Using deep neural networks coupled with principal component analysis for ore production forecasting at open-pit mines

Ore production is usually affected by multiple influencing inputs at open-pit mines.Nevertheless,the complex nonlinear relationships between these inputs and ore production remain unclear.This becomes even more challenging when training data(e.g.truck haulage information and weather conditions)are massive.In machine learning(ML)algorithms,deep neural network(DNN)is a superior method for processing nonlinear and massive data by adjusting the amount of neurons and hidden layers.This study adopted DNN to forecast ore production using truck haulage information and weather conditions at open-pit mines as training data.Before the prediction models were built,principal component analysis(PCA)was employed to reduce the data dimensionality and eliminate the multicollinearity among highly correlated input variables.To verify the superiority of DNN,three ANNs containing only one hidden layer and six traditional ML models were established as benchmark models.The DNN model with multiple hidden layers performed better than the ANN models with a single hidden layer.The DNN model outperformed the extensively applied benchmark models in predicting ore production.This can provide engineers and researchers with an accurate method to forecast ore production,which helps make sound budgetary decisions and mine planning at open-pit mines.

A semi-infinite beam theoretical model on predicting rock slope subsidence induced by underground mining

When the mining goaf is close to the cliff,rock slope subsidence induced by underground mining is significantly affected by its boundary conditions.In this study,an analytical method is proposed by considering the key strata as a semi-infinite Euler-Bernoulli beam rested on a Winkler foundation with a local subsidence area.The analytical solutions of deflection are derived by analyzing the boundary and continuity conditions of the cliff.Then,the analytical solutions are verified by the results from experimental tests,FEM and InSAR,respectively.After that,the influence of changing parameters on deflections is studied with sensitivity analysis.The results show that the distance between goaf and cliff significantly affects the deflection of semi-infinite beam.The response of semi-infinite beam is obviously determined by the length of goaf and the bending stiffness of beam.The comparisons between semi-infinite beam and infinite beam illustrate the ascendancy of the improved model in such problems.

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.

Solution to the Horizontal Crossing Problem of Transportation System at Key Points in Open-Pit Mines

In order to reduce the horizontal crossing transportation problems between coal trucks and stripping trucks,large and small vehicles,and transport trucks and belt conveyors at key points of open pit mine in production,the separate transportation mode of underpass bridge and overpass steel trestle is proposed to optimize the open pit development transportation system,so as to solve the practical problems that the horizontal cross of transport vehicles causes vehicle blockage,affects production schedule and production safety.The results show that the horizontal crossing road can be changed into a separate type of overpass steel trestle,which can realize the classified transportation of large and small vehicles,reduce the traffic density,make vehicles with different functions go their own way,eliminate the hidden danger of traffic accidents,and improve the production efficiency.

High precision slope deformation monitoring model based on the GPS/Pseudolites technology in open-pit mine

As the number and geometric intensity of visual satellites are susceptible to large slopes in open-pit mines, we propose integration of GPS/Pseudolites (PLs) positioning technology which can increase the number of visible satellites, strengthen the geometric intensity of satellites and provide a precision solution for slope deformation monitoring. However, the un-modeled systematic errors are still the main limiting factors for high precision baseline solution. In order to eliminate the un-modeled systematic error, the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) theory is employed. The multi-scale decomposition and reconstruction architecture are defined here on the basis of the EMD theory and the systematic error mitigation model is demonstrated as well. A standard of the scale selection for the systematic error elimination is given in terms of the mean of the accumulated standardized modes. Thereafter, the scheme of the GPS/PLs baseline solution based on the EMD is suggested. The simulation and experiment results show that the precision factors (DOP) are reduced greatly when PLs is located suitably. The proposed scheme dramatically improves the reliability of ambiguity resolution and the precision of baseline vector after systematic error being eliminated, and provides an effective model for high precision slope deformation monitoring in open-pit mine.

Application of open-pit and underground mining technology for residual coal of end slopes

Given the conditions of residual coal from the boundary of a flat dipping open-pit mine,which uses strip areas mining and inner dumping with slope-covering,we propose an open-pit and underground integrated mining technology for residual coal of end slopes.In the proposal a conveyance road and ventilation conveyance near the slope are built,corresponding to the pit mining area and the surface coal mine dump,as well as an interval haulage tunnel and air-inlet tunnel.The outcome shows that such mining method may reduce the effect to slope stability from underground mining,it does not affect the dumping advance and has a high recovery rate of residual coal resources.The working face is timbered by single hydraulic props,transported by a scraper conveyor and supported by coal walls.This method of mining is one of layered top coal caving,with high resource recovery,low production cost where positive economic benefit can be realized.

Cut slope reinforcement technique in open-pit mines

The design and practice in supporting the cut slope of an open-pit mine wereintroduced, in which the high pressure grouting method was used in reinforcing the weak formation inthe slopes. Based on a detailed geological survey of the slope, a theoretical analysis was carriedout, and the design parameters were proposed, where the Tresca or Mohr-Coulomb yield criteria wasemployed. A patent technology, named 'Technology of high pressure and multiple grouting in differentlevels within a single hole', was employed in the construction. Anchor bars were also installed asgrouting proceeds. This method combines anchoring and grouting comprehensively and was foundsuccessful in practice.

Comparative study of mining methods for reserves beneath end slope in flat surface mines with ultra-thick coal seams

The paper aims to identify a reasonable method for mining ultra-thick coal seams in an end-slope in surface mine, With a case study of Heidaigou surface coal mine(HSCM), the paper conducted a comparative research on three mining methods, namely Underground Mining Method(UMM), Highwall Mining System(HMS) and Local Steep Slope Mining Method(LSSMM). A model was firstly established to simulate the impact that UMM and HMS exert on monitoring points and surface deformation. The way that stripping and excavation amount varies with different slope angle, and the corresponding end slope stability were analyzed in the mode of LSSMM. Then a TOPSIS model was established by taking into account six indicators such as recovery ratio, technical complexity and adaptability, the impact on surface mining production, production safety and economic benefits. Finally, LSSMM was determined as the best mining method for mining ultra-thick coal seams in end slope in HSCM.

Numerical simulation study of the influence on stability of slope by underground mining under opencast coal mine slope

In view of the study on mining transferred from open-pit to underground, the research on the problem of the stabil- ity of slope is less. This article combined the actual situation of the Gaohai Coal Mine in Fuxin City and set up a three-dimensional model of the part of Huizhou open-pit slope by the finite difference software. Through the three-dimensional numerical simulation study of the influence on the stability of slope by underground mining, the basic characteristics of the open-pit slope deformation and the situation of basic stability were discussed. The simulation results of the mining slope of the displacement and deformation analysis of the state for mining provide a reference to the slope stability research.

Sensitivity analysis for parameters of a monitoring system for steep slopes of open-pit mines

Monitoring the stability of steep slopes of open-pit mines is a major issue relating to production safety in mines.In order to determine the technical parameters of a new type of supervising system applied in monitoring steep slopes of open-pit mines,the MSARMA method was used to establish analytical models for the monitoring system,given various parameter settings based on the description of mechanical monitoring principles.We used this sensitivity analysis to conclude that the setting of the most sensitive location of a mechanical monitoring system should be within a range of 1/5～1/2 of the lower part in a vertical direction of steep slopes,with a rational and feasible range of the dip angle setting between 0°～20°.Given the analytical results of our on-site experiments,we have shown that the parameters determined reflect the stability of steep slopes accurately and effectively.These conclusions provide a basis for the application of a new type of steep slope stability monitoring technology in open-pit mines.

Effect of digital elevation models on monitoring slope displacements in open-pit mine by differential interferometry synthetic aperture radar

Displacement monitoring in open-pit mines is one of the important tasks for safe management of mining processes.Differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar(DInSAR),mounted on an artificial satellite,has the potential to be a cost-effective method for monitoring surface displacements over extensive areas,such as open-pit mines.DInSAR requires the ground surface elevation data in the process of its analysis as a digital elevation model(DEM).However,since the topography of the ground surface in open-pit mines changes largely due to excavations,measurement errors can occur due to insufficient information on the elevation of mining areas.In this paper,effect of different elevation models on the accuracy of the displacement monitoring results by DInSAR is investigated at a limestone quarry.In addition,validity of the DInSAR results using an appropriate DEM is examined by comparing them with the results obtained by global positioning system(GPS)monitoring conducted for three years at the same limestone quarry.It is found that the uncertainty of DEMs induces large errors in the displacement monitoring results if the baseline length of the satellites between the master and the slave data is longer than a few hundred meters.Comparing the monitoring results of DInSAR and GPS,the root mean square error(RMSE)of the discrepancy between the two sets of results is less than 10 mm if an appropriate DEM,considering the excavation processes,is used.It is proven that DInSAR can be applied for monitoring the displacements of mine slopes with centimeter-level accuracy.

Stability analysis of the sliding process of the west slope in Buzhaoba Open-Pit Mine

To study the stability of the west slope in Buzhaoba Open-Pit Mine and determine the aging stability coefficient during slide mass development, the deformation band of the west slope and the slide mass structure of the 34,600 profile are obtained on the basis of hydrology, geology, and monitoring data.The residual thrust method is utilized to calculate the stability coefficients, which are 1.225 and 1.00 under sound and transfixion conditions, respectively. According to the rock damage and fragmentation and the principle of mechanical parameter degradation, the mechanical models of the slide mass development of the hard and soft rock slopes are established. An integrated model for calculating the slope stability coefficient is built considering water, vibration, and other external factors that pertain to the structural plane damage mechanism and the generating mechanism of the sliding mass. The change curve of the stability coefficient in the slide mass development is obtained from the relevant analyses,and afterwards, the stability control measures are proposed. The analysis results indicate that in the cracking stage of the hard rock, the slope stability coefficient decreases linearly with the increase in the length Lbof the hard rock crack zone. The linear slope is positively correlated to rock cohesion c. In the transfixion stage of the soft rock, the decrease speed of the stability coefficient is positively correlated to the residual strength of the soft rock. When the slope is stable, the stability coefficient is in a quadratic-linear relationship with the decreased height Dh of the side slope and in a linear relationship with anchoring force P.

Study on the Law of the Movement and Damage to Slope with the Combination of Underground Mining and Open-Pit Mining

Under circumstances in which both underground mining and open-pit mining are employed, the mining effects of two approaches will be superposed and the mining slope will receive several induced stress fields, which makes the sliding mechanism and deformation law of slope rock mass more complicated. This paper, targeting at the east slope of Antaibao Mine with the joint employment of underground mining and open-pit mining, aims to study the moving law of the slope rock mass and the damage mechanism to the overburden of the goaf by numerical simulation. It is supposed that models of possible damage to the slope could be explored for guidance to safety-production of the mine.

SICOMINES铜钴矿含尾砂高大边坡稳定性分析及治理思路

刚果(金)SICOMINES铜钴矿M坑北部上部局部边坡处于不稳定状态,可能存在滑坡风险。本文采用二维极限平衡分析方法,对北部含尾砂高大边坡稳定性进行了边坡稳定性计算和分析,提出了整体边坡角不应大于31°的优化建议,并为后续边坡治理提供了参考。

基于Rhino和3Dmine的露天煤矿边坡三维数值模型构建

针对露天煤矿边坡人工地表起伏突出和自然地层相对平滑的几何特点,以Rhino和3Dmine软件为过渡平台,以Nurbs和DTM曲面差值处理方法分别对露天煤矿地表和地层进行处理,最终在Rhino中完成露天煤矿边坡三维数值模型网格的划分及输出,实现兼顾人工地表特征和自然地层特征的露天煤矿边坡三维数值模型的全程可视化构建。工程案例分析结果表明:此方法所构建的数值模型可充分体现露天煤矿三维边坡的几何特点。

Failure characteristics and its influencing factors of talus-derived rock mass during open-pit mining

The failure characteristic of talus-derived rock mass continues to challenge quantitative hazard assessments in open-pit mining. Physical model test was used to assess the failure modes and mechanisms on talus-derived rock mass. The different types of failure modes of the talus-derived rock mass were introduced and a possible failure mechanism relation between the failure zone and the structure of the talus-derived rock mass was also shown. The physical model test results indicate that the rainfall has significant influence on the stability and failure modes of talus-derived rock mass during open-pit mining. The development of the seepage area caused by rainfall initiates the localized failure in that particular area, and the initiation of localized instability is mainly induced by stress changes concentrated in the seepage area.

Deformation and failure of a high-steep slope induced by multi-layer coal mining

During underground mining,accurate revelation on the deformation and failure mechanisms of a high-steep slope under multi-layer mining conditions facilitates the prevention and control of geological disasters in mines.Numerical simulation based on discrete element theory can be used to explore the characteristics and mechanism of action of deformation and failure of a slope under complex geological and multi-layer mining conditions.By utilising PFC2 D(particle flow code) software,the deformation and failure characteristics of a high-steep slope in Faer Coal Mine in Guizhou Province,China were investigated.Additionally,the mechanism of influence of different numbers of mining layers on the deformation and failure of the high and steep slope was elucidated.The result showed that after the goaf passed by the slope toe,multi-layer mining aggravated the subsidence and deformation of the slope toe:the slope toppled forward as it sank.The toppling of the slope changed the slope structures:the strata in the front of the slope were transformed from anti-dip to down-dip features.Extruded by collapsedtoppled rock mass,the slope toe and the rock mass located in the lower part of the slope toe generally exhibited a locking effect on the slope.Multi-layer mining degraded the overall stability of the slope,in that the total displacement of the slope was much greater than the total mining thickness of the coal seams.Based on the aforementioned research,ideas for preventing and controlling geological disasters during mining operations under a high-steep slope were proposed.

GIS-based 3D limit equilibrium analysis for design optimization of a 600 m high slope in an open pit mine

Combining the GIS （geographic information systems） grid-based data with four proposed column-based 3D slope stability analysis models, a comprehensive solution of a high-steep open-pit slope has been obtained. For six searching ranges, 19 critical slip surfaces of different sizes have been studied, in which the minimum 3D safety factor is 1.33. Comparison of 3D safety factors of designed and proposed slope plans shows for all the critical slip surfaces for the proposed plan, the smallest 3D safety factor is 1.33 under the most unfavorable condition. This means that the proposed plan of the high slopes, about 600 m, of an open pit （2-5° steeper than designed plan） is feasible.

Stability analysis of rib pillars in highwall mining under dynamic and static loads in open‑pit coal mine

The retained coal in the end slope of an open-pit mine can be mined by the highwall mining techniques.However,the instability mechanism of the reserved rib pillar under dynamic loads of mining haul trucks and static loads of the overlying strata is not clear,which restricts the safe and efcient application of highwall mining.In this study,the load-bearing model of the rib pillar in highwall mining was established,the cusp catastrophe theory and the safety coefcient of the rib pillar were considered,and the criterion equations of the rib pillar stability were proposed.Based on the limit equilibrium theory,the limit stress of the rib pillar was analyzed,and the calculation equations of plastic zone width of the rib pillar in highwall mining were obtained.Based on the Winkler foundation beam theory,the elastic foundation beam model composed of the rib pillar and roof under the highwall mining was established,and the calculation equations for the compression of the rib pillar under dynamic and static loads were developed.The results showed that with the increase of the rib pillar width,the total compression of the rib pillar under dynamic and static loads decreases nonlinearly,and the compression of the rib pillar caused by static loads of the overlying strata and trucks has a decisive role.Numerical simulation and theoretical calculation were also performed in this study.In the numerical simulation,the coal seam with a buried depth of 122 m and a thickness of 3 m is mined by highwall mining techniques.According to the established rib pillar instability model of the highwall mining system,it is found that when the mining opening width is 3 m,the reasonable width of the rib pillar is at least 1.3 m,and the safety factor of the rib pillar is 1.3.The numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the results of theoretical calculation,which verifes the feasibility of the theoretical analysis of the rib pillar stability.This research provides a reference for the stability analysis of rib pillars under highwall mining.

Risk analysis of slope instability of levees under river sand mining conditions

Levees are affected by over-exploitation of river sand and river adjustments after the formation of sand pits. The slope stability is seriously threatened, drawing wide concern among experts and scholars in the area of water conservancy. This study analyzed the uncertainties of slope stability of levees under river sand mining conditions, including uncertainty caused by interest- driven over-exploitation by sand mining contractors, and uncertainty of the distance from the slope or sand pit to the bottom of the levee under the action of cross-flow force after the sand pit forms. Based on the results of uncertainty analysis, the distribution and related parameters of these uncertainties were estimated according to the Yangtze River sand mining practice. A risk model of the slope instability of a levee under river sand mining conditions was built, and the possibility of slope instability under different slope gradients in a certain reach of the Yangtze River was calculated with the Monte Carlo method and probability combination method. The results indicated that the probability of instability risk rose from 2.38% to 4.74% as the pits came into being.