Safety Analysis of Synergetic Operation of Backfilling the Open Pit Using Tailings and Excavating the Ore Deposit Underground

• Main Authors: Qinli Zhang, Bingyi Zhang, Qiusong Chen, Daolin Wang, Xiang Gao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-07-01
• Series: Minerals
• Subjects: cemented paste backfill; backfill strength; transition from open pit to underground mining; tailings disposal; numerical simulation
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/11/8/818

The transition from open pit mining to underground mining is essential for mineral resources to achieve deep excavation. Recently, cemented paste backfill (CPB) has been proposed as a novel technology to achieve open pit backfill (OPB). The proposed method not only eliminates the danger of the open-pit slope but also reduces the disposal of waste tailings. In order to ensure safe mining during the synergetic operation of OPB and underground mining, it is of great significance to improve this technology. In the present study, an open-pit metal mine in Anhui Province was taken as the research object. Then, the safety of underground stope roofs, underground backfill pillars, and open-pit slopes was evaluated during OPB. To this end, numerical simulations were performed and experiments were conducted on a similar physical model. Accordingly, the backfill mechanical parameters were optimized. The obtained results show that backfill height exerts the most significant effect on the safety of roofs and underground backfill pillars, accompanied by small displacements along the vertical direction during the backfill process. Moreover, concentration was observed at the foot of the slope, while the overall structure remained stable with no considerable displacement. The overall safety factors met the safety requirements. Based on the obtained results, the optimal foundation strength, foundation height, backfill strength and backfill height were 4 MPa, 10 m, 1.5 MPa, and 120 m, respectively. Moreover, it was concluded that displacements in the abovementioned three regions tend to be stable when the backfill height exceeds 150 m without damage. The present article provides a certain theoretical and application guideline for OPB practices in similar metal mines and suggests possibilities for cleaner production.