Institute of Mining, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg, Russia:

I. V. Sokolov, Head of Laboratory, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, geotech@igduran.ru
A. N. Balek, Leading Researcher, Doctor of Engineering Sciences
Yu. G. Antipin, Senior Researcher, Candidate of Engineering Sciences
A. A. Smirnov, Senior Researcher, Candidate of Engineering Sciences

Kyshtym granular vein quartz mining uses hybrid successive open pit/underground techniques. Mining in the transition zone in close proximity to the open pit involves room-and-pillar method with ore conveyance by blasting force. Safety measures include formation of a stable barrier pillar, prevention of active aero- and hydraulic connection between the open pit and the underground mine and water removal from the open pit bottom by means of drainage holes. It is of current concern to evaluate a new technology for deeper level mining with a view to drastically reduce quartz loss. Evaluated through the design engineering and economic-and-mathematical modeling, the hybrid mining system involves room-and-pillar method for mining basic reserves (70%) and sublevel caving for extraction of pillars. Rooms 20–25 m wide and pillars are arranged along the strike of the ore body. It is recommended to carry out test blasting to determine such blasting parameters that ensure lower overground quartz yield at a commercial test site. The proposed underground geotechnology ensures mining safety due to control caving of hanging wall rocks and enables complete extraction of quartz (mineral loss reduction is 2.5 times).
The studies have been carried out under governmental support from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Unique Project Identifier RFMEF160714X0026).

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