Optimisation of potash mining technology for cell and pillar mining method
Authors:   company «Gorgeomeh», Grishin Alexander , Chistyakov Alexey ,   company «GEOEXPERT», Kongar-Syuryun Cheynesh ,   Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, Chudinov Aleksey ,   company «Gorgeomeh»
Published: October 2024

The diverse demand for inorganic fertilizers has predetermined the intensification of potash mining, which is a raw material for their production. In this regard, it has become necessary to create risk management technologies for underground mining of potash deposits considering the spatial planning of mining operations while increasing the technological productivity of underground combine machines. The purpose of the study is to develop a technology to increase the technological productivity of mining set equipment to a level as close as possible to a combine at a minimum volume of preparatory work coupled with stopping operations. The subject of the study is the procedure for mining a designated mine field of potassium-magnesium deposit. Methods. The study applies a formal logistics approach based on an analysis of known facts and existing problems at a mining enterprise, the regulatory and technical documentation used and current scientific trends in this field. Based on the results of the analysis, conclusions and justifications were made. Then, a solution to the problem is proposed. Results. The study presents a modernized and improved potash mining method considering spatiotemporal changes. When planning the development of individual sections of a deposit, geological services carry out underground additional exploration to supplement geological knowledge of the area in question. Such work includes geological exploration, drilling wells from the face and perimeter of the mined-out void to select core for mechanical and chemical (furrow and core) testing, geophysical studies, etc. Discussion. The set purpose is achieved by preparing and developing the field with diagonal rooms. Prior to stopping operations, additional exploration drifts are carried out along the upper edge of the mined seam by paired faces along the entire length of the selected block. These mined out voids allow obtaining additional geological information about the section of the mine field being mined. Conclusion. A scheme for mining a selected field with a described sequence of stopping and cutting is proposed. The proposed scheme allows: to increase the technological productivity of mining set equipment to a level as close as possible to a heading-and-winning machine; to minimize the volume of preparatory work coupled with stopping operations. Resume. The proposed scheme for mining a selected section of a mine field with the described sequence of excavation allows us to increase the technological productivity of the mining complex to a level that is as close as possible to the technical productivity of a mining and shearer while simultaneously minimizing the volume of preparatory work, combining these works with the work of mining. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. The research results can be useful in potash deposit mining by chevron cutting method considering spatial planning, safe mining operations and replenishment of geological information about the field.