Kochkar gold deposit: Development problems and solutions

Abstract

The author outlines the main problems connected with reconstruction of long-term Tsentralnaya and Vostochnaya mining projects at Kochkar gold deposit. The rockburst hazard of the deposit affects mining performance, and the impact of rock dynamics factors intensifies with the increasing scale of production. The industrial safety code prescribes transition to mining systems with caving or with backfill, with rockbursting prevention activities and real-time monitoring of rock mass geodynamics. The analysis of mineral reserves revealed within the framework of the long-term ore reserves adjustment and growth program at Kochkar deposit shows that the structure of ore reserves has changed. Most of the reserves (≈90 %) is extractable using room-and-pillar systems with preliminary blasting, which is associated with the increased seismic load on ground surface. The mine reconstruction is carried out in difficult geological conditions. For this reason, it is only possible to enhance performance using the advanced technological innovations and high-production self-propelling equipment. Safety of mining is achievable by transition to open stoping with cemented backfill with arrangement of a continuous geomechanical monitoring system and with prevention of dynamic events induced by confining pressure. The comprehensive engineering of the operating mine reconstruction project has revealed potentiality to increase the mine production capacities. The design performance of long-term mining in such difficult geological conditions is ensured by the cardinal modification of the geotechnical system and by re-equipment of basic and auxiliary production processes.