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

由于开采矿藏所用的采矿方法和金伯利岩管道所特有的构造应力制度的综合作用，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，一些矿场报告其地下洞口发生严重的地面塌陷。这些地面故障不仅危及采矿员工的安全，而且还降低了这些矿山的矿物开采效率和收入。地下作业的高成本和低经济使情况变得更糟。 这项提议的目标是制定一种综合办法，以提高采掘效率。首先，一个 将通过一系列全面的实验室和现场调查，对主岩和胶结石充填体(CRF)进行系统的表征。在此基础上，通过数值模拟，得到了岩体和CRF的应力-应变-体积变化本构关系。此外，在矿柱恢复后，将对地下巷道的稳定性进行评估。最后，对地面性能进行监测，并将数据作为反馈和调整返回预测模型。因此，将编制一份实用的设计准则，以帮助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, a systematic 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.