Zero waste as an economic criterion of efficiency of the mining enterprise’s activity

When assessing the economic efficiency of economy’s mining sector, the following economic problems are of priority: the state of mineral deposits, the concentration of property, the raw material economy, dependence on world prices for raw materials, volatility and risks, the deficit of foreign investments, and so on. The issues of the economic environment’s volatility and limited financial and economic resources, rationalization of the use of resource determinants of regional development as well as their modernization development factors, the issues of creating a favorable institutional and infrastructural environment are regarded to be urgent. As a tool for the formation of the regional economy is the regional clustering direction and subregional economic systems, the prospects of which are associated with the processes of integration of economic entities. The current stage of development of the Russian economy is positioned as a deep transformation of commodity production according to the radical improvement of technology development.  The addition of potential of chemical energy to the predominantly mining mechanical energy opens up new prospects to be involved in the operation of still inaccessible mineral resources. This process requires the development of other economic efficiency criteria. The proposed criterion for the mining enterprise’s evaluation effectiveness is a priority condition of non-waste production. Environmental damage due to improper use (waste) is differentiated based on the amount and cost of lost metal and mineral ingredients at local, regional, global and hierarchical levels. The damage components and economic efficiency can be determined based on the extent of utilization, costs and technological level of production

Prospect of developing a hydrogenic deposit Semizbay

Relevance. The fact that hydrogenic deposits are developed using combined technologies, and the criteria for combining technologies have not been sufficiently developed. Aim. To select the optimal method of deposit development, taking into account the characteristics of the uranium ores composing it. Objects. The Semizbai sandstone deposit, which lies in loose sedimentary rocks, is localized within a 36 km long section with a width of 10 km. Methods. Analysis of the theory and practice of field development, finding dependencies between operational indicators, modeling, methods of mathematical statistics, technical and economic calculations and approbation of some provisions. Results. The authors have given characteristic of systems for developing hydrogenic deposits and substantiated the necessity of combining metal extraction technologies by leaching with traditional technologies in the conditions of the deposit. Alternative technologies for metal leaching using interacting wells and with metal leaching in a pile are detailed. The mechanism and differences in the conditions of uranium leaching in a quicksand array and in a heap was clarified. The authors have carried out comparative characteristic of alternative options for field development, indicating, among other things, their advantages and disadvantages. It was determined that leaching parameters depend on speed and efficiency of opening new reaction areas with a different mechanism for removing uranium from mineral particles. It is proved that the efficiency of the development of hydrogenic deposits is increased by combining the processes of borehole hydro extraction of ores and heap leaching of metals. The authors proposed the model of decision-making sequence with an arbitrary source of information based on the criterion of discounted profit from mining. Conclusions. The results of the study may be in demand when revaluing reserves, modernizing systems for the development and optimization of methods for managing the quality of mining products. The recommended methods of monitoring the combined development of hydrogenic deposits contribute to increasing the completeness of subsurface use

CONTROLLING STRESS-DEFORMED TALNAKH ARRAYS BY STRESS UNLOADING

Link for citation: Golik V.I. Controlling stress-deformed Talnakh arrays by stress unloading. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Аssets Engineering, 2023, vol. 334, no. 7, рр. 59-65. In Rus. Relevance. Underground mining of rock massifs of powerful deposits on deep horizons is accompanied by geomechanical phenomena, which are prevented by the construction of artificial structures made of solid mixtures in the developed space. Controlling geomechanics of the massif increases the completeness of subsoil use and is an actual direction of mining production. Objective: detailing the array state management technology by rationally regulating the voltages in the array. Object: arrays of deposits of the Talnakh ore node. Methods: modeling and experiment, the results of which are the basis for the development of a model and recommendations. Results. The paper introduces the assessment of the behavior of natural and artificial massifs differentially for the main deposits of the ore node. The regularities of combining options for unloading arrays from critical stresses are established: with overworking and with a protective layer underworking. The principles of optimization of ore mining technology taking into account the geomechanical features of the arrays are summarized. Measures to increase the volumetric compression of filling mixtures for variants of chamber systems of development are recommended. The results of modeling the influence of the volumes of rock inclusions on the efficiency of field development are presented. A model of ecological and economic assessment of technologies is proposed, taking into account the costs of creating protective layers and reducing the dilution of ores. Unloading of arrays from stresses provides an opportunity to regulate the stress level with a decrease in deformations, including during selective excavation of ores with the abandonment of rock layers in the bowels. Conclusions. Unloading arrays from operating stresses is an effective measure to solve the main problems of subsurface use at the same time. The implementation of this direction in the conditions of localization of the Talnakh ore deposits can be carried out by advanced excavation of the soil layer. The efficiency of working out stress-deformed arrays is achieved by the rational interaction of natural and technological factors of development

Special features of constructing systems for underground leaching of metals

The relevance of the work is attributed to the possibility of engaging stocks of low-grade ores in mining, which is prevented by insufficient knowledge of the leaching process. Preparation of ores is carried out without accounting for all properties of minerals and modes of solution movement, which increases the cost of mining, increases the loss of useful components and degrades the technicaleconomic criteria. The aim of this work is to systematize the theory and practice of using leaching technology with optimization of the mineral resources utilization criterion, accumulated in the uranium-mining industry of the USSR. The article contains the description of the processes carried out in mining practice for the first time. Results. The fundamental distinction of the technology of leaching metals from ores as changing phase of metal explicitly in-situ is formulated. The features of layout design and the use of preparatory and development workings on the conditions of their reuse in the process, crushing by condition to ensure penetration of the reagent solution into the ore piece, irrigation as a process determining the economic purposefulness of the technology, collecting solutions and preventing leakage for industrial sanitation and human health are described. The features of intensification of the drill-and-blast leaching process by deformation of the volume of leachable ore with of explosive gases and stress waves are distinguished. Examples of accounting for special features of ore deposits leaching in the USSR are presented. The practice of monitoring the completeness of leaching by excavation workings on leached ore is described. A brief description of the benefits of leaching technology in cleaning up the stocks lost by the traditional technology is given. Conclusion. It is noted that underground leaching may take priority positions in mining, so development of scientific basics for its implementation is one of the most important tasks of mining production, accomplishing which affects the creation of highly productive and waste-free systems of extraction of useful minerals from the subsoil. The experience of the ISL allows to create a methodological basis for expanding the scope of metal leaching technologies. The article contains the description of the processes carried out for the first time in mining practice

Experimental substantiation of the parameters of metal underground leaching

The relevance of the research is caused by the need to expand the scope of technology with underground leaching of metals in blocks, as a condition of satisfying natural growing needs of industry for raw materials. The main aim of the research is to substantiate technical ability and economic feasibility of metal extraction from stockpiles, mainly polymetallic ores, non-conforming to traditional technologies for metal production, but suitable for application of innovative technologies of field development. Research methods: semi-industrial tests in underground mining and laboratory researches in percolators with data processing based on multiple regression and correlation analysis and implementation of algorithms for interpretation of the experimental results, analysis of best achievements according to practice, the patent data and publications. Results. The authors have determined new patterns of technological processes of metal extraction from ores by underground leaching. It is proved that the comprehensive improvement of technological processes of development system with underground leaching allows the new technology to compete with the conventional one, especially in the cases where traditional technologies are limited by the capabilities of today's technologies for processing metal ores. Conclusions. The technology with metal underground leaching from rock ore is not a sufficiently used reserve for increasing metal production, first of all scarce and rare, including off-grade ores. The results of pilot tests of technological processes of underground leaching and theoretical calculations reveal sufficient correlation of practice and theory that indicates the possibility of controlling the course of obtaining metals with the adjustment of technology in the course of its development. Underground leaching of poor and off-balance ores will be developed as stocks in convenient regions of the Earth in the near future satisfying both economic and environmental components of mining humanization

Experimental substantiation of the parameters of metal underground leaching

The relevance of the research is caused by the need to expand the scope of technology with underground leaching of metals in blocks, as a condition of satisfying natural growing needs of industry for raw materials. The main aim of the research is to substantiate technical ability and economic feasibility of metal extraction from stockpiles, mainly polymetallic ores, non-conforming to traditional technologies for metal production, but suitable for application of innovative technologies of field development. Research methods: semi-industrial tests in underground mining and laboratory researches in percolators with data processing based on multiple regression and correlation analysis and implementation of algorithms for interpretation of the experimental results, analysis of best achievements according to practice, the patent data and publications. Results. The authors have determined new patterns of technological processes of metal extraction from ores by underground leaching. It is proved that the comprehensive improvement of technological processes of development system with underground leaching allows the new technology to compete with the conventional one, especially in the cases where traditional technologies are limited by the capabilities of today's technologies for processing metal ores. Conclusions. The technology with metal underground leaching from rock ore is not a sufficiently used reserve for increasing metal production, first of all scarce and rare, including off-grade ores. The results of pilot tests of technological processes of underground leaching and theoretical calculations reveal sufficient correlation of practice and theory that indicates the possibility of controlling the course of obtaining metals with the adjustment of technology in the course of its development. Underground leaching of poor and off-balance ores will be developed as stocks in convenient regions of the Earth in the near future satisfying both economic and environmental components of mining humanization

INVESTIGATION OF GEOMECHANICAL SYSTEM DEFORMATION IN EXPLORATION OF UNDER RIVER STOCKS URUP DEPOSITS

Relevance: assessment of the possibility of preserving the mineral resource base of the enterprise by minimizing the reserves in the security areas under the Urup River while maintaining the stability of the Earth's surface. Objective: to determine and propose the optimal parameters of ore extraction technologies in the zone of influence of the Urup River with the preservation of the earth's surface under technogenic influence. Objects: the Earth's surface, native massifs and artificial massifs made of hardening mixtures erected in the developed treatment space. Methods: modeling of safe conditions for the extraction of ores from pillars in the zone of influence of the river, carried out using a complex of well-known and original laboratory, analytical and field methods. Determination of the patterns of behavior of water-saturated rocks is carried out in the laboratory with imitation of processes in riverine pillar, by assessing the phenomenon of immersion of the pillar in the water-weakened soil of the treatment work. Results. Quantitative values of horizontal deformations limiting for these conditions are determined. The method of forecasting the process of rock movement based on calculations is substantiated. A methodology was developed to assess the possibility of applying the technology of continuous ore extraction in the Urup River zone, based on the permissible deformations of the Earth's surface and compression of the laying mixtures. The authors experimentally justified possibility and boundary conditions of dredging of stocks of pillars under the river by the pillar-and-room development system with the laying of the worked-out space with solid mixtures to ensure the safety of the Earth's surface. Measures are recommended to ensure the stability of the outcrops of the treatment workings in the period between the formation of the treatment chambers and their laying, on the direction of development of the treatment works and to determine the permissible spans of the workings

Directions for improvement of mechanochemical processes of utilizing ore tailings

Аbstract. The article is devoted to the problem of waste-free extraction of metals from the tailings of primary ore processing. It represents a generalized approach of development of a mechanochemical technology of metal extraction by leaching in disintegrator and includes a summary of existing views on the problem, an analysis of prospects of the technology and the real steps taken in this direction. In the article, the theory and practice of mechanochemical extraction of metals from ores is examined and the assessment of the existing state of subject matter is given. The essence of the problem is that for the expansion of applications of the recommended technology, it must be improved. The article includes an introduction, a purpose statement and the results of improvement on the level of patents in Russian Federation. The article highlights the problems of increasing the speed and fullness of the extraction of metals remaining after primary processing by traditional beneficiation methods, provides arguments and scientific description of the new methods of intensification of metal leaching in a disintegrator. Particular attention is paid to the effectiveness of combination of the methods of interaction with a mineral in order to increase the degree of extraction which allows to reduce operating costs. The essence of the above is the following: the scope of application of the breakthrough technology of waste-free metal extraction from deadstock poor raw materials can be improved by the use of new and prospective technologies based on the increase of process energetics. The main significance of the study lies in the experimental confirmation of the phenomenon of wastefree metal extraction into bulk concentrate by repeated activation in a disintegrator. The study’s advantage is the argument for the need of development of the new technology in order to gain economic, environmental and strategic benefits. The study is pioneering. It opens up a cluster of new problems, for example, selective extraction of metals from a collective solution, optimizing the resistance of the working body of disintegrator, utilizing master solutions, etc

Tailings Utilization and Zinc Extraction Based on Mechanochemical Activation

The significant containment of the global mining industry is caused by the problem of the transition to sustainable metal extraction and the integrated use of technogenic raw materials from the tailings of ore processing. The modeling of metal leaching processes using mechanical activation of polymetallic raw material components is particularly important in expanding the application of mining tailings as inert fillers of filling mixtures. This study is aimed at detecting the rotor speed factor on the chemical and mechanochemical effect of zinc yield growth from polymetallic tailings of the mining industry. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to improve the modeling of metal leaching processes using mechanical activation by improving the compositions of the filling mixtures. The methodology of the work included several comprehensive studies: the mechanical activation of tailings during zinc leaching from pulp in the DESI-11 disintegrator; the activation of enrichment tailings and the formation of a filling mass with different parameters of the component composition; the curing of cubic samples and their testing on the IP-1250 press. The Vi Improved text editor was used to prepare the algorithms for deterministic methods of three-dimensional interpolation in the Python language. The experimental results were graphically displayed using Gnuplot. The study of the agitation leaching of the waste obtained from the Sadonskiy mining district results in the fact that the NaCl mass concentration decreased from 13 to 1% and the H2SO4 concentration stabilization within 0.5 to 0.6% led to a 3-time increase in the zinc yield from the pulp, according to the polynomial law (from 28 to 91%). The obtained results expand the idea of the mechanism of the strength gain by the filling mass under mechanical activation on the components of the filling mixture, as well as changes in the efficiency of zinc leaching at different ratios of two types of lixiviants (sulphuric acid and sodium chloride) in the leaching solution

Tailings Utilization and Zinc Extraction Based on Mechanochemical Activation

The significant containment of the global mining industry is caused by the problem of the transition to sustainable metal extraction and the integrated use of technogenic raw materials from the tailings of ore processing. The modeling of metal leaching processes using mechanical activation of polymetallic raw material components is particularly important in expanding the application of mining tailings as inert fillers of filling mixtures. This study is aimed at detecting the rotor speed factor on the chemical and mechanochemical effect of zinc yield growth from polymetallic tailings of the mining industry. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to improve the modeling of metal leaching processes using mechanical activation by improving the compositions of the filling mixtures. The methodology of the work included several comprehensive studies: the mechanical activation of tailings during zinc leaching from pulp in the DESI-11 disintegrator; the activation of enrichment tailings and the formation of a filling mass with different parameters of the component composition; the curing of cubic samples and their testing on the IP-1250 press. The Vi Improved text editor was used to prepare the algorithms for deterministic methods of three-dimensional interpolation in the Python language. The experimental results were graphically displayed using Gnuplot. The study of the agitation leaching of the waste obtained from the Sadonskiy mining district results in the fact that the NaCl mass concentration decreased from 13 to 1% and the H2SO4 concentration stabilization within 0.5 to 0.6% led to a 3-time increase in the zinc yield from the pulp, according to the polynomial law (from 28 to 91%). The obtained results expand the idea of the mechanism of the strength gain by the filling mass under mechanical activation on the components of the filling mixture, as well as changes in the efficiency of zinc leaching at different ratios of two types of lixiviants (sulphuric acid and sodium chloride) in the leaching solution