Gipronickel Institute, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Yu. Yu. Golovchenko, Researcher at Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory, GolovchenkoYuYu@nornik.ru
A. E. Rumyantsev, Head of Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory, Candidate of Engineering Sciences

Center for Geodynamic Safety, Nornickel’s Polar Division, Norilsk, Russia
A. A. Kisel, Chief Engineer
A. K. Ustinov, Head of Department for Geotechnical Supervision of Mining Practice

The article addresses the relevant issue of stability of underground structures and surrounding rock mass under conditions of high-rate mining operations. Particular attention is given to the influence of the mining method on the stress–strain behavior (SSB) of rock mass, which is crucial for the safe operation of underground infrastructure. The study focuses on the Oktyabrsky Mine, where various mine openings are actively used, including garages for self-propelled diesel equipment and adjacent technical facilities. To analyze the impact of stoping operations on SSB of rock mass, the numerical modeling method was applied. This method allows highly accurate assessment of changes in stresses and strains in different zones of rock mass depending on the selected mining method. The modeling process involved various mining scenarios with regard to the shape of mine openings, their occurrence depth, physical and mechanical properties of rocks, and the specific features of technological processes. The results of the numerical analysis show that the mining method significantly affects the redistribution of stresses in rock mass and may lead to the formation of high-stress zones in neighborhood of underground structures, increasing the risk of their damage. Based on the obtained data, practical recommendations were formulated to optimize the technology of stoping operations in close proximity to technical facilities. The implementation of these recommendations will improve the stability of mine workings, reduce the likelihood of accidents, and ensure safer operation of underground structures of the mine.

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