Parameters of open-pit mining areas at the Partomchorr deposit (Murmansk region) when applying waterworks for flood flows and a new pit wall design
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction. The mining industry remains a key economic sector, especially amid digitalization and automation. Developing complex deposits requires innovative technologies. The Partomchorr apatite deposit (Khibiny) has challenging hydro-geological conditions, necessitating a combined approach: open-pit mining (OPM) transitioning to underground extraction. Purpose of the research. The study aims to determine optimal OPM parameters at the Partomchorr deposit using water-conducting structures and new pit wall designs to enhance field development efficiency. Materials and Methods. The following methods were applied: topographic modeling in the Mine Frame GIS, the S.D. Korobov method for determining pit boundaries, analysis of hydro-geological impacts, calculation of reserves, and techno-economic comparison of options. Results. Traditional pit walls identified 4 OPM areas with 3 million tons/year productivity and 9 years of reserve coverage. New wall designs with water channels increased reserves 2.6 times, reduced overburden by 18%, raised productivity to 6 million tons/year, and increased wall angles to 60°. Reserve coverage extended to 14 years. Internal dumping reduced external waste areas and transportation costs. Pit deepening rates reached 30 m/year, with a proposed 400,000 t homogenizing stockpile. Discussion. The new approach improved OPM efficiency by cutting overburden and boosting productivity. Conclusion. Implementing water-conducting structures and innovative pit walls enhanced techno-economic indicators, delaying underground mining by 7 years. Resume. Reserves grew 2.6 times. Overburden decreased by 18%. Productivity reached 6 million tons/year. Internal dumping reduced environmental impact. A homogenizing stockpile ensured ore quality stability. Results are recommended for similar deposits. Future studies should explore equipment parameters, rock self-transportation, temporary road schemes, and underground mining transition scenarios to optimize field development.
Authors: Andey Bilin, Grigoriy Nagovitsyn
Language: English
Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412568608