Technological aspects of ensuring fire and explosion safety in the underground development of pyrite ore deposits

Abstract

Sulfide ores play an extremely important role in the development of the mineral resource base of Russia, as a source of rare, non-ferrous, and precious metals. However, the development of sulfide ore deposits is associated with the risk of sulfide dust explosions, the development of oxidative processes that lead to spontaneous combustion of ores. The article substantiates the urgency of solving the problem of reducing the risks of sulfide dust explosions, taking into account changes in the mineral balance of gold-sulfide deposits. To improve the safety of the development of sulfide-containing deposits, the authors developed new methodological approaches to the assessment of the explosion hazard of sulfide dust, based on the integration of model, laboratory and field experiments with a comprehensive analysis of the results. The developed methodology for studying the main factors of dust and explosion safety is an integral part of the industrial safety system, as it provides the possibility of forecasting, evaluating, and promptly determining the state of potential sources of fire and explosion hazard in the development of pyrite deposits.