Assessment of potential methods for driving main developments at deep levels of the designed Zapadno-Petrikovskoye potash mine deposit

Introduction. The depth of mining of potash deposits is growing, and for mining operations it is necessary to ensure a long-term stable condition of main workings, taking into account the unsteadiness of geomechanical processes in salt rocks. Purpose of the research. Assessing the feasibility of a maintenance method for main capital workings in deep-level potash mining through optimal positioning within the salt-rock massif. Materials and Methods. The paper uses analysis of the measures to improve workings stability, clarifying the specifics of maintaining workings at an analog mine. The proposed technical solution for the protection of capital workings for the projected mine of the Zapadno-Petrikovskoye deposit was evaluated based on the results of an engineering forecast, calculation of technological and geo-mechanical parameters, and numerical (computer) modeling. Results. The main ways of maintaining preproduction workings at potash mines were considered, taking into account the specifics of mining, geological and mining technical conditions – it was concluded that minimizing the manifestations of rock pressure in the workings can be achieved through a rational choice of their location along the section of the salt column. Discussion. A technical solution has been developed for the promising Zapadno-Petrikovskoye deposit with the placement of workings above the productive reservoir. The first potential location for the main workings of the main directions may be rock salt above the thickness of anhydrite rocks. The second potential location for the main workings of the main directions may be the thickness of anhydrite rocks. Conclusion. 1. The proposed solution can significantly improve the efficiency and safety of mining operations. The positive experience of similar solutions at the analog mine was noted. 2. The main causes of the unstable state of workings at great depths in the potash mine were identified. 3. Based on the experience of working at an analog mine, the specifics of mining and geological conditions, the proposed option to increase the stability of workings is technically feasible. 4. The expediency of solutions may be due to a reduction in operating costs, an increase in the maintenance-free period, and an increase in the safety of mining operations. Resume. 1. The paper shows that the workings carried out in the salt-bearing massifs below the critical depth are actively deformed without additional measures to protect them. This is due to two main factors: the natural ability of salts to creep and the complex stress state of the rock mass. 2. The proposed solution for carrying out capital workings in durable anhydrite rocks and some technological and geo-mechanical calculations can be used in the design and planning of mining operations at other deep-lying potash deposits, both under construction and those that are under design

Anhydrite · Capital (architecture · Capital equipment · Evaporite · Potash · Shaft mining · Geotechnical and Geomechanical Engineering · Industrial Engineering and Technologies · Mining and Gasification Technologies