Methodology of geomechanical block modeling of rock mass in Taimyrsky Mine field

Abstract

High-quality geomechanics research counts for much regarding two critical factors in mineral mining—safety and efficiency. The Mining Geology Information Systems enable detecting structural features in rock mass to be taken into account in mine planning and operation, which minimizes risks and, as a consequence, enhances efficiency of mining. The article describes a methodology of constructing a geomechanical block model of the Taimyrsky Mine field, Norilsk Nickel’s Polar Division. The block modeling was implemented in MGIS software Micromine. The source data analyses used the empirical, statistical and analytical methods of verification, the structural domains were determined using the CUSUM method, the data were geostatistically interpolated to the geomechanical block model, and the results were verified. The geomechanical block modeling methodology for the Taimyrsky Mine field provides highly reliable processing of source data before modeling, localization of highly fractured zones in rock mass and detection of consistent areas. Ordinary kriging makes it possible to image the patterns of changes in rock mass parameters in the block model. In its turn, the geomechanical block model fosters the real-time assessment of the rock mass behavior, the prompt adjustment of location of underground excavations, as well as the choice and design of mine support systems for permanent, development and breakage headings based on the rock mass quality rating systems.