MICROMINE-based geomechanical supervision of mining

Abstract

Higher production performance in the mining industry increasingly stronger depends on the level of digitalization both at individual business units and at their holdings. That is why more and more solid mineral mining companies operating in the territory of the Russian Federation recently lay emphasis on introduction of the advanced information technologies such as mining and geological information systems (MGIS), database management systems, automated production control, etc. This article discusses feasibility of 3D geomechanical block modeling of solid mineral deposits in MGIS Micromine. The process of data preparation for the modeling and the functions of the data pre-analysis system using various statistical graphs to identify approaches and methods of modeling are described. The stages of construction of a geomechanical block model are listed. The results of each stage of modeling in Micromine are illustrated. In this manner, a flexible MGIS enables solving classic problems of mining practices and ensures geomechanical supervision of mining operations. Geomechanical modeling allows enhancement of mining safety and efficiency owing to reduction in geomechanical and geotechnical risks. Geomechanical models permit continuous updating as new data arrive, without total reconstruction, owing to application of various automation facilities implemented in MGIS (scripts and macros), which allows a mine to have a continuously actual block model.