Chinakal Institute of Mining, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (Novosibirsk, Russia)
S. Yu. Vasichev, Junior Researcher, s.vasichev@yandex.ru
S. A. Shchukin, Junior Researcher
S. A. Neverov, Head of Laboratory, Doctor of Engineering Sciences
A. A. Neverov, Leading Researcher, Doctor of Engineering Sciences
This article presents a geomechanical rationale of the design parameters for a sublevel stoping system with rock backfilling, specifically tailored for steeply dipping ore bodies 3–6 m thick at deep levels. The proposed technology represents a ‘rational solution’ that integrates high-intensity extraction with effective ground control. In this framework, the rock backfill acts as a ‘yielding’ continuous support system, providing the necessary confinement and passive resistance to the stope boundaries. Based on numerical modeling and the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion, a parametric analysis was conducted to evaluate the distribution of the principal stresses (σ1, σ3) and the overall stability of the ore–rock mass across diverse depth scenarios and geomechanical models. The synthesis of the stress–strain data indicates that at a depth of 1000 m, considering the prevailing tectonic stresses, the concentration of the maximum principal stresses in the roofs of drilling-and-haulage drifts reaches critical levels (65 MPa and above). It is found that for the structural weakening coefficient factor Кс ≥ 0.3 at the levels down to 700 m, there are no zones of post peak failure around mine stopes. However, as mining operations advance deeper to 1000 m, the rock mass approaches the limit equilibrium and post-peak failure conditions. Increasing the geometric dimensions of rib and sill pillars proportionally with depth ensures reduction of stress loads by 15–20 %. The integrated modeling has determined safe operational parameters for the mining system, even within the tectonic stress fields: for the deposits 3–6 m thick at the level of 1000 m and at average rock mass fracturing, the stope spans should be limited to 35–45 m, while the minimum widths for the rib and sill pillars must be 14–16 m and 12–14 m, respectively. The findings demonstrate the technical feasibility and guaranteed safety of transitioning to the rock backfill technology when mining deep horizons of low-to-medium grade deposits, with the potential for subsequent recovery ore reserves from the remaining rib and sill pillars.
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