The Impact of New Composite Curing Agents on the Curing Properties of Glacial Debris in the Pulang Copper Deposit

Abstract

In recent years, Pulang Copper Deposit has experienced multiple occurrences of debris flow, of varying magnitudes, which have significantly impacted the safety of mining operations. Debris flow has become a major safety hazard of natural caving mining in Pulang Copper Deposit. To address the issues of the formation of debris flow due to the collapse of glacial debris in the Pulang Copper Deposit, this paper proposes new composite curing agents for grouting and curing glacial debris. The study investigates the influence of curing agents’ proportions on the mechanical property, water stability, and permeability of solidified glacial debris. Hydration and consolidation mechanisms were analyzed based on XRD and SEM test results. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of solidified glacial debris with the new composite curing agents A, B, and C are superior to those with cement. The permeability coefficients of the solidified glacial debris with 7% dosage of the new composite curing agents A, B and C are both less than 1 × 10−6 cm/s. The reaction between the new composite curing agents and the glacial debris generates crystalline product ettringite (AFt) and gel-like hydration product calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H). These products enhance interparticle bonding and fill the voids among the glacial debris, which is the main source of strength for the solidified glacial debris. These new composite curing agents provide important reference value for addressing and preventing surface glacial debris collapse.