The effectiveness of the use of geophysical research in the underground development of ore deposits

Abstract

The article is devoted to reviewing the issues related to the application of geophysical methods for solving the problems of monitoring the development of solid mineral deposits. The problems considered in the work are highly relevant in connection with the recent increase in the frequency of natural and man-made disasters caused by the disturbance of the rock mass during the construction of mine workings and the exploitation of ore deposits developed by underground methods. This is especially pertinent for deposits at a late stage of development. Based on an analysis of foreign and domestic scientific literature, the authors provide a detailed examination of the possibilities of using various modifications of geophysical methods in the mining industry at the stages of deposit development and operation. Particular attention is paid to the efficiency of seismic exploration methods in monitoring the development of ore deposits mined by underground methods at great depths. It is shown that the use of geophysical methods is one of the most effective ways to account for the behavior of natural and technical systems in underground workings, depending on the current state of the geological environment and artificial impacts on rock massifs. A well-founded conclusion is made that systematic monitoring and prevention of the technogenic state of underground workings, as well as the study of the current state of the rock mass and ore deposits in hard-to-reach areas using modern geophysical technologies, form the basis for the effective and safe development of long-exploited solid mineral deposits. The presented review is used for the scientific and practical substantiation of research work carried out by a team of specialists from KazNITU named after K.I. Satpayev, focused on developing a technology for assessing the geomechanical state of mined-out spaces using seismic methods during underground mining of minerals in the complex mining and geological conditions of copper sandstone deposits in Kazakhstan.