Research into influence of drilling-and-blasting operations on the stability of the Kusmuryn open-pit sides in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Abstract

Purpose. Research into influence of drilling-and-blasting operations on the nature of deformation in near-side masses of the design open-pit contours and assessing the seismic impact of blasting operations, which are the basis for development of recommendations on the rational parameters of drilling-and-blasting operations. Methods. The influence of drilling-and-blasting operations at the limiting contour of the Kusmuryn field is studied using the analysis of the mining-and-geological conditions and tectonics of the rocks constituing the field, in-situ surveying the state of the open-pit sides, analysis of the physical and mechanical properties of the host rocks, analytical studies and instrumental measurements of the blasting effect. Findings. Based on the analytical methods, the calculation and analysis of the seismic stability of the rocks at the field have been performed. By means of instrumental measurement of the blasting effect in open pit, data have been obtained on the seismic impact of blasting operations on the near-side masses. According to the results of these works, rational parameters of drilling-and-blasting operations at the limiting contour of the open pit have been determined. In addition, the main provisions for the organization of drilling-and-blasting operations at the limiting contour of the open pit have been developed. Originality. In this work, for the first time, a joint research method is applied, which includes an analytical calculation of the shock wave seismic impact on a rock mass, based on the results of which the dependency graphs have been obtained of the seismicity coefficient on the rock hardness coefficient at the Kusmuryn field according to the Protodyakonov scale for various explosives, as well as using the method of instrumental measurements, which serves to determine the seismic impact of an explosion on a rock mass. This makes it possible to substantiate the technology of conducting the drilling-and-blasting operations at the contour, providing a long-term stable position of the permanent side of the open pit. Practical implications. The results of the work will be used to calculate the safe parameters of conducting the blasting operations when placing the side in the final position at the Kusmuryn field. This research method can be applied at any mining enterprise conducting open-cut mining of minerals.