Abstract
Problem Statement (Relevance): Analysis of the copper-pyrite underground mining history showed that almost all the mines face adverse mining and geological conditions, under which the actual design principles for mining systems fail to deliver stable performance and desired sustainability considering the fluctuation of metal prices, the variability of metal concentrations, etc. A drop in performance indicators may necessitate suspention of mining operations. Due to a timely evaluation of the sustainability level of the mining system in place, the mine operator can determine what complex of equipment will offer the best value. The proposed approach, which is based on the mining system sustainability index, allows to determine what parameters of the reserves will help offset the negative impact of deteriorating market and geological conditions in underground copper-pyrite mining. Objectives: The objective of this research is to increase the efficiency of mining operations in a period of declining sustainability of the mining system resulting from falling metal prices and deteriorating geological conditions in underground copper-pyrite mining. Methods Applied: A comprehensive approach that includes analysis and synthesis of scientific, technological and practictical achievements in design and exploitation of copper-pyrite deposits, as well as the results obtained by both Russian and foreign researchers; mathematical modelling and feasibility studies with the methods of mathematical statistics applied for data processing. Originality: The original features of this research include the proposed mining system sustainability index, which takes into account operational, economic, mining and geological factors. Findings: The proposed sustainability index will help evaluate the current and expected sustainability of an underground mining system, quickly respond to changes of multiple impact factors and elaborate a further development strategy for the mining company. Practical Relevance: A timely evaluation of the mining system sustainability will help identify the best solutions to ensure its continuity.
Keywords
Mining system sustainability, controlable and uncontrolable factors, mining system sustainability index, periods of stability and instability.
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