values of the true density, but with different texture and structure, show differences in strength properties. Keywords: Malmyzhskoe deposit; breakability; physical and mechanical properties; rocks; petrographic analysis; density; strength.

Change in the Rock Pressure when Mining a Coal Seam with a Longwall Face

Development of the geomechanical processes is of great importance for human activity in the underground conditions. Coal mining is accompanied by displacement of the enclosing rocks, which requires a special approach to study of the geomechanical processes. In particular, this is due to an increase in the productivity of the excavation sections. Increase in the volume of the second working, the length of the longwalls and the size of the extraction pillars will transform all the geomechanical processes occurring in the face. Modern coal mining technologies are associated with certain specific features of the displacement of enclosing rocks, which necessitate the development of new approaches to the study of the geomechanical processes. The intensification of work inevitably leads to a change in the geomechanical environment in the vicinity of the face. The article discusses the methods and means of studying the process of rocks displacement as a result of construction of the mine workings. For example, a site is selected at the mine named after S.M. Kirov, long-face No. 24-62. Depth to the developed seam is from 476 to 520 m from the installation chamber. Average thickness of the seam is 2.5 m, length of the face is 300 m, length of the pillar is 2500 m. The average rate of advance is 10 m / day. Based on the monitoring of the rock pressure indicators on the mechanized support section, the wave-like nature of the rock pressure distribution in a long-face during mining of the extraction pillar was determined. The surface of the pressure domes was rebuilt using the Surfer software product, which allowed to track the processes in the face part of the longwall. Data on the pressure in the roof supports were used. In the calculations, the average rock density was assumed to be 2.5 m3/t. Since the surface of the pressure vaults makes it possible to judge the processes in the bottomhole of the mined seam, the height of the random collapse zone is determined from the pressure readings in the support struts. It is the one which presses on the powered support. Repetitive areas of the increased rock pressure were noted approximately every 200–250 m. Profiles of the surface of pressure arches along the length and in the long-face building cross are given. Considering the processes of structuring the rock mass, an algorithm for finding the height of the pressure arch was developed, which ensures a satisfactory convergence with the actual data.

THEORY AND PRACTICE OF DETERMINING THE CATEGORY HAZARD OF COAL MINES BY THE GAS FACTOR

A comparative analysis of the theoretical and practical definition of the category hazard of coal mines by gas factor based on experimental data obtained in real conditions of mining gas-bearing coal seams is presented. The mine's hazard category by gas factor is determined in accordance with the current regulatory document. The processing of experimental data obtained in field studies leads to contradictions in the requirements for the safe mining of gas-bearing coal seams. The necessity of changing the regulatory framework for predicting methane release and establishing the category hazard of mines by gas factor is substantiated, as well as the theoretical part of the research is experimentally confirmed and practical proposals are given to improve the requirements of regulatory documents for the safe mining of gas-bearing coal seams. The gas release from seven possible sources, the exposed surface of the working face, the undermined adjacent seams and their enclosing rocks, the overworked adjacent seams and enclosing rocks, the worked-out space of the stopped lavas, are accepted for consideration. The studies have shown that by removal the bottom from cut and the area of the mined-out space of the operated section and the wing of the mine field, taking into account the stopped longwalls, it is possible to predict the processes of rock displacement that determine the absolute gas release from the undermined sources.

Mechanism of deformation in rock mass surrounding intersection of mine shaft and salt bed

A bed of rock salt in Komsomolsky Mine occurs in sedimentary strata enclosing cage and skip shafts. When water enters rock salt via underground excavations, boreholes and fractures, rock salt can dissolve and wash out, and voids appear in rock mass. Voids at the lining and rock interface should be eliminated so that never re-appear or grow during shaft operation. Materials used to eliminate voids should ensure stable mechanical linkage both with enclosing rocks and lining. Assessment and analysis of geomechanical processes induced by leaching need monitoring of deformations in a shaft. To this effect, one of the simplest and most informative methods is arrangement of an observation station directly in the shaft lining to measure varying distances between check points. The article briefly describes activities aimed to eliminate voids using different composition grouts. From the analysis of monitoring data, the deformation mechanism is described, and the interaction between different deformation stages and grouting steps is determined. The authors appreciate participations of experts M. P. Sergunin, I. A. Shishkina, A. K. Ustinov, V. V. Tsatskin, V. S. Orlov.

DEPENDENCE OF QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE INDICATORS OF ORE RESERVES ON THE MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE INTERVAL OF UNCONDITIONAL ORES OF THE SOTK GOLD ORE DEPOSIT

At the Sotk gold ore deposit, the following morphological types of ore bodies can be distinguished: vein zones; veins and vein-like bodies; mineralized dykes and a vein zone in gabbro - massifs. The deposit is characterized by rather difficult mining and technical conditions. The enclosing rocks of the near-ore bodies have undergone intense hydrothermal changes at a distance of 5,0...10,0 m to 50,0 m, as a result of which, within the boundaries of these zones, the enclosing rocks have lost their strength and stability. The stability of the host rocks is also greatly influenced by postore tectonic faults, which are widespread in the field. The ore is also volatile. The strength factor of ore and host rocks varies from 3 to 20, with a predominance of 8...13. Hydrothermally altered metasomatites, which make up the mineralized zones, are prone to caking. The ore loosening factor is 1,25...1,40. The average bulk density of ore is 2,6 t / m3, and the bulk density of the host rocks is 2,3... 3,2 t / m3. At the deposit, conditioned and substandard intervals alternate with each other and there is no clearly expressed regularity of their spatial location, which predetermines the use of the ore-bearing factor when calculating ore reserves. The ore content ratio is determined by the ratio of the amount of conditioned ores to the total amount of ore mass, and the amount of conditioned ores is determined using the condition parameter “maximum - allowable range of substandard ores or waste rocks” included in the reserve calculation. For the Sotk gold ore deposit, the regularities of changes in ore reserves in the subsoil, the gold content in the ore massif and the ore content factor from the “maximum allowable to an increase in ore reserves in the subsoil and the ore content ratio with a decrease in the gold content in the ore massif and vice versa are revealed.

Some Aspects of the Geochemistry and Natural Radioactivity of the Azov Deposit Ores

The analysis of the Azov deposit of zirconium-rare earth ores as the object capable on qualitative and quantitative parameters to become key for creation and modernization of rare earth subsectors of the industry of Ukraine is carried out. On the basis of the generalized characteristics of zirconium-rare earth mineralization, conclusions were drawn regarding the nature of the increased radioactivity at the Azov deposit, which is mainly due to the presence of certain minerals in the ores. The actual radioactive minerals were found only as inclusions in zircon and do not make a significant contribution to the natural radioactivity of ores. It has been established that the radioactivity is uranium-thorium due to the inclusion of these elements in the composition of the aforementioned minerals. The results of the radiation-hygienic assessment of core samples from the deposit are presented. According to the existing standards, the enclosing rocks of the supra-ore and under-ore strata can be used in all types of construction without restrictions. The ores of the deposit are assigned to the third class in terms of the level of effective specific activity. It was found that there is a significant direct relationship between gamma activity and the total REE content in the field. There is also a correlation between the content of U and Th, the dose rate of γ-radiation and the content of the total REE. It was shown that there is no relationship between these indicators and the ZrO2 content. Analysis of the gamma-ray logs showed the possibility of confidently drawing the boundaries of the ore intervals and fixing the inter-ore intervals. The main stages of the technological process of integrated development, enrichment, processing and storage of enrichment tailings, slags and sludge, which ensure the minimum impact of production on the environment and human health, have been determined.

Determining the parameters of a natural arch while forming support load of a horizontal roadways

Purpose. Development of a semiempirical method to identify rock pressure on the support of underground mine roadways as well as substantiation of its efficient use area taking into consideration the depth of the mine roadway, its geometry, and hardness of enclosing rocks. Methodology. Theoretical studies on geomechanical processes taking place in the neighbourhood of roadways using analytical mathematical methods as well as numerical ones. Analysis of the research results and their generalization are involved. Findings. Methods to identify load (i.e. rock pressure) on the supporting structures have been developed. The methods are based upon the proposed calculation technique for the rock stability coefficient at the boundary of contact between a collapsing arch of the rock (i.e. fall arch) and undisturbed rock mass, i.e. at the boundary of elastic share of peripheral rock mass, and non-elastic one. A stability coefficient has been proposed in the form of projection on vertical axis of forces holding the rock mass, limited by a fall arch, to projection of shear forces. Originality. For the first time, an analytical and empirical method to identify natural arch over horizontal and vertical mine roadways has been proposed involving their depth, geometry, parameters of rock strength, and its gravity. The abovementioned is the key distinction of the proposed method from the known semiempirical technique by M.M. Protodyakonov to determine natural arch as well as support load. Practical value. The findings make it possible to predict stability of horizontal mine roadways using mathematical methods. In this context, the depth, geometry, and hardness of enclosing rocks are taken into consideration.