Talnakh Mining and Processing Plant, Nornickel’s Polar Division, Norilsk, Russia

I. V. Dzansolov, Director
T. S. Mushtekenov, Deputy Director of Long-Term Mining Practice Development

Academician Melnikov Research Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources—IPKON, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
P. G. Patskevich, Head of Laboratory, Candidate of Engineering Sciences
I. I. Ainbinder, Chief Researcher, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Professor, geoexpert@yandex.ru

Great depths and super-deep mine levels are defined. The features of natural conditions of mining, natural stress–strain behavior of rock mass, thermal environment and problems connected with logistics in transition to super-deep levels are described. An important factor of super-deep mining efficiency is the heading rate of horizontal and inclined entry and development openings, and the high quality of their perimeter. Substantiation of a support procedure of mine openings should take into account the fact that, alongside with the stabilization of boundaries of mine openings by the support–rock mass system, the mine support should also provide sealing and aerodynamic drag minimization. During super-deep stoping with backfill, the major problem is connected with transport of backfill mixtures, so it is necessary to address the issue of usability of underground backfill plants. Specific features of super-deep mining are grouped into issues of technology, logistics, power, geomechanics, ecology, social relations and economy. Solution of these issues is thought to be achievable through integrated upgrading of underground geotechnology, first of all, by means of automation and robotization. Full-blast automated and robotized mines should represent high-tech systems with a certain range of singularities to ensure safe, efficient and sustainable operation. A relevant challenge of the present day is the development of an underground geotechnology on the full automation and robotization basis. Regarding deep-seated ore bodies of the Talnakh and Oktyabrsky fields, the top priority is validation of highperformance stoping and pillar mining systems for extraction of disseminated ore or for joint extraction of all ore types. A jump in efficiency of mining can be facilitated by introduction of technologies of in-situ pre-treatment and pre-concentration of ore, with removal of sulfide-bearing rocks and using tailings for backfill preparation.

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