Technological aspect of forming internal open pits edge embankment by ejection blasting

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to analyze the effectiveness of the traditional technology of forming internal dumps or technogenic deposits on the inner sides of the depleted sections of the open pits, and to formulate a fundamentally new engineering solution to this problem by using phased blasting of the embankment with mass explosions of directed action on the ejection.

Methodology. In the research process, a comprehensive analysis of the functional significance of the technological components of the formation of intra-pit embankments on the exhausted pit sides was used for the subsequent theoretical substantiation of their parameters. To determine the spatial characteristics of technological components, a graph-analytical method was used with the construction of layout schemes and design solutions depending on variable geogenic and technogenic conditions.

Findings. Based on the shortcomings of traditional technologies of in-pit dump formation in iron ore quarries identified in the review analysis, a new constructive and methodological approach to the formation of artificial embankments for various purposes on their final design sides is proposed. At the same time, the main structural and functional features of the proposed technology and arguments regarding the feasibility of its implementation in deep quarries at the period of their completion are given. The reality of the application of the developed proposals is taken into account and substantiated, and the full material, technical and structural-element availability of everything necessary for this in Ukraine is given.

The originality.  For the first time, a set of prerequisites necessary for analytical and graphical substantiation of a new technology for forming a continuous ledge from the upper to the lower contour of the quarry on the eroded sides of embankments has been proposed and systematically argued, taking into account mandatory compliance with work safety standards, seismic consequences, and environmental acceptability. The general structure and algorithm of the planned theoretical studies and their experimental verification are presented.

Practical significance. The proposed technology is promising for implementation in most deep open pits of Kryvbas. Its relevance is due to the fact that after 2040, most of the mining and processing plants of Kryvbas will begin to decommission their quarries. And since this process will occur gradually, the open pits are located relatively close, and the land areas for dumps are practically exhausted, the movement of waste rocks from operating quarries to the spent ones becomes practically the only real solution to the problem and there is currently no other alternative to this.