Ore quality stabilization in underground mining: Principles and stages

In view of increasing variability of qualities of mineral resources in underground mining of copper–nickel and disseminated ore deposits in the Norilsk region, the problem of the produced ore quality improvement should have an innovative and integrated solution—through modernization of the process flow chart adopted in mines, using the main principles of ore flow quality stabilization. In its turn, the ore quality stabilization should be a multi-stage process, and this requires a reliable production system to implement a range of functions connected with technology and management in the field of ore blending and homogenization toward amelioration of the produced ore mass composition. Sound management of the produced ore composition stabilization in underground mining requires perfection of the current system of ore assaying on the chemical basis as it is incapable to provide complete and sufficiently live source information from the main centers of the production chain and from individual ore flows in a mine. Using the generalized practical experience and theoretical research findings, a process flow chart is developed for the in-mine on-line stabilization of ore quality in underground mining. The process flow chart comprises two subsystems—homogenization and blending, and some constituent elements: industrial sector of operation planning, management and quality control in produced ore homogenization; sector of information and control of quality and quantity characteristics of ore flows at the main centers of process flow chart; sector of engineering and managerial solutions for blending certain volumes of produced ore. The recommended package of arrangements relative to technology, equipment and management makes the production process transparent, controllable and adjustable, which enables a great decline in variability of the product quality at an underground mine, and creates conditions for complete extraction of mineral resources from the subsoil.