Experimental Investigation of Underground Mining of High-Grade Quarts in Kyshtym Mine

Abstract

Application of a geotechnology used in high-grade quarts mining in Kyshtym Mine is studied. The room-and-pillar method is trialed, and the actual mining performance is assessed. The potential benefits of the geotechnology are evaluated. The air-decoupled charges without inert filler are designed and tested for fan pattern blasting. Size distribution of broken ore is estimated, and optimal parameters of blasting and powder factor are determined. The feasibility of quartz loss reduction by 3 times owing to extraction of useful mineral from pillars and due to decreased yield of overground quartz by 25–40% is proved.