Norilsk Nickel’s Polar Division, Norilsk, Russia:

T. P. Darbinyan, Director of Mining Practice Department
T. S. Mushtekenov, Deputy Director of Mineral Resources
I. V. Kopranov, Manager at Mining Office of Mining Practice Department, KopranovIV@nornik.ru
M. Yu. Chabanyuk, Head of Design Office for Oktyabrsky Mine Projects

Support and reinforcement of underground excavations is one of the main processes in underground mining and construction. Considering the implemented pilot trials and based on the accumulated positive experience gained in support and reinforcement in foreign mines, it is decided to optimize the mine support systems which are in use in the mines of Norilsk Nickel’s Polar Division. The use of novel materials and equipment in mine support systems can enhance mining safety owing to unmanned operation in the unsupported part of roadways, shorten duration of operations connected with scaling and support installation, as well as reduce or totally eliminate manual labor in mine support and reinforcement. The preferable selection of mine support systems should include the modern and most economic options (different rock bolts; rockbolting+reinforcement meshing) featuring the best performance, reduced labor content and materials consumption. Regarding reinforcement of rock mass and reduction in its natural and induced jointing, the method of injection has found wide application. Injection of polymeric resins is assumed to be a promising approach in this respect. This method boasts successful implementation in many mines of Russia, including the mining production units of Norilsk Nickel. Resin injection is a process of deep-earth chemical reinforcement of rocks with synthetic resins. It is found that resin injection reinforcement of rocks makes rock mass a solid structure.
The authors appreciate participation of the members of Norilsk Nickel’s Polar Division V. P. Marysyuk, Yu. N. Nagovitsin, M. P. Sergunin, A. A. Kisel, A. A. Bazin and A. A. Kabulov in this study.

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