Abstract
Mud rushes from the caved rock zone pose a danger to mining operations. Large ore deposits that are mined using sublevel caving systems are susceptible to this problem. The difficult hydrogeological conditions of the Sokolov iron ore deposit (Sokolov-Sarbay ore zone, Republic of Kazakhstan) necessitated the construction of a complex drainage system consisting of an external drainage gallery around the deposit that intercepts the main flux from the Cretaceous aquifer, and internal drainage facilities, which drain all aquifers within the caved rock zone. Despite the relatively effective operation of the drainage system, mud rushes of large volumes of water from the caved rock zone occur periodically. The most significant and dramatic event was the accident in 2005, which claimed two human lives and resulted in the flooding of 24 km of mine workings. It took six months to restore the mine. Smaller-scale accidents also cause significant damage since mud rushes and mud pushes lead to considerable downtimes and ore dillution, as a result of which mine productivity is significantly reduced. The paper considers the groundwater flow model of the Sokolov-Sarbay iron ore zone. Using scenario modeling, the study establishes the relationship between the hydraulic conductivity of the caved rock zone of the caved rock zone and mine water inflow into haulage level of the Sokolov underground mine. A forecast of mine water inflow is made, and mine drainage upgrading options are proposed for the purpose of improving mining safety and preventing mud rushes.