Abstract
Problem Statement (Relevance): The expansion of the quartz sector is possible due to the development of small quartz veins. One of the main problems that arise in this case is how to justify the development of such small-scale sites from the economical and environmental standpoints. The solution can be the use of the capacities and infrastructure of the existing mining sites provided this type of ores can be delivered to the concentrator plant. At the same time, the priority task is to justify the method of mining to be used for quartz veins. Even that the open-cut method may seem to be the one to be exploited here considering the small depth (up to 100 m) and the amount of reserves (up to 35 thousand tons), the advantages delivered by it can be offset by a relatively large amount of overburden, the need to allocate the corresponding areas of the forest land to accommodate overburden dumps, and, consequently, a significant reduction in economic and environmental efficiency. Using the case study of the vein no. 193 at the Kuznechikhinskoe granular quartz deposit, this paper provides a comprehensive feasibility study of the underground mining of a small deposit containing valuable minerals. Objectives: The objectives of this research were to develop some technical solutions and substantiate the feasibility of mining small quartz veins. Methods Applied: Analytical and experimental studies and a feasibility study have been carried out. Findings: In this application, the underground mining method delivered economic and environmental advantages compared with the open-cut method. The developed underground mining technique ensures feasibility of developing the vein no. 193 at the Kuznechikhinskoe deposit provided a separate site is set up within the existing Kyshtym GOK property. The efficiency of this development is achieved through the use of efficient opening method and scheme, mobile machinery for preparatory and stoping operations, an open stope system with ore drawn through loading drifts, a method of mass breaking by decked charges, and load-haul-dump machinery for rock transportation. Because the open-cut method is not applied, the environmental impact is minimized due to reduced acquisition of land, the preservation of forest lands, the reclamation of waste rock and the use of the tailings pond by the operating concentrator plant. Practical Relevance: The obtained results can be useful in substantiating the growth strategy for the high-grade quartz sector, as well as in exploration and design of underground mines to develop small-scale deposits.
Keywords
Small deposit, granular quartz, opening method and opening scheme, mining system, decked charge.
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