Diagnostics of the technical condition of the tailing dam of the Vilnogirsky ore mining and metallurgical plant by geophysical methods and measures to increase the level of environmentally safe operation

Purpose. To substantiate the possibility and feasibility of using the geophysical method of the natural pulsed electromagnetic field of the Earth (NPEMFE) to diagnose the technical condition of the soil dam of the Vilnohirsk Mining and Metallurgical Plant and to develop measures to improve the level of environmental safety of the tailings dump's further operation. The methods. Modern standardised research methods were used, including field measurements and analytical interpretation of geophysical data. The paper uses the data from the results of observations of the embedded control and measuring equipment (piezometers, geodetic marks) located in the body of the hydraulic structure. Findings. Visual inspections and data from control and measuring equipment have a significant correlation with the results of studies of the technical condition of the soil dam using the geophysical method of NPEMFE. Based on the resulting data, various options for technical solutions and measures to improve the reliability and safety of the soil dam operation have been developed. The originality. Scientific and practical substantiation of the possibility of applying the NPEMFE method to identify areas of increased filtration, zones of compaction and potential formation of detachment cracks and shear planes in the body of the tailings dam, which do not show external signs of technical condition. Improvement of the methodology for monitoring and instrumental studies of the reliable and safe operation of the tailing dump allows developing reasonable measures to improve the level of environmental and operational safety of the enclosing dams. Practical implementation. The application and implementation of the NPEMFE geophysical method in the system of diagnostic monitoring observations of the technical condition of the soil dam significantly increases the reliability and informativeness of the data obtained on the stress-strain state of the dam, makes it possible to track changes and identify areas of increased filtration and watering. This approach makes it possible to predict the state of the structure at different levels of operation, as well as to develop both operational and long-term measures to improve environmental and technical safety, especially in the context of a constant increase in the height of protective dams and an increase in the useful capacity of tailings ponds.