Mining operations and geotechnical issues in deep hard rock mining – case of Boukhadra iron mine
More details
Hide details
1
Mining Laboratory, University Larbi Tébissi, Algeria
Department of Mines, University Larbi Tébissi, Algeria
2
Department of Earth Sciences, Institute of Architecture and Earth Sciences, Ferhat Abbas University, Algeria
Laboratory of Applied Research in Engineering Geology, Geotechnics,
Water Sciences, and Environment, Ferhat Abbas University, Algeria
Submission date: 2022-09-09
Final revision date: 2022-09-24
Acceptance date: 2022-09-29
Publication date: 2022-12-31
Corresponding author
Riheb Hadij
Department of Earth Sciences, Institute of Architecture and Earth Sciences, Ferhat Abbas University, 19137, Setif, Algeria
Geomatics, Landmanagement and Landscape 2022;(4)
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Underground mining operations are a very problematic task, especially in poor geotechnical conditions. The right choice of excavation and support techniques leads to adequate and secure mining operations. This should ensure the overall stability of the underground mine with the best productivity and stability performance. In this paper, an empirical model for obtaining support systems for underground galleries was applied. Then, a numerical model for the evaluation of the performance of support measures for rock masses in the Boukhadra iron mine was introduced. Extensive field and laboratory tests were performed to obtain geological, geotechnical, and mechanical data on the entire geologic formations of the (1105 m) level. The performance of the design is supported by the selection of a common support plan between RMR, Q, and UBC systems for each geotechnical unit. Therefore, the rock masses classification based on the geo-mechanical model has determined the suitable support systems. The finite element model (FEM) was used for the analysis of rock mass behaviour, displacements, stress, and plastic point distribution. The results permit the optimization of the plastic zone thickness around the gallery. The outcomes of this study could improve the stability of the mine by choosing the right direction of excavation in consideration to the direction of the discontinuity planes. In order to choose between the current and the recommended mining operations, an equivalent calculation sequence was verified. Our study demonstrated that the consideration of discontinuity sets in the orientation of excavation highly improves the mining conditions with or without support.