Polar Division’s Center for Geodynamic Safety Celebrates Its 35th Anniversary

This article’s focus is on the basic areas of research performed by the Center for Geodynamic Safety at NorNickel’s Polar Division, including stress–strain monitoring of rock mass, prediction of rockburst hazard, emission of combustible and toxic gases, temperature of rock mass and mine air, development and application of new backfill mixtures, gypsum slurry, in particular, within the framework of environment management projects such as the Sulphur Program. Emphasis is laid on technological adaptation to import substitution conditions and deeper level mining at NorNickel’s Polar Division. The current activities of Center’s subdivisions are discussed, namely: continuous monitoring and ground control, in-mine rockburst prediction and prevention, geotechnical supervision of mining operations, geotechnology improvement, geophysical logging service and production preparation. Concerted efforts of infrastructure subdivisions and their tight integration with production processes in mines enable the Center for Geodynamic Safety to meet the set challenge of improving geodynamic safety of mining. A framework is created for the safe and successful management of high-grade ore during deeper level mining. Through the use of advanced technologies and present-day sophisticated equipment, the Center holds to higher standards of NorNickel, ensures geodynamic safety with regard to constantly varying geomechanical situation, and creates ground for effective performance of the mineral sector of Company’s Polar Division.The authors appreciate contribution made to this research by the members at NorNickel’s Polar Division, namely, by A. A. Kisel, O. P. Lyashenko, V. E. Shakhovtsev, A. K. Ustinov, I. S. Kibroev, M. V. Tereshchenko.