Technology for mining of complex-structured bodies of stable and unstable ores

Abstract

Abstract The object of the study is a rock massif represented by complex-structured ore bodies mined by underground systems with open stoping or systems with bulk caving. Deposits of Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin are represented by different types of ferruginous quartzite, which enables application of a great number of mining systems to mining blocks. There are also barren rock inclusions within the block which are extracted from the block along with ore, and this reduces the iron content of the mined ore mass. Findings of the comprehensive study enable concluding that application of the selective method when mining a deposit can enhance recovery rates. Analysis of methods for determining rock stability results in ascertaining that in case of a 4–7 m thick inclusion of barren rocks it is advisable to use a system with bulk caving at a single stage, and in case of a 7–12 m thick inclusion – in two stages. The first stage involves mining the hanging wall reserves, the footwall reserves are mined at the second stage. This method is distinguished by leaving a barren rock inclusion in the block. The developed options of the mining system allow increasing the iron content in the mined ore mass by 2–4% and obtaining the expected economic effect from 3.0 M to 30.2 M USD depending on mining and geological conditions.