Mineral mining technologies in application at the Talnakh Mining and Processing Plant

The article reviews technological development of mines operated by the Talnakh Mining and Processing Plant. The approaches to geodynamic safety of copper–nickel sulfide ore mining at the depths to 2000 m are discussed. The geodynamic safety is ensured by local and regional rockburst hazard prediction using seismic monitoring and instrumental measurements. The flow charts of mining sites of different-type ore (high-grade, cupriferous, impregnated) in the Oktyabrsky Mine are described. The influence of tectonics, in particular tectonic joints, on stability of stopes and on ore dilution is analyzed. The details of backfill technology as the basic method of ground control are given. The studies on the use of industrial waste in cemented paste backfill are reported. The proof of the efficiency of metallurgical slags, sulfide flotation tailings and gypsum pulp (The Sulfur Program) in the backfill cost reduction and in addressing environmental problems is presented. It is described how the mine support systems evolved: from manual techniques to modern mechanized installation of fully grouted, friction and self-drilling rock bolts, shotcrete reinforced with fiber and various chemical additives (boosters, plastifiers). The future trends of using advanced support systems are reviewed, namely, this is glass fiber rock bolting which allows reducing metal consumption at the preserved required loading capacity. The methods of nondestructive testing of concrete lining and the lining–rock interface in mine shafts are discussed, including ground-penetrating radar and ultrasonic tomography. The process of digitalization of drilling and blasting is described starting from Micromine design and finishing with fully automatic drilling as per IREDES. The application issues of emulsion explosives and their initiation optimization are addressed. The promising trends of development are associated with digital transformation and phased implementation of the Smart Mine concept.