Integrated approach to optimize mineral extraction efficiency in Canada's underground diamond mines

由于用于提取矿藏的采矿方法和金伯利岩管道特有的构造应力制度的结合，加拿大地下钻石矿目前正在经历重大的地面移动，在某些情况下，一些矿山的地下洞口报告了严重的地面故障。这些地面故障不仅危及矿山职工的安全，而且降低了矿山的开采效率和收入。地下开采的高成本和低经济性使情况更加糟糕。本建议的目标是开发一种综合方法，以有效地增加提取。首先，通过一系列综合实验室和现场现场调查，对宿主岩和胶结充填体（CRF）进行系统表征。在此基础上，在数值模拟中推导出岩体和CRF的应力-应变-体积变化本构律。此外，还将对矿柱回采后的地下工程稳定性进行评估。最后，地面性能将被监测，数据将作为反馈和调整返回到预测模型。因此，将编制一项实用的设计准则，以协助Diavik和其他加拿大地下钻石矿的矿柱回收。

Due to a combination of mining methods used to extract the mineral deposits and the tectonic stress regime unique to the kimberlite pipes the Canadian underground diamond mines are currently experiencing significant ground movements and in some instances some mines are reporting severe ground failures at their underground openings. These ground failures are not only hazards to the safety of mining employees but also reduce the extraction efficiency of the mineral and revenues at these mines. The high cost of underground operations and the low economy make the situation even worse.The goal of this proposal is to develop an integrated approach in increasing extraction efficiently. Firstly, asystematic characterization of the host rock and cemented rock fill (CRF) will be conducted through a series of comprehensive laboratory and field in-situ investigations. After that, a stress-strain-volume change constitutive law will be derived from these characterizations for both rock mass and CRF in numeric modeling. Moreover, an assessment of the stability of underground workings will be implemented after pillar recoveries. At the end, ground performances will be monitored and data will go back to the prediction model as feedback and adjustments. As a result, a practical design guideline will be prepared to assist the pillar recovery for Diavik and other underground Canadian diamond mines.