Development of an innovative technology for backfilling of the mined-out space using paste-like backfill mixtures and assessment of its technical, economic and environmental efficiency

The article discusses the results of developing an innovative technology for backfilling of the mined-out space using paste-like backfill mixtures with addition of concentration tailings. The relevance of the research is explained by the need to improve the efficiency and environmental friendliness of backfilling operations at mining enterprises. The objective of the work is to create and evaluate the technical, economic and environmental efficiency of a new backfilling technology. The research methodology included an analysis of the current state and bottlenecks of backfilling operations, development of formulations and studying properties of the paste-like mixtures with concentration tailings, carrying out pilot tests, feasibility study and an ecological justification of the proposed solutions. It has been established that addition of the concentration tailings to the paste-like mixtures allows to reduce cement consumption by 20-30% without deterioration of rheological and strength properties. Optimal compositions of the mixtures were developed as well as efficient technological schemes of their preparation and transportation. Pilot tests confirmed the possibility to utilize up to 50% of the current output of the concentration tailings in the backfill mixtures. Application of the proposed technology provides a 15-20% reduction in the cost of backfilling operations and a 40-50% reduction in the volume of waste dumping. The results obtained are important for improving the efficiency and environmental safety of mining operations and can be widely applied at companies that use mining systems with backfilling of the mined-out space.