Известия Томского политехнического университета: Инжиниринг георесурсов (Sep 2017)
On the issue of conversion of metal deposit development techniques
Abstract
The relevance of providing industry with metals for supplying the needs of population increases in radical changes in the economic system and continuous deterioration of conditions for exploring mineral deposits using the underground method. The aim of the research is to substantiate the appropriateness of organizational-economic and production-technological measures to convert mining industry to innovative techniques in mineral deposits exploration by the underground method. Research methods include the analysis of international experience and literature, obtaining and processing data based on multiple regression and correlation analysis, pilot plant testing of alternative technologies. Results. It was ascertained that the directions of mining industry conversion include application of solid mixtures for laying-out space and leaching of metals from ores. It is shown that the environmental concept of technological upgrading consists in transferring the processing of the main volume of ores into underground conditions; the efficiency of utilization of tailings consists in reducing the level of damage from tailings, the value of metals and non-metals obtained in processing, raw materials for construction industry and associated commercial products. The feasibility of development of conversion technologies is determined by the ratio of the compensation of costs and damages from waste storage, production capacity of the disposal enterprise and its technological level. Diversification of mining production to underground mining of deposits in near-term perspective requires the correction in engineering support of mining on mountain specialties. Production activities of mining engineers is related to the efficient use of resources, therefore, a mining engineer should be a technologist and processor, hydrogeologist, ecologist, etc. Conversion of technologies is implemented, provided that: the efficiency of ore extraction is based on the value of recoverable and not recoverable metals, and taking into account the effective quantity of damage to the environment. Conclusions: restoration of mining industry potential depends on implementation of innovative technologies, provided adequate engineers of the new generation.
