Optimization model of unascertained measurement for underground mining method selection and its application

An optimization model of underground mining method selection was established on the basis of the unascertained measurement theory.Considering the geologic conditions,technology,economy and safety production,ten main factors influencing the selection of mining method were taken into account,and the comprehensive evaluation index system of mining method selection was constructed.The unascertained evaluation indices corresponding to the selected factors for the actual situation were solved both qualitatively and quantitatively.New measurement standards were constructed.Then,the unascertained measurement function of each evaluation index was established.The index weights of the factors were calculated by entropy theory,and credible degree recognition criteria were established according to the unascertained measurement theory.The results of mining method evaluation were obtained using the credible degree criteria,thus the best underground mining method was determined.Furthermore,this model was employed for the comprehensive evaluation and selection of the chosen standard mining methods in Xinli Gold Mine in Sanshandao of China.The results show that the relative superiority degrees of mining methods can be calculated using the unascertained measurement optimization model,so the optimal method can be easily determined.Meanwhile,the proposed method can take into account large amount of uncertain information in mining method selection,which can provide an effective way for selecting the optimal underground mining method.

Monte Carlo Analytic Hierarchy Process (MAHP) approach to selection of optimum mining method

One of the most critical and complicated steps in mine design is a selection of suitable mining method based upon geological,geotechnical,geographical,safety and economical parameters.The aim of this study is developing a Monte Carlo simulation to selection the optimum mining method by using effective and major criteria and at the same time,taking subjective judgments of decision makers into consideration.Proposed approach is based on the combination of Monte Carlo simulation with conventional Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP).Monte Carlo simulation is used to determine the confdence level of each alternative’s score,is calculated by AHP,with the respect to the variance of decision makers’opinion.The proposed method is applied for Jajarm Bauxite Mine in Iran and eventually the most appropriate mining methods for this mine are ranked.

Analysis of the Impact on Hydraulic Facilities Due to Underground Mining Based on the Influence Function Method

A mathematical model based on influence function method was established to predict the surface movement and deformation due to underground mining, and the impact on the upper hydraulic facilities in one coal mine was analyzed used the model. The analysis indicates: the maximum surface subsidence reaches 3.5 m, and the predicted maximum horizontal surface deformation reaches 7.0 mm/m, which would result in crack, deformation and uneven settlement in the soil foundation of the upper hydraulic facilities and influence the quality directly. Therefore, reasonable engineering measurements should be adopted to ensure the safe operation.

On the design and selection of vehicle coordination policies for underground mine production ramps

Traffic management in underground mines,especially on production ramps,is a difficult problem to optimize and control.Most operations use one of a few common policies;e.g.,the so-called ‘‘lock-out" and‘‘loaded-vehicle-priority" policies.The work presented in this paper uses discrete-event simulation to study the efficiency of multiple policies.Based on simulation results,an improvement to the common lock-out policy is proposed.This new policy utilizes the rules of the lock-out policy but integrates an option that allows a group of vehicles to be given temporary priority in a certain direction of travel.Quantitative results are provided and,based on these,a systematic technique for ramp design that aims to optimize the efficiency of underground mine ramp traffic flow is described.

Optimization principle of combined surface and underground mining and its applications

The pit limit optimization is discussed, which is one of the most important problems in the combined min-ing method, on the basis of the economic model of ore-blocks. A new principle of the limit optimization is put for-ward through analyzing the limitations of moving cone method under such conditions. With a view to recovering asmuch mineral resource as possible and making the maximum profit from the whole deposit, the new principle is tomaximize the sum of gain from both open-pit and underground mining. The mathematical models along the horizon-tal and vertical directions and modules for software package (DM&MCAD) have been developed and tested inTonglushan Copper Mine. It has been proved to be rather effective in the mining practice.

Mechanical performance of a double-face reinforced retaining wall in an area disturbed by mining

The application of a double-face reinforced retaining wall during road construction can reduce engineering costs, speed road paving and have a good influence on environment. An ABAQUS numerical model of a double-face reinforced retaining wall was built. The influence of surface subsidence induced by mining was considered. A physical model test was also performed in the laboratory on a reinforced retaining wall. The influence of subsidence induced by mining was observed. The numerical results match measurements in the laboratory very well. The vertical pressure on the base of the retaining wall, the horizontal displacement of the wall and the horizontal soil pressure acting on the wall were analyzed. The differential settlement of the reinforced belt and axial forces in the wall were also studied.

Optimal mining sequence for coal faces under a bedding slope:insight from landslide prevention

Repetitive mining beneath bedding slopes is identified as a critical factor in geomorphic disturbances, especially landslides and surface subsidence. Prior research has largely concentrated on surface deformation in plains due to multi-seam coal mining and the instability of natural bedding slopes, yet the cumulative impact of different mining sequences on bedding slopes has been less explored. This study combines drone surveys and geological data to construct a comprehensive three-dimensional model of bedding slopes. Utilizing FLAC3D and PFC2D models, derived from laboratory experiments, it simulates stress, deformation, and failure dynamics of slopes under various mining sequences. Incorporating fractal dimension analysis, the research evaluates the stability of slopes in relation to different mining sequences. The findings reveal that mining in an upslope direction minimizes disruption to overlying strata. Initiating extraction from lower segments increases tensile-shear stress in coal pillar overburdens, resulting in greater creep deformation towards the downslope than when starting from upper segments, potentially leading to localized landslides and widespread creep deformation in mined-out areas. The downslope upward mining sequence exhibits the least fractal dimensions, indicating minimal disturbance to both strata and surface. While all five mining scenarios maintain good slope stability under normal conditions, recalibrated stability assessments based on fractal dimensions suggest that downslope upward mining offers the highest stability under rainfall, contrasting with the lower stability and potential instability risks of upslope downward mining. These insights are pivotal for mining operations and geological hazard mitigation in multi-seam coal exploitation on bedding slopes.

Deformation features and failure mechanism of steep rock slope under the mining activities and rainfall

Underground mining activities and rainfall have potential important influence on the initiation and reactivation of the slope deformations,especially on the steep rock slope. In this paper,using the discrete element method(UDEC),numerical simulation was carried out to investigate deformation features and the failure mechanism of the steep rock slope under mining activities and rainfall. A steep rock slope numerical model was created based on a case study at the Wulong area in Chongqing city,China. Mechanical parameters of the rock mass have been determined by situ measurements and laboratory measurements. A preliminary site monitoring system has been realized,aiming at getting structure movements and stresses of unstablerock masses at the most significant discontinuities. According to the numerical model calibrated based on the monitoring data,four types of operation conditions are designed to reveal the effect of mining excavation and extreme rainfall on the deformation of the steep rock slope.

Optimum mining method selection using fuzzy analytical hierarchy process–Qapiliq salt mine,Iran

Mining method selection is the first and the most critical problem in mine design and depends on some parameters such as geotechnical and geological features and economic and geographic factors. In this paper, the factors affecting mining method selection are determined. These factors include shape, thick- ness, depth, slope, RMR and RSS of the orebody, RMR and RSS of the hanging wall and footwall. Then, the priorities of these factors are calculated. In order to calculate the priorities of factors and select the best mining method for Qapiliq salt mine, Iran, based on these priorities, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process （AHP） technique is used. For this purpose, a questionnaire was prepared and was given to the associated experts. Finally, after a comparison carried out based on the effective factors, between the four mining methods including area mining, room and pillar, cut and fill and stope and pillar methods, the stope and nillar mining method was selected as the most suitable method to this mine.

Evaluating performance of lignite pillars with 2D approximation techniques and 3D numerical analyses

This paper attempts to investigate the use of approximate 2D numerical simulation techniques for the evaluation of lignite pillar geomechanical response, formed via the room and pillar mining method.Performance and applicability of the developing methodology are assessed through benchmarking with a more direct and accurate 3D numerical model. This analysis utilizes an underground lignite mine which is being developed in soft rock environment. Through the decisions made for the optimum room and pillar layout, the design process highlights the strong points and the weaknesses of 2D finite element analysis, and provides useful recommendations for future reference. The interpretations of results demonstrate that 2D approximation techniques come near quite well to the actual 3D problem.However, external load approximation technique seems to fit even better with the respective outcomes from the 3D analyses.

Safety analysis of Sormeh underground mine to improve sublevel stoping stability

In underground mines,sublevel stoping is used among a variety of different methods for mining an orebody,which creates large underground openings.In this case,the stability of these openings is affected by a number of factors,including the geometrical characteristics of the rock and mining-induced stresses.In this study,a sensitivity analysis was conducted with the numerical,squat pillar,and Mathews stability methods using the Taguchi technique to properly understand the influence of geometric parameters and stress on stope stability according to Sormeh underground mine data.The results show a full factorial analysis is more reliable since stope stability is a complex process.Furthermore,the numerical results indicate that overburden stress has the most impact on stope stability,followed by stope height.However,the results obtained with Mathews and squat pillar methods show that stope height has the greatest impact,followed by overburden stress and span.It appears that these methods overestimate the impact of stope height.Therefore,it is highly recommended that Mathews and squat pillar methods should not be used in high stope that is divided with several sill pillars.Nonetheless,Mathews method cannot accurately predict how the sill pillar impacts the stope stability.In addition,numerical analysis shows that all geometric parameters affect the roof safety factor,whereas the sill pillar has no significant influence on the safety factor of the hanging wall,which is primarily determined by the stope height–span ratio.

A new evaluation method for site selection of large underground water-sealed petroleum storage depots

Scientific site selection is the first step in constructing underground water-sealed petroleum storage depots, but no uniform standard and code for such activity has been established. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to propose an evaluation method for the site selection of an underground water-sealed petroleum storage depot. The first large underground water-sealed petroleum storage depot being built in China served as the background of this study. The following 12 indexes were used as evaluation factors based on comprehensive evaluation criteria and specifications for key project site selection: geographic structure development feature, topographic feature, lithostratic formation feature, crustal stress, strength of rock mass, joint development feature, hydrogeological conditions, long-term water sealing conditions, environmental/ecological vulnerability, regional stability, technical and economic conditions, and meteorological and hydrological conditions. The weight back analysis and power coefficient methods were also used to evaluate the site selected for the first underground water-sealed petroleum storage depot project. Petroleum site classification models based on the two aforementioned methods were established and used to verify the feasibility of the evaluation criteria and methods, and the evaluation results show the grade of the site selected for the underground water-sealed petroleum storage depot in Huangdao, China is good. The study results may be used as a reference for the site selection of future underground water-sealed petroleum storage depots.

Numerical investigation of the effectiveness of radon control measures in cave mines

Ventilation is one of the radon control measures in an underground working environment.However,the dynamics related to the cave mining methods particularly in block/panel cave mines,complicate the design of effective ventilation system,and implementation.Events such as hang ups(in the drawbells),leakage from old workings,and changes in cave porosity lead to differing response of an existing ventilation designs.However,it is difficult to investigate these conditions at the mine or with a laboratory scale study.Therefore,this study develops a discrete model to investigate the impact of different radon control measures in cave mines using computational fluid dynamics techniques.We considered two ventilation conditions for a fully developed cave:with and without the undercut ventilation.For each of the two conditions,we studied four parameters:airflow distribution through the production drifts,radon distribution through the production drifts,the effect of increasing airflow on radon concentration,and the effect of a cave top negative pressure on radon distribution.The results show that:the undercut ventilation significantly increases the radon concentration in the production drift;the growth of radon concentration through the production drift is nonlinear(oscillating pattern);maintaining a negative pressure on top of the cave is more effective at mitigating radon exposure,when the undercut ventilation is active;and increase in air volume flow rate decreases radon concentration in most regions,however,there might be regions with significant radon accumulation due to pressure variation across the drifts.These findings provide vital information for designing an effective ventilation system and for proactive implementation of radon control measures in cave mines.

Analysis of the damage mechanism of strainbursts by a global-local modeling approach

Strainburst is the most common type of rockbursts.The research of strainburst damage mechanisms is helpful to improve and optimize the rock support design in the burst-prone ground.In this study,an improved global-local modeling approach was first adopted to study strainburst damage mechanisms.The extracted stresses induced by multiple excavations from a three-dimensional(3D)global model established by fast Lagrangian analysis of continua in 3 dimensions(FLAC3D)are used as boundary conditions for a two-dimensional(2D)local model of a deep roadway built by universal distinct element code(UDEC)to simulate realistic stress loading paths and conduct a detailed analysis of rockburst damage from both micro and macro perspectives.The results suggest that the deformation and damage level of the roadway gradually increase with the growth of surrounding rock stress caused by the superposition of mining-or excavation-induced stresses of the panel and nearby roadways.The significant increase of surrounding rock stresses will result in more accumulated strain energy in two sidewalls,providing a necessary condition for the strainburst occurrence in the dynamic stage.The strainburst damage mechanism for the study site combines three types of damage:rock ejection,rock bulking,and rockfall.During the strainburst,initiation,propagation,and development of tensile cracks play a crucial role in controlling macroscopic failure of surrounding rock masses,although the shear crack always accounts for the main proportion of damage levels.The deformation and damage level of the roadway during a strainburst positively correlate with the increasing peak particle velocities(PPVs).The yielding steel arch might not dissipate kinetic energy and mitigate strainburst damage effectively due to the limited energy absorption capacity.The principles to control and mitigate strainburst damage are proposed in this paper.This study presents a systematic framework to investigate strainburst damage mechanisms using the global-local modeling approach.

Applying a statistical method to streamflow reduction caused by underground mining for coal in the Kuye River basin

Streamflow in the Kuye River basin has been sharply reduced by the effects of climate change and human activities.Since 1997,the intensification of coal mining has resulted in substantial reductions to streamflow alongside an ever-increasing demand for water.In this study,we present a derived statistical method,incorporating the Mann-Kendall and Pettitt method(MK-P) and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool(SWAT),and apply it to estimating the streamflow reductions caused by underground mining for coal in the Kuye River basin.The results show that underground mining is an important cause of the streamflow reductions observed since1997,being responsible for reductions of 21.15 mm/yr(~56%of the total) during 1997-2009.The results of the SWAT simulation were assessed by several performance criteria:Nash-Suttcliffe Efficiency(Nse),correlation coefficient(R^2),relative error(RE),P-factor and Pv-factor.The close match between the simulations and observed data supports the reasonability of our findings.We suggest that engineering strategies be adopted to limit streamflow loss into goafs via fractured zones in the coalfield.

深部采矿岩石力学进展

随着煤炭开采日益向深部发展,深部采矿引发的围岩大变形破坏和强冲击动力灾害日益严峻。在深部高地应力、高地温、高渗透压、强采动、强流变及多场耦合的复杂地质力学环境下,深部采场的应力场特征、煤岩体破碎性质、岩层移动及能量的积聚释放规律等均发生了显著变化。针对深部采矿中的岩石力学问题,论述了笔者及团队在深部采煤方法、深部巷道破坏机理与围岩控制、深井热害与地热利用三大方向取得的进展,主要包括:(1)提出了平衡开采理论和实现平衡开采的110/N00工法,进行了千米深井现场工程应用;(2)构建了深部“非均压建井”模式,研发了实现深井稳定提升的SAP系统,形成了可大幅简化井巷工程量和提高矿井采出率的建井方法;(3)研发了多套适用于研究深部岩体在水、高温、高压、结构效应及多场耦合作用下发生宏观破坏的实验系统和可进行微观层面演算的超算系统,揭示了深部软岩大变形破坏机理及多尺度力学特性;(4)研制了深部岩体冲击型和应变型岩爆实验系统,阐述了深部岩体冲击能量沿开挖临空面瞬间释放的非线性动力学行为;(5)提出了深部巷道开挖补偿支护理论,进一步发展了具有高恒阻、高延伸率、强吸能和耐冲击超常力学特性的NPR支护材料和技术;(6)研发了模拟深部高温、高湿和高压环境下的岩体热力学实验系统,提出了热害治理和热能资源化利用方法,建立了深部热害治理与热能综合利用系统(HEMS)。相关研究成果已在深部开采领域得以应用,可为深部采矿面临的复杂岩石力学问题提供借鉴。

煤矿井下多重约束的视觉SLAM关键帧选取方法

煤矿智能化的重大需求对煤矿井下移动机器人智能感知提出了更高的要求,视觉同时定位与建图(Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping,VSLAM)是煤矿机器人智能感知的关键技术。然而,煤矿井下存在非结构化环境特征、纹理弱、光照不均匀、空间狭小等问题,现有依赖启发式阈值进行关键帧选取的方法无法满足煤矿下视觉SLAM的定位与建图需求。为此,提出一种煤矿井下多重约束的视觉SLAM关键帧选取方法,实现了煤矿井下移动机器人实时稳健的位姿估计,并为煤矿井下数字孪生提供数据基础。首先,提出的方法根据几何结构约束,采用自适应阈值取代静态启发式阈值进行关键帧选取,以实现视觉SLAM关键帧选取的有效性和鲁棒性。其次,通过重心平衡原则对有效特征点分布进行均匀化处理,以进一步确保视觉SLAM关键帧选取的稳定性以及创建地图点的稠密性和准确性。最后,利用航向角阈值对转向处做进一步约束,降低视角突变对视觉SLAM精度的影响。为验证本文方法的有效性,利用自主搭建的移动机器人数据采集平台在室内场景及煤矿井下分别进行了实验,并从绝对轨迹误差(Absolute Trajectory Error,ATE)和均方根误差(Root Mean Square Error,RMSE)等方面进行了定量和定性评价。结果表明:相比于启发式视觉SLAM关键帧选取方法,提出的方法在室内场景中轨迹RMSE提高了29%,在煤矿井下环境中轨迹RMSE提高了44%,具有较高的鲁棒性、定位精度和全局一致的建图效果。

地下空间开发地质适宜性评价指标选取与赋权

地下空间评价是服务地下空间开发的先导性工作,近二十年以来,国内多个城市开展了不同尺度的地下空间开发地质适宜性评价,由于评价语义不明确以及地质条件和技术人员认识差异等原因,各城市在评价指标选取和赋权方法选择上不尽相同,制约了评价成果的推广和应用。本文基于系统理论提出地下空间开发地质适宜性评价是以地下空间系统边界、组成要素为研究对象,对系统在外部扰动作用下保持相对平衡状态能力进行评判的一项工作,阐明了具体评价要素和内容;在此基础上,重点针对评价指标体系中的层级组织、粒度选择,指标赋权中的方法选择、优化及校验评估等关键问题,构建了一套方法流程体系。海口江东新区的实践表明,以“限制级、安全级、成本级”划分第一准则层,以“复合迭代熵权法”进行权值计算,以统计评估、专业评估和多方法对比进行权值评估的方法,既体现了专业知识的导向性,也体现了数据的客观性与区分性,可为我国滨海平原城市地下空间开发地质适宜性评价提供方法参考。

井工煤矿全生命周期甲烷捕集核算及减排路径

甲烷减排是我国碳减排目标的重要组成部分,建立甲烷捕集核算体系是实现甲烷减排的前提。以甲烷近零排放为目标,结合《国家温室气体清单指南:IPCC—2019》和煤炭企业温室气体排放核算国家标准,提出了井工煤矿全生命周期中地质勘探、煤炭开采、矿后活动和煤矿废弃各阶段甲烷捕集的具体核算方法,构建了井工煤矿全生命周期甲烷捕集核算模型。在此基础上,提出了井工煤矿甲烷减排路径及其实施方案。研究结果可为井工煤矿甲烷治理与低碳发展提供指导。

瞬变电磁法在非煤地下矿山隐蔽致灾因素普查中的应用

我国非煤地下矿山数量大、类型多、工艺复杂,部分矿山开采历史久远,基础资料缺乏,存在矿山隐蔽致灾因素辨识不清、各矿山隐蔽致灾因素普查成果水平参差不齐等问题。研究表明瞬变电磁法具有施工便捷、低阻敏感、探测距离较深等技术特点,可以查明地下矿山历史采空区位置、范围、边界和含水性等信息,科学高效支撑非煤地下矿山蔽致灾因素普查工作。