Exploration and Mining

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES AND REALIZATION OF JOINING

ZONES MINING IN THE ROCKBURST HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS

Prof. Dr. Sci. (Eng.) Anatoly A. Kozyrev

Ph. D. (Eng.) Inna E. Semenova
Ph. D. (Eng.) Ivan M. Avetisian
Ph. D. (Eng.) Aleksandr V. Zemtsovskii
Mining Institute of the Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russia

ABSTRACT
The paper observes variants of formation of barrier pillars in underground and
combined mining methods and in contiguous deposits mining. The paper presents
methodological approaches of the joining zones reserves excavation under rockburst
hazardous conditions based on the numerical modelling of the stress strain state in 3D
taking into account basic geological and mining conditions. The method includes
determination of zones with mutual influence of mining operations, an optimal sequence
of mining in a zone given (barrier pillar), a disposition and dimensions of an joining
section, a mining method in the joining section mining, a calculation of categories of
excavations conditions when mining progresses and an order of the rock mass state
monitoring.
The paper gives examples of studies of mining operations in the Khibiny apatite arc
deposits which are rock burst hazardous. Efficient variants of barrier pillars mining are
proposed with accounting specific mining-geological conditions. The method proposed
can be used when mining other adjacent deposits.
Keywords: rock mechanics, stress strain state, rockburst hazard, numerical modelling,
underground mining.

INTRODUCTION
Development of rockburst hazardous deposits requires additional investigations of the
stress-strain state of the rock mass and monitoring for deformations and seismic activity
when excavating useful minerals. The forecast of geomechanical regime is also required
with defining zones with concentrated stresses with reference to specific mining-
geological conditions. According to the normative documents the planned ore reserve
excavation in rockburst hazardous conditions should be performed without pillars, sharp
corners and projections in extraction front. Optimal mining development in terms of
geomechanical conditions is development from the center to the flanks of the deposit or
from one flank to the other. However, in reality it is almost impossible to escape a
situation when the need occurs to mine a site between open and underground stopes.
The site is called a barrier pillar. Excavation of the barrier pillar should be regulated
from the standpoint of technology and safety of the mining operations. Such barrier
pillars are formed in the following conditions:

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- mining of the contiguous deposits which have a conventional boundary;

- using a combined mining method;
- in case of underground mining of one deposit on the different sites.
The problem is that surface and underground mining in one deposit and mining in the
contiguous deposits are considered as independent on the first stage of the mine
planning and production. That is why at a certain moment the problem of the joining
zone excavation arises for a mining company. In case of rockburst hazardous conditions
this situation requires the solution of the whole complex of tasks many of which can be
solved by multichoice prediction modeling of stress-strain state.

STUDY OBJECT
The Khibiny rock massif is the largest raw material base for mineral fertilizer
production which has no equals anywhere in the world. The base includes ten deposits,
six of which are mined by JSC Apatit; two deposits belong to JSC North-West
Phosphorus Company and two deposits are reserved. All the deposits mined are located
very compactly in the southern part of the Khibiny rock massif, in so-called apatite arc
(Fig. 1). For the mining period there was excavated more than 1.6 billion t of ore (about
1/3 of all reserves) or more than 4.5 billion t of ore mass. Excavation of such huge
volumes of rock mass resulted in changes in the relief and regional geodynamic regime.
The Khibiny rock massif is a tectonically stressed rock massif and this is a significant
factor in terms of formation of stress fields. Tectonically stressed rock massifs are
characterized with specific occurrences of rock pressure in excavations, core disking,
azimuthal curvatures of exploratory boreholes which are explained by action of the
horizontal component of the stress tensor considerably exceeding the vertical
component. Instrumental measurements of stress have confirmed this statement for the
Khibiny rock massif. That is, the mineral excavation is performed under rockburst
hazardous conditions linked with high tectonic stresses in the rock mass [1-2]. At that,
inevitable deepening of mining operations, their intensification and contingenceof
stoping spaces of the deposits mined leads to increase of background level of stresses
and to augmentation of area and absolute magnitudes of stress concentration zones.

Figure 1 Scheme of disposition of the Khibiny apatite-nepheline deposits mined

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Verification of interface zones mining under rockburst conditions largely depends on
stress-strain state of the rock mass and its transformation with mining operations
contingence. Almost all the tasks which should be solved in order to provide secure
mining in a barrier pillar can be solved based on prediction calculations of stress-strain
state by numerical methods. Specialists of the Mining Institute KSC RAS, Russia have
developed SigmaGT software realizing the finite element method in 3D and allowing
simulation of stress fields and deformations with accounting principal geological and
mining-engineering factors. A series of finite-element models of diverse details has
been formed for the Khibiny apatite arc deposits. Here is an order of tasks which have
to be solved when verifying mining of joining zones.
- Determination of a zone of mutual influence of mining operations
A barrier pillar is a part of an ore body between approaching fronts of stoping works
(both open and underground) with dimensions under which mutual influence of stoping
works begins. Therefore to determine a zone of mutual influence of mining operations is
the primary task. There are some simplified approaches to solve the task. We can apply
the St. Venant's principle [3] which for this case consists in influence extending on a
dimension of three radiuses of a stoping excavation; or we can use a formula proposed
by Rybin V.V. [4]:
Lmin(L1+L2)/2, where L1 and L2 – are dimensions of stoping spaces.
But application of the methods given at complicated geometry and volumes of stoping
spaces leads to the question of how to determine required radiuses and dimensions. At
that, we should suppose absence of data on distribution and redistribution of stresses in
rocks between approaching fronts. The method proposed consists in determining
dimensions of the barrier pillar based on 10% increase of stress concentration in the
pillar between the approaching fronts compare to initial level of stresses in the part
given of the rock mass. That is, several variants are calculated with step-by-step
contingence of mining operations; at that initial and received stresses are compared at
every step. The criterion of 10% is given based on accuracy of in-situ definitions of the
rock mass stress state parameters which are a basis for boundary conditions for
simulation research.
- Determination of optimal sequence of mining operations in the barrier pillar
The principal aim of this task is a choice of such sequence and parameters for mining
operations under which the stress concentration in the rock mass will be the least and
reduce, thus, geodynamic risks. At the same time it is important to have in mind that
excessive unload of the rock mass can also have a negative impact on mining conditions
by increasing potential destructions due to tension stresses and deformations and
penetration of separation cracks, particularly in geologically and technologically
disturbed zones. Variants of mining development with different parameters of mining
technological elements can also be calculated by numerical models designed.
For certain conditions specialists of the Mining Institute have proposed a mining
technology with formation of protective zones (usually this is an advance unloading
area in a hanging wall of the ore body) which allow reduction of a level of maximum
compression stresses in the sizeable part of the rock mass more than twice as much.

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- Determination of disposition and dimensions of a joining zone

A joining zone is a part between approaching front of mining operations, breaking of
which is performed in one go. Dimensions of the joining zone correspond to an extreme
minimum distance to which approaching fronts can approach and maintain the zone
stability. Mining of jointing zones is associated with the highest degree of rockburst
hazard. To determine minimal dimensions of the jointing zone the numerical modeling
of stress-strain state is performed under the zone’s different dimensions. The received
prediction magnitudes of principal components of stresses are input into the equation of
limit state of the jointing zone’s rocks:
k з   max   cp   k осл   c  k   min ,

where с – rock strength in uniaxial compression; max, av, min – maximum, average
and minimum component of principal stresses in the jointing zone, correspondently; k –
coefficient of proportionality (for apatite-nepheline ore k=5); kweak – coefficient of
structural weakening (kweak =0.8 for I category in fracturing intensity); kas - coefficient
of assurance (kas. =2 for a zone existing less than one year). It is recommended to break
the jointing zone within as short a time as possible. Therefore a volume of the jointing
zone shouldn’t be larger than a volume demolished with one blast.
- Determination of categories of excavation state
After choice of a mining technology and its parameters it is necessary to define
categories of excavations state in the barrier pillar under mining development proposed.
This allows proposing sequence of excavations driving, developing adequate unloading
measures and providing required strengthening of mining excavations. Calculation of
acting stresses on the excavation’s contour д virtually reduces to finding a maximum
component of stresses acting in a plane perpendicular to an excavation directly on its
contour. This value is compared with the ultimate compression strength  compr., i.e.
determines д /compr.. Depending on the value of the ratio given, the excavation gets a
certain category of state (A, B, C, D or F [5]). In the general case the value of д /compr.
≥ 0.5 compr. indicates probability of occurrences of rock pressure in dynamic form on
the excavation’s contour. SigmaGT software allows defining categories of excavations
and specified stress-strain state on the contour of any excavation automatically.
The last stage is development of measures and sequence of monitoring for the state of
the rock mass in the barrier block.

CASE STUDY
One of the objects where the methodological approaches under study have been realized
is the Rasvumchorr mine, JSC “Apatit”, which mines the reserves of the Apatitovy
Tsirk and Plato Rasvumchorr deposits. A boundary between the deposits is relative and
passes through a bend of the ore body which changes the strike at that place in the plan
approximately on 23°. It should be noted that the reserves of the Plato Rasvumchorr
deposit were generally mined by the Tsentralny open-pit; the Apatitovy Tsirk deposit
was mined and is still developed by an underground method. On the upper horizons
above the mark + 600 m the connection with the open-pit has already been carried out.
To the date mining of the apatite deposit is carried out on horizons +530, +470 and

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+450 m with sublevel caving. On horizons +530 and +470 m the stoping is close to the
open-pit wall. To solve the problems mentioned in the previous paragraph a numerical
model was developed of the rock mass stress-strain state in the vicinity of the joining
area between underground mining and the Tsentralny open-pit [6]. The boundary
displacements were obtained by interpolation from the small-scale model of the Khibiny
apatite arc. As a result of the numerical modeling data analysis the limit size of the
barrier pillar was determined. Based on 10% stress increase criteria the size of the
barrier pillar was amounted 150 m. Starting from this distance between stopes the
mining in the block must be carried out according to the regulations developed.
Using the model developed the variants of consequent progress of mining in the barrier
pillar were calculated (Figure 2). When modeling the change of the stoping excavation
on all working levels of the Rasvumchorr mine was taken into account.

Figure 2 Distribution of σmax stresses on sublevel +550 m (level+530 m) while

underground mining in the joining area with the Tsentralny open-pit. (Solid line –
projection of a caving edge, dashed line – projection of overlying mining)

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The main parameters were determined of stress field in rocks of the barrier pillar which
were taken into account in the regulations developed for mining +530 and +470 m
horizons. They include:
 an average level of initial stresses corresponds with the level’s depth (σmax  30 -
40 MPa, σmid  25 MPa , σmin  10 MPa);
 the zones of σmax concentration under the stoping of the overlying level are most
expressed on the upper sublevel;
 the local zones of σmax concentration are situated in the hanging wall (larger) and
the foot wall in the vicinity of mining on sublevels;
 the zones of σmax concentration are situated under benches of the Tsentralny
open-pit;
 the analysis of σmin stresses distribution showed that tension zones are situated
along advanced stopes on sublevels and under them on a haulage horizon, at that
the magnitudes of tensions are 2-3 times less than rock mass tensile strength;
 the reorientation of σmax stresses with angles of 40 - 60° to occurring elements of
the ore body takes the place as far as the stope of underground mining moves
closer to the open-pit wall.
With the purpose of rockburst hazardous zones area minimization it was recommended
to carry out the mining with the stope which extends across the ore body strike and has
minimal advance in the hanging wall up to achieving the limit dimensions of the joining
area. The joining with the open-pit was suggested to realize in the ore body’s hanging
wall using one blast on each sublevel. After the joining the further mining should be
carried out by one stope from the hanging wall to the foot wall without leaving pillars.
Also it was recommended to apply first working using cross-cuts that will decrease the
rockburst hazard in underground workings.
In order to determine the minimal dimensions of the joining zone the numerical
modeling of the rock mass stress-strain state was carried out, at that the size of the
joining zone was equal to 60 m, 50 m, 40 m and 30 m. The calculated forecast
magnitudes of principal stresses were entered into the equation of the limit state of the
joining zone’s rocks. The solution of the equation given was found by a graphic
approach. For the left and right part of the equation the curves were built of dependence
from the size of areas. The point of their intersection coincides with the minimal
possible width of the joining zone – 40 m. On the fields of the intact rock mass
adjoining to a stoping excavation or to the caved rock mass the failures on existing
weakness planes are possible due to absence of normal stresses with adequate
magnitude from the side of the excavated or caved rock mass. Therefore it is necessary
to increase the width of the zone on 5 m from each side. Thus, the final width of the
joining zone should not be less than 50 m.
The hypsometry of the ore body will influence the width of the joining zone across the
strike. On the +530 m level in the vicinity of the sections 0-5R the dip angle of the ore
body varies in the limits of 30÷35. When forming the advance in the hanging wall of
the ore body it must be provided the joining with the broken rock mass on the overlying
horizon. The width of the joining sections on sublevels can vary but not less than 40 m.
After the joining the mining on sublevels should be carried out from the joining section
to the foot wall by the longwall method without leaving the pillars. The categories of
excavations’ state on different mining stages in the barrier pillar were determined and
the maintenance measures were recommended.

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The necessity of stable seismic monitoring and detecting of rockburst hazardous areas in
the rock mass with the calculation error of coordinates for events’ hypocenters  25 m
was confirmed.

CONCLUSION
The studies with applying the methodology proposed have been performed for the
objects of the apatite arc such as a zone of underground mining jointing in the Yukspor
deposit [7]; barrier pillars between the Saamskiy open mining and underground mining
in the Kukisvumchorr and Yukspor deposits; and for verifying a possible mining
method for the Njorkpakhk and Oleniy Ruchey contiguous deposits [8]. A part of
barrier pillars has already been successfully mined with accounting revealed regularities
in the stress-strain state and recommendations.
It should be noted that development of a model for the deposit’s part is very important
part of the study. The model should adequately show actual geological and
geomechanical conditions and give possibility to simulate different mining variants for
the jointing zone.
So, the methodology given of reserves verification in jointing zones on the basis of
forecast calculations data on stress-strain state has shown its applicability in mining the
Khibiny rockburst hazardous deposits and can be used for other contiguous deposits.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The study has been carried out under the Russian Scientific Foundation project № 14-
17-00751.

REFERENCES

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[7] Kozyrev A.A., Semenova I.E., Avetisyan I.M. Geomechanical verification of secure
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