Results of the analysis of factors influencing the probability of accidental groundwater inrush into mine workings of salt (potash, potassium and magnesium) mines are given in the article. The cases of the potash mine flooding that occurred in different countries with developed mining industry are given. It is shown that at the present technical and scientific level of solving this problem the unexpected groundwater inrush in potash mines usually results in the shutdown of the enterprise and negative ecological consequences. It is pointed out that the underground waters flow into the mines through water-conducting fractures of either natural or technogenic origin which location and influence on a mine was almost impossible to predict at the design stage under existing regulations. The concept of reducing the risks of potash mine flooding caused by underground waters in-rush is formulated. Administrative and technical measures which allow reducing the risks of potash mine flooding caused by groundwater inrush into the excavations are considered.
The results of mine and analytical studies allowed us to create and justify the technological scheme of mining the Third potash layer in the zones of its thickness reduction at the borders of mine fields. The influence of the main mining and engineering factors on the key parameters of the scheme that determine the safety of the scheme's implementation was established.
Выполнен анализ основных недостатков применяемой на рудниках ПО «Беларуськалий» слоевой системы разработки. Обоснована концепция отработки Третьего калийного пласта в условиях глубоких горизонтов.