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Date submitted2024-03-28
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Date accepted2024-06-03
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Date published2024-07-04
Assessing the effectiveness of sewage sludge in the reclamation of disturbed areas in the Kola subarctic zone (a case study of a sand quarry)
An assessment was made of the effectiveness of reclamation using sewage sludge for the accelerated formation of a stable erosion-proof vegetation cover on the unproductive anthropogenic soil of a sand quarry in the context of the Kola North. The experiment, launched in 2017, included three treatments: control – no treatment, experiment 1 – fragmentary (50 %) application of sewage sludge, experiment 2 – continuous application. In the sixth growing season, anthropogenic soil samples were examined, and measurements of CO2 emissions were carried out. It was shown that the application of sewage sludge had a positive effect on the physicochemical and agrochemical properties of the soils: in situ pH and density decreased, hygroscopicity increased, available phosphorus and potassium increased. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between CO2 emissions in the control and experimental treatments. The content of organic carbon in the control treatment was lower than in the experimental ones; under fragmentary application of sewage sludge, it was three times lower, and under continuous application, it was nine times lower. Significant (p < 0.05) differences in the content of carbon and nitrogen in cold and hot water extracts between control and treatment samples were found under continuous application of sewage sludge. At the same time, by calculating the C/N ratio, a very low level of nitrogen was found in the humus. The main factors behind the variability of the estimated parameters were identified – the treatment itself and the method of its application, the contribution of the treatment alone was 60 %, the contribution of the application method was 14 %. Taking into account the economic factors, fragmentary application of sewage sludge onto the anthropogenic sand quarry soil is recommended to support the establishment of a stable erosion-proof phytocenosis.
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Date submitted2024-04-09
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Date accepted2024-06-03
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Date published2024-07-04
Analysis of the geochemical barriers effectiveness as the basis for the use of nature-like water purification technologies
Nature-like technologies are being introduced into many human activities including mining wastewater treatment. This work is based on long-term studies of the Sibay copper-zinc-pyrite deposit development. It is dedicated to assessment of geochemical barriers effectiveness in Cu, Zn, Cd removal from water of the Karagayly River (receiving quarry and dump drainage water). The research is based on the elements’ content and forms in water and bottom sediments, pH values etc. Four types of hydrogeochemical environment (formed due to changes in the water use over the past 20 years) were distinguished using discriminant analysis. The mechanisms of barriers formation and destruction were described. Statistical modeling of the metals’ precipitation was performed by multivariate regression analysis. Cu is adsorbed by recently formed Fe hydroxides, and, to a lesser extent, precipitates with sulfates as water pH increases. Antagonism to Mn hydroxides has been demonstrated, due to different physicochemical conditions for their precipitation. Zn enters solid phase mainly with sulfates, this element also forms its own mineral phases. The second mechanism is adsorption by recently formed Mn hydroxides, which corresponds to the idea of similar conditions for the precipitation of metal hydroxides. Cd behavior reflects conditions intermediate between these of Cu and Zn. Contribution of both mechanisms (related to Fe hydroxides and aqueous sulfates) is equal. Antagonism to Mn is absent. According to the assessment results using of nature-like technologies in situ in watercourses, canals and other water drainage systems is promising. Developed statistical models can be used for needs of experimental studies and artificial geochemical barriers engineering.
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Date submitted2023-07-25
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Date accepted2024-05-02
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Date published2024-08-26
Finite element analysis of slope failure in Ouenza open-pit iron mine, NE Algeria: causes and lessons for stability control
Slope failures in mining engineering pose significant risks to slope stability control, necessitating a thorough investigation into their root causes. This paper focuses on a back analysis of a slope failure in the Zerga section of the Ouenza – Algeria open-pit iron mine. The primary objectives are to identify the causes of slope failure, propose preventive measures, and suggest techniques to enhance stability, thereby providing crucial insights for monitoring slope stability during mining operations. The study commenced with a reconstruction of the slopes in the affected zones, followed by a numerical analysis utilizing the Shear strength reduction method within the Finite element method (SSR-FE). This approach enables the examination of slope stability under both static and dynamic loads. The dynamic load assessment incorporated an evaluation of the vibrations induced by the blasting process during excavation, introducing seismic loading into the finite element analysis. The findings reveal that the primary triggering factor for the landslide was the vibration generated by the blasting process. Furthermore, the slope stability was found to be critically compromised under static loads, highlighting a failure to adhere to exploitation operation norms. The challenging geology, particularly the presence of marl layers where maximum shear strain occurs, contributed to the formation of the landslide surface. The study not only identifies the causes of slope failure but also provides valuable lessons for effective slope stability management in mining operations.
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Date submitted2023-03-16
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Date accepted2023-06-20
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Date published2023-07-19
Evaluation of the influence of the hydraulic fluid temperature on power loss of the mining hydraulic excavator
In the steady state of operation, the temperature of a mining excavator hydraulic fluid is determined by the ambient temperature, hydraulic system design, and power losses. The amount of the hydraulic system power loss depends on the hydraulic fluid physical and thermodynamic properties and the degree of wear of the mining excavator hydraulic system working elements. The main causes of power losses are pressure losses in pipelines, valves and fittings, and leaks in pumps and hydraulic motors. With an increase in the temperature of hydraulic fluid, its viscosity decreases, which leads, on the one hand, to a decrease in power losses due to pressure losses in pipelines, valves and fittings, and, on the other hand, to an increase in volumetric leaks and associated power losses. To numerically determine the level of power losses occurring in the hydraulic system on an example of the Komatsu PC750-7 mining excavator when using Shell Tellus S2 V 22, 32, 46, 68 hydraulic oils with the corresponding kinematic viscosity of 22, 32, 46, 68 cSt at 40 °C, the developed calculation technique and software algorithm in the MatLab Simulink environment was used. The power loss coefficient, obtained by comparing power losses at the optimum temperature for a given hydraulic system in the conditions under consideration with the actual ones is proposed. The use of the coefficient will make it possible to reasonably select hydraulic fluids and set the values of the main pumps limit state and other hydraulic system elements, and evaluate the actual energy efficiency of the mining hydraulic excavator. Calculations have shown that the implementation of measures that ensure operation in the interval with a deviation of 10 % from the optimal temperature value for these conditions makes it possible to reduce energy losses from 3 to 12 %.
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Date submitted2023-03-14
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Date accepted2023-06-20
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Date published2023-07-19
A reliability study of the traction drive system in haul trucks based on failure analysis of their functional parts
The efficiency of a mining and processing plant depends on the level of complex mechanization of the production process. In mineral extraction, haulage is a major cost category, with haul trucks being the key component of the mining transportation system. To improve production performance, mining operations can increase their haulage turnover and reduce transportation costs, which necessitates making haul trucks more reliable. This can be done by improving their mean time to first failure (MTFF) indicators. This article analyzes the reliability status of the traction drive system inhaul trucks operating in the mineral resources sector. It provides a quantitative assessment of traction drive system failures resulting from part defects and discusses the associated repair costs. By examining failure data from 2018 to 2022 and the results of vibration tests performed on a diesel generator, the study reveals that the most expensive failures are associated with defects in the synchronous generator, which are primarily caused by elevated external vibrations. Based on basic vibration tests and vibration spectra tests at different operating modes, recommendations have been formulated concerning the generator’s robustness to external mechanical forces and the ways to increase the generator’s protection grade to prevent dust intrusion. The study also identifies the frequency range that poses the greatest risk of damage to the windings.
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Date submitted2021-07-05
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Date accepted2022-07-21
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Date published2022-11-10
Fragmentation analysis using digital image processing and empirical model (KuzRam): a comparative study
The rock fragmentation reflects the degree of control of blasting. Despite the accuracy of screening analysis to determine the size distribution of blasted rocks, this technique remains complex and long because of the large volume of blasted rocks. The digital image processing method can overcome these constraints of accuracy and speed. Our method uses the empirical model of KuzRam and numerical method (Digital image processing) through two image processing software’s (WipFrag and Split-Desktop) to analyze the particle size distribution of rocks fragmented by explosives in Jebel Medjounes limestone quarry. The digital image processing is based on the photography of the pile of blasted rock analyzed using image processing techniques. The objective of this work is to evaluate and compare the results obtained for each blast from the two methods and to discuss the similarities and differences among them. Three different blasts with the same design were analyzed through the two methods. The result of the KuzRam model gave idealistic results due to the heterogeneity of the structure of the rocks; although, this model can be used for an initial evaluation of blast design. For better efficiency of the explosion, we proposed a new fragmentation indicator factor in order to compare the fragment produced to the estimated ideal size obtained from the KuzRam model by incorporating the blast design parameters and the rock factor. Both image processing gives close results with more accuracy for the Split-Desktop software. Our method can improve the efficiency and reduce crushing costs of the studied career.
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Date submitted2021-07-19
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Date accepted2022-05-31
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Date published2022-07-13
Study of a set of factors influencing the error of surveying mine facilities using a geodesic quadcopter
The factors influencing the qualitative and quantitative components of the result of surveying in open-pit mining using a quadcopter were identified and systematized, and the mathematical dependence of the influence of factors on the final error of surveying was determined. After a large number of field observations – numerous flights of a geodesic quadcopter over mining facilities – the subsequent mathematical justification of the results of the aerial photogrammetric surveying was made, which allowed to analyze the degree of participation in the final accuracy of the survey of each of the considered factors. The results of this study demonstrate the source of errors, which provide the surveyor with the opportunity to efficiently and competently carry out pre-flight preparation and planning of fieldwork. The study and subsequent consideration of the factors affecting the accuracy of surveying with the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle are the basis for the subsequent development and formation of a methodology for using a geodesic quadcopter in the conditions of open-pit mining.
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Date submitted2021-03-23
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Date accepted2022-01-24
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Date published2022-04-29
Justification of the technological scheme parameters for the development of flooded deposits of construction sand
- Authors:
- Vladimir V. Ivanov
- Denis O. Dzyurich
The article describes the main types of technological schemes for working out the flooded strata of sand deposits using hydraulic shovel excavators. The analysis of scientific and technical literature describing the experience of using hydraulic shovel excavators in the open-pit mining, including pits for the extraction of construction sand, has been carried out. The proposed technological scheme is that the development of reserves of the flooded strata without preliminary water reduction is carried out by a hydraulic shovel excavator from under water by a downward digging with the storage of the extracted rock mass in bulk (for dewatering), placed in such a way that when working out the next mining bench width, it is located within the working area of the excavator for simultaneous processing of the next bench width and loading of dewatered sand from the pile. Calculations of the parameters of the operating platform and the excavator block of the proposed technological scheme for conducting open-pit mining were carried out. The dependence for determining the minimum length of the mining operations front of an excavator for drawing up a technological scheme of operation of a backhoe hydraulic excavator on working out the flooded strata with the pile formation for dewatering sand and its subsequent uploading from the pile by the same excavator is presented.
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Date submitted2019-07-09
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Date accepted2019-09-07
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Date published2020-04-24
Promising model range career excavators operating time assessment in real operating conditions
The development prospects of the mining industry are closely related to the state and development of modern mining machinery and equipment that meet the technical and quality requirements of mining enterprises. Enterprises are focused on a quantitative assessment – the volume of mineral extraction, depending on the functioning efficiency of a promising series of mining machines, which include modern mining excavators. Downtime and unplanned shutdowns of mining excavators directly depend on the operating conditions of the mining machine, which has negative influence on the machine as a whole and its technical condition, which entails a decrease in the efficiency of using expensive mining equipment and economic losses of the mining enterprise. The rationale for external factors that affect the operating time and technical condition of mining excavators is given. For a more detailed assessment of the influence of external influences on the efficiency of operation of mining machines, the influencing factors are divided into two groups: ergatic, directly related to human participation, and factors of a natural-technogenic nature, where human participation is minimized. It was revealed that factors of a natural-technogenic nature have the greatest influence. An algorithm is proposed for a comprehensive assessment of the technical condition and forecasting of operating time both in nominal and in real operating conditions, taking into account factors of a natural and technogenic nature. It is proposed, based on the developed program for planning and evaluating the life of a mining excavator, to adjust the schedules for maintenance and repair (MOT and R) in order to minimize the number of unplanned downtime of a mining excavator and maintain it in good condition.
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Date submitted2020-01-09
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Date accepted2020-01-26
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Date published2020-02-25
Mining excavator working equipment load forecasting according to a fuzzy-logistic model
- Authors:
- V. S. Velikanov
Due to the fact that the loads occurring in the working equipment of mining excavators are determined by a large number of random factors that are difficult to represent by analytical formulas, for estimating and predicting loads the models must be introduced using non-standard approaches. In this study, we used the methodology of the theory of fuzzy logic and fuzzy pluralities, which allows to overcome the difficulties associated with the incompleteness and vagueness of the data in assessing and predicting the forces encountered in the working equipment of mining excavators, as well as with the qualitative nature of these data. As a result of computer simulation in the fuzzyTECH environment, data comparable with experimental studies were obtained to determine the level of loading of the main elements of the working equipment of mining excavators. Based on a representative sample, a statistical analysis of the data was performed, as a result of which the equation of linear multiple stress regression in the handle of mining excavators was obtained, which allows to make an accurate forecast of the loading of the working equipment of the excavator.
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Date submitted2019-06-29
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Date accepted2019-08-25
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Date published2019-12-24
New technical solutions for ventilation in deep quarries
- Authors:
- S. G. Shakhrai
- G. S. Kurchin
- A. G. Sorokin
The paper discusses the issues of ventilating in deep quarries caused by the intensification of blasting operations at great depths, the increased distance of ore truck transportation to the daylight area, constant change in the geometrical parameters of the quarry, its microrelief and direction of mining, and increased isolation of the mined space from the environment. We provide a brief analysis of the current tools for forced airflow in deep quarries, which showed that the use of forced ventilation is often challenging since it leads to high energy consumption, high level of noise exceeding the permissible parameters, and high speeds of forced air flows may blow the dust off the quarry surfaces. The article presents methods and tools developed at the Siberian Federal University for intensifying the natural airflow in deep quarries by changing the air density at the entrance and exit points of the pit, as well as heating the shady areas using mirrors and solar energy, which do not interfere with mining and blasting operations.
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Date submitted2019-04-27
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Date accepted2019-07-10
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Date published2019-10-23
Estimation of Rock Mass Strength in Open-Pit Mining
The paper presents results of an experimental study on strength characteristics of the rock mass as applied to the assessment of open-pit slope stability. Formulas have been obtained that describe a correlation between ultimate and residual strength of rock samples and residual shear strength along the weakening surface. A new method has been developed to calculate residual interface strength of the rock mass basing on data from the examination of small-scale monolith samples with opposing spherical indentors. A method has been proposed to estimate strength characteristics (structural weakening coefficients and internal friction angles) of the fractured near-slope rock mass. The method relies on test data from shattering small-scale monolith samples with spherical indentors, taking into ac- count contact conditions along the weakening surface, and can be applied in the field conditions. It is acceptable to use irregular-shaped samples in thetests.
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Date submitted2019-05-07
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Date accepted2019-07-13
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Date published2019-10-23
Improving the Energy Efficiency of the Electromechanical Transmission of an Open-pit Dump Truck
- Authors:
- A. E. Kozyaruk
- A. M. Kamyshyan
The article analyzes the existing systems of electromechanical transmission of mining trucks BelAZ. The influence of the load nature created by the uncontrolled rectifier on the power factor and mass-dimensional indicators of the electromechanical transmission isassessed. Variants of modernization of the AC-electromechanical transmission system are proposed, which provide power factor correction. The influence of the proposed options on the overall dimensions of the electromechanical transmission is considered. Based on the assessment, a modernization option was chosen that provides the required power factor with minimal impact on the overall dimensions of the electromechanical transmission. The results of modeling the operation of the existing electromechanical transmission and the modernized electromechanical transmission system using the most promising modernization option are presented.
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Date submitted2015-10-17
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Date accepted2015-12-19
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Date published2016-08-22
Improving the retention of minerals in the course of separating monolith from bedrock with the use of gas generator cartridges
- Authors:
- G. P. Paramonov
- V. N. Kovalevskii
- Peter Mozer
Results are presented on the effect of firing rate on pressure pulse in charge camera and fracture stress during spalling. Results are presented of comparative calculations using the equations of autocatalytic reactions of firing rates and escape of reaction products for the system of sodium chlorate - polythene (propylene) in pipe shape. Dependences are obtained of firing rate on concentration of gas generating mixture, its density, components size distribution and cartridge case size. Experimental and computational data were used to consider the conditions of firing turning into explosion for compositions based on sodium chlorate and hydrocarbons in layered and powdered systems. The relation is retrieved between the technological parameters of mining activities (blast hole to blast hole distance, blast hole diameter, depth of cartridge placement) and specific cartridge consumption along the spalling line with gas generators going off.
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Date submitted2014-12-29
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Date accepted2015-02-15
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Date published2015-12-25
A study of distillates physical and chemical properties and residues after thermodestructive and catalytic processes and their application in the mining industry
- Authors:
- N. K. Kondrasheva
- O. V. Zyrianova
When transporting overburden rocks in a cold season, the lower layer of materials freezes to working surfaces of transport equipment, and at long transportations – congeals under its own weight. As a result, up to 50 % of rock remains in the vehicle, while the unloaded part represents indiscreete frozen mass. It considerably complicates the process of unloading transport and leads to increased labor and financial expenses. A rational and effective remedy for these problems is transport equipment and bulk material processing with chemical agents of oil and petrochemical origin – mixtures of distillate and bottom frations obtained as a result of thermodestructive processes during petroleum feedstock manufacturing. The article presents data on the quality of distillates and residual products of oil recycling, which are used as initial components for producing preventive drugs, which are used to prevent sticking and freezing of overburden rocks during transportation and storage in the cold time of year, as well as drugs used for pit roads treatment in surface mining operations. Optimal component compositions of new petrochemicals are developed, and the physical and chemical properties of the received test samples have been studied.
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Date submitted2014-12-10
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Date accepted2015-02-20
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Date published2015-12-25
Opencast mine parameters sensitivity analysis at preliminary study of a mining project
- Authors:
- S. I. Fomin
- E. I. Bazarova
The article describes sensitivity analysis, aimed at variables dependence detection: to what extent open cast mine ultimate efficiency or performance will be affected when one of the key input variables is changed. The stronger the dependence effect, the higher the project implementation risk. The sensitivity analysis objective is demonstrated – principle factors identification – critical variables, capable of having a serious influence on the project implementation results, and impact verification of progressive (single) factorial changes. Sensitivity analysis in its content is a single-factor analysis. Output, as a basic performance indicator of an open cast mine, characterizes mine development intensity and is determined by mining-engineering and economic factors. It is proved that the impact degree from various parameters on the open cast mine output is characterized by elasticity ratio. The project indicators sensitivity analysis, which was carried out, allowed to establish the impact degree that various parameters have on the open cast mine output, which takes place in a high-angle ore deposit, characterized by elasticity ratio.
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Date submitted2014-10-20
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Date accepted2014-12-24
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Date published2015-08-25
Improving the technology of open-cast mining using surface miners and spreaders
- Authors:
- A. Yu. Cheban
The article is devoted to the issues of improving the efficiency of open-cast mining of solid minerals. Surface miners are effective and promising mining equipment that brought a large number of innovative technological solutions to the mining industry. The flow sheet of mining an overburden bench of high altitude with boom surface miners and the improved spreader is presented. Application of technical and technological improvements will significantly increase the productivity of mining equipment, reduce the cost of doing stripping operations and improve the profitability of the mining industry in the development of deposits of solid minerals, semi-indurated rocks.
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Date submitted2010-07-15
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Date accepted2010-09-26
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Date published2011-03-21
Development of the stowing material and testing of its mechanical properties
- Authors:
- M. N. Andreev
- E. I. Boguslavskiy
Article is in touch with analysis of backfill materials applied on diamond mines, description of research of its mechanical properties to create the optimal compound in conditions of Yakutian kimberlitic tubes.
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Date submitted2010-07-21
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Date accepted2010-09-08
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Date published2011-03-21
Calculation methodology of physical parameters of the artificial pillar barrier
- Authors:
- M. N. Adreev
The article is devoted to the calculation methodology of physical parameters of the artificial barrier pillar needed when developing underquarry deposits of kimberlitic pipes in difficult hydrogeological conditions.
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Date submitted2010-07-01
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Date accepted2010-09-12
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Date published2011-03-21
Usage modern computer techniques for validation of actions guaranteeing opening strength of pit edge
- Authors:
- S. N. Kotlov
In this article is described an example of using program Modflow for the issues of oreation geofiltration processes numerical simulation on procedure of horizontal drainage well simulation. Also is estimated stability of pit edges in case of using system horizontal drains.
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Date submitted2009-08-18
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Date accepted2009-10-10
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Date published2010-02-01
Increase of efficiency performance of complexes open-cut equipment
- Authors:
- A. A. Faul
At definition of benches height many features and factors are taken into consideration: conditions of burial and property of taken out rocks; necessary intensity of mining work; the planned schedule of strippings; demanded quality given out, from mineral opencast; parametres of drilling-and-blastings; working conditions of excavators and a condition of transportation of ore. The basic condition of correctly chosen bench height is its stability in the course of operation the opencast mine providing safety of conducting of mining operations.
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Date submitted2009-08-01
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Date accepted2009-10-05
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Date published2010-02-01
Using of steam condensing way of dust-depressing in different manufacturing operations during mining
- Authors:
- Yu. D. Smirnov
- A. A. Kamenskii
- A. V. Ivanov
In places of possible allocation of a dust, near sources of its formation or at allocation places ways of dust-depressing now are applied. Principal views of dust-depressing are: a water irrigation (including dispersing, the ionized water), a foamy irrigation (aerofoams, air-mechanical foams), an irrigation steam (fog). In article condensation of steams of water on a surface of hygroscopic particles is considered stream-condensation way of dust-depressing, based on action.
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Date submitted2009-07-09
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Date accepted2009-09-01
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Date published2010-04-22
Method of calculation stability of the open pit edges
- Authors:
- A. V. Chebakov
During the opencast mining operations with bating and opening-up of new horizons as a result of the process duration in the near-edge rock mass, fatigue accumulates, which leads to slope deformations in the form of slide rocks, rock falls, roof breaks, and, in some cases, large-scale landslides. Given that the open pit edges are complex engineering structures, on the state of which mining operations effectiveness and safety depend, their stability control is a very urgent problem.