A A A Ц Ц Ц Ц

ШРИФТ:

Arial Times New Roman

ИНТЕРВАЛ:

х1 х1.5 х2

КЕРНИНГ:

Обычный Средний Большой

ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЯ:

Черно-белые Цветные
For the visually impaired Standard Version
Scientific, Technological and Production Journal
ISSN 2079–3332 (print)
ISSN 3034-6835 (online)
founded in 2001

Substantiation of the parameters of innovative technologies for forming monolithic backfill masses for the integrated development of deep-seated potash deposits

Original articles: 2026 No 4

Substantiation of the parameters of innovative technologies for forming monolithic backfill masses for the integrated development of deep-seated potash deposits

DOI: 10.56195/20793332-2026-26-4-83-93

Read in pdf P. O. Zubkov
  1. Academician N. V. Melnikov Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
p. 83-93, No.4/2026
Abstract:
The stability of mining chambers, interchamber pillars, and the water-protective strata during potash mining at depths of 900–1100 m is largely governed by the degree of backfill placement and the time required to form a backfill mass capable of interacting mechanically with the surrounding salt rock mass. Under conditions of complex sylvinite seam morphology, conventional hydraulic backfilling fails to ensure the timely formation of a structural element of the mining system due to the significant delay in backfilling operations, the formation of roof voids, and the insufficient stiffness of the resulting backfill mass. This paper substantiates the parameters of an innovative technology for constructing a monolithic consolidated backfill mass based on the crystallization of sylvinite processing waste with local reinforcement of the roof-contact zone using a cement-containing mixture. The investigations were carried out using the Gremyachinskoye potash deposit as a case study. The research methodology included laboratory testing, in situ monitoring, pilot-scale investigations, and numerical geomechanical modeling. The optimum composition of the backfill mixture was established to be 1780 kg/m³ of sylvinite processing waste and 280 kg/m³ of recycled brine, providing effective consolidation and enabling the backfill mass to achieve a compressive strength exceeding 3 MPa after 90 days of curing. It was demonstrated that complete filling of the mining chamber reduces the vertical convergence of the roof and floor by up to 5.4 times compared with an unfilled chamber. An increase in the roof-contact underfill from 0.2 m to 0.6 m results in a significant expansion of inelastic deformation zones, with the roof being the most sensitive structural element. For chambers 6 m wide, a single-pass mining method is recommended for seam thicknesses of 3 m, whereas seams 3–13 m thick should be extracted by descending mining passes followed by full-height backfilling. The prepared backfill mixture is pneumatically delivered through a pipeline fixed to the roof and discharged from the uppermost point of the chamber. The roof-contact zone is subsequently filled with a cement-containing mixture incorporating 200 kg/m³ of cement and having a slump of 8 cm. The proposed technological solutions ensure maximum chamber filling, limit the development of inelastic deformation zones, and enable the phased extraction of interchamber pillar reserve s.
Keywords:
potash deposits; monolithic consolidated backfill mass; consolidated backfilling; sylvinite processing waste; roof-contact underfill; pneumatic transport; interchamber pillar; geomechanical modeling
For citation:
Zubkov P.O. Substantiation of the parameters of innovative technologies for forming monolithic backfill masses for the integrated development of deep-seated potash deposits. Mine Surveying and Subsurface Use. 2026; 26 (4): 83-93. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.56195/20793332-2026-26-4-83-93.
Information about the authors:
  1. Pavel O. Zubkov – Postgraduate Student, Department of Challenges in Modelling and Management of Mining Systems; Junior Researcher, Laboratory of Intelligent Monitoring Methods of Mining Systems, Academician N. V. Melnikov Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
References:
  1. 1. Барях А.А., Котляр Е.К., Самоделкина Н.А. и др. Геомеханический анализ влияния извлечения калийной руды на безопасность горных работ. Горный журнал. 2015; 11: 14-19. https://doi.org/10.17580/gzh.2015.11.03. Baryakh A.A., Kotlyar E.K., Samodelkina N.A., et al. Geomechanical analysis of the influence of potash ore extraction on mining safety. Mining Journal. 2015; (11): 14-19. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17580/gzh.2015.11.03.
  2. 2. Ветров СВ., Одинцев В.Н., Слоним М.Э. Сопоставление технологических схем разработки Яковлевского месторождения по фактору напряженно-деформированного состояния массива горных пород и закладки. Проблемы комплексного освоения месторождений: сборник научных трудов. 1979: 110-124. Vetrov S.V., Odintsev V.N., Slonim M.E. Comparison of mining layouts for the Yakovlevskoye deposit based on the stress–strain state of the rock mass and backfill. Problems of Integrated Mineral Deposit Development: Collection of Scientific Papers. 1979: 110-124. (In Russ.).
  3. 3. Кузнецов С.В., Одинцев В.Н. Метод последовательных циклов расчета напряженно-деформированного состояния массива горной породы и закладки выработанного пространства. Вопросы механики горных пород при разработке рудных месторождений твердых полезных ископаемых: сборник научных трудов. Москва, 1979: 97-109. Kuznetsov S.V., Odintsev V.N. Method of successive calculation cycles for determining the stress–strain state of the rock mass and mined-out void backfill. Rock Mechanics Problems in the Development of Solid-Mineral Ore Deposits: Collection of Scientific Papers. Moscow, 1979: 97-109. (In Russ.).
  4. 4. Соловьев В.А., Аптуков В.Н., Тарасов В.В. и др. Аспекты повышения эффективности разработки Верхнекамского калийного месторождения. Новосибирск, 2019: 179. Soloviev V.A., Aptukov V.N., Tarasov V.V., et al. Aspects of Improving the Efficiency of the Verkhnekamskoye Potash Deposit Development. Novosibirsk, 2019: 179. (In Russ.).
  5. 5. Трубецкой К.Н., Каплунов Д.Р., Рыльникова М.В. Принципы и методы ресурсосберегающего освоения недр. Москва, 2012: 328. Trubetskoy K.N., Kaplunov D.R., Rylnikova M.V. Principles and Methods of Resource-Saving Subsurface Development. Moscow, 2012: 328. (In Russ.).
  6. 6. He M., Wang Q. Rock dynamics in deep mining. International Journal of Mining Science and Technology. 2023; 33 (9): 1065-1082. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2023.07.006.
  7. 7. Ranjith P.G., Zhao J., Ju M. et al. Opportunities and Challenges in Deep Mining: A Brief Review. Engineering. 2017; 3 (4): 546-551. https://doi. org/10.1016/J.ENG.2017.04.024.
  8. 8. Ushakova E., Perevoshchikova A., Menshikova E., et al. Environmental Aspects of Potash Mining: A Case Study of the Verkhnekamskoe Potash Deposit. Mining. 2023; 3: 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/mining3020011.
  9. 9. Vandeginste V., Ji Y., Buysschaert F., et al. Mineralogy, microstructures and geomechanics of rock salt for underground gas storage. Deep Underground Science and Engineering. 2023; 2 (2): 129-147. https://doi.org/10.1002/dug2.12039.
  10. 10. Weber F., Konietzky H. Concept to proof long-term safety of abandoned salt mines by hydro-mechanical coupled simulations with FLAC3D and Ansys Fluent. Deep Resources Engineering. 2025; 2 (4): 100201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.deeps.2025.100201.
  11. 11. Рыльникова М.В., Бергер Р.В., Зубков П.О. и др. Развитие научно-методических основ технологий закладки выработанного пространства с учетом специфики горно-геологических и горнотехнических условий освоения соляных месторождений. Рациональное освоение недр. 2024; 1 (75): 36-43. Rylnikova M.V., Berger R.V., Zubkov P.O., et al. Development of scientific and methodological foundations for mined-out void backfilling technologies considering the specific geological and mining conditions of salt-deposit development. Rational Development of Mineral Resources. 2024; 1 (75): 36-43. (In Russ.).
  12. 12. Соловьев В.А., Аптуков В.Н., Ваулина И.Б. Поддержание горных выработок в породах соленосной толщи. Теория и практика. Новосибирск, 2017: 264. Soloviev V.A., Aptukov V.N., Vaulina I.B. Maintenance of Mine Workings in Salt-Bearing Rocks: Theory and Practice. Novosibirsk, 2017: 264. (In Russ.).
  13. 13. Зотеев О.В. Моделирование напряженно-деформированного состояния массива горных пород численными методами. Известия вузов. Горный журнал. 2003; 5: 108-115. Zoteev O.V. Numerical modelling of the stress–strain state of a rock mass. Universities News. Mining Journal. 2003; (5): 108-115. (In Russ.).
  14. 14. Зенкевич О., Чанг И. Метод конечных элементов в теории сооружений и в механике сплошных сред. Москва, 1974: 240. Zienkiewicz O.C., Cheung Y.K. The Finite Element Method in Structural and Continuum Mechanics. Moscow, 1974. 240. (In Russ.).
  15. 15. Радченко Д.Н., Бергер Р.В., Татарников В.И. и др. Экспериментальное исследование характера и последствий взаимодействия соляных пород с гидрозакладочными рассолами при подземной разработке месторождений калийных солей. Маркшейдерия и недропользование. 2023; 6 (128): 60-67. https://doi.org/10.56195/20793332_2023_6_60_67. Radchenko D.N., Berger R.V., Tatarnikov V.I., et al. Experimental study of the nature and consequences of the interaction between salt rocks and hydraulic-backfill brines during underground mining of potash deposits. Mine Surveying and Subsurface Use. 2023; 6 (128): 60–67. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.56195/20793332_2023_6_60_67.
  16. 16. Ухов С.Б. Скальные основания гидротехнических сооружений. Москва, 1975: 263. Ukhov S.B. Rock Foundations of Hydraulic Engineering Structures. Moscow, 1975: 263. (In Russ.).
  17. 17. Фадеев А.Б. Метод конечных элементов в геомеханике. Москва, 1987: 221. Fadeev A.B. The Finite Element Method in Geomechanics. Moscow, 1987: 221. (In Russ.).
  18. 18. Shupletsov Ju.P., Zoteev O.V., Shashkin V.N. In-situ and analitical investigations of post-peak deformation of rock mass during underground mining. Safety and Environmental Issues in Rock Engineering: Proc. ISRM international symposium. Lissabon. 21-24 June 1993. Ed. L.Riberio E Sousa & N. F. Grossman. Rotterdam, Brookfield: A.A. Balkema, 1993: 709-714.
  19. 19. VIokh N.Р., Zoteyev O.V. А technique and program for computing stress-strain state of mining system elements and mining openings in solid and fractured rock mass. Numerical Methods in Geomechanics Innsbruck, 1988: Proc. 6 Int. Conf on numerical methods in geomechanics. Innsbruck/11-15 April 1988. Ed. G.Swoboda. Rotterdam, Brookfield: A. A. Balkema, 1988; 3: 1947-1952.
  20. 20. Барях А.А., Асанов В.А., Самоделкина Н.А. и др. Геомеханическое обеспечение защиты калийных рудников от затопления. Горный журнал. 2013; 6: 30-34. Baryakh A.A., Asanov V.A., Samodelkina N.A., et al. Geomechanical support for protecting potash mines against flooding. Mining Journa. 2013; 6: 30-34. (In Russ.).
  21. 21. Гудман Р. Механика скальных пород. Москва, 1987: 232. Goodman R.E. Introduction to Rock Mechanics. Moscow, 1987. 232 p. (In Russ.).
  22. 22. Курленя М.В., Серяков В.М. О методе расчета напряженно деформированного состояния горных пород с учетом контакта кровли и почвы выработанного пространства. ФТПРПИ. 1997: 5: 14-23. Kurlenya M.V., Seryakov V.M. A method for calculating the stress–strain state of rocks with consideration of contact between the roof and floor of the mined-out space. Journal of Mining Science. 1997; (5): 14-23. (In Russ.).
  23. 23. Зотеев О.В. Учет последовательности ведения горных работ при оценке устойчивости конструктивных элементов разработки. Известия УГГГА. 2000; 11: 252-259. Zoteev O.V. Accounting for the mining sequence in assessing the stability of structural elements of a mining system. Izvestiya UGGGA. 2000; (11):252–259. (In Russ.).
  24. 24. Каплунов Д.Р., Рыльникова М.В. Комбинированная геотехнология. Москва, 2012: 344. Kaplunov D.R., Rylnikova M.V. Combined Geotechnology. Moscow, 2012: 344. (In Russ.).
  25. 25. Кузнецов С.В., Одинцев B. Н., Слоним М.Э. и др. Методология расчета горного давления. Москва, 1981: 103. Kuznetsov S.V., Odintsev V.N., Slonim M.E., et al. Methodology for Rock Pressure Calculation. Moscow, 1981: 103. (In Russ.).
  26. 26. Хайрутдинов М.М., Вотяков М.В. Возможность применения систем с твердеющей закладкой при отработке калийных месторождений. Горный информационно-аналитический бюллетень. 2007; 9: 265-270. Khairutdinov M.M., Votyakov M.V. Feasibility of using cemented-backfill mining systems in potash-deposit development. Mining Informational and Analytical Bulletin. 2007; 9: 265-270. (In Russ.).
  27. 27. Хайрутдинов М.М., Вотяков М.В. Разработка составов твердеющих закладочных смесей из отходов переработки руд калийных предприятий. Горный информационно-аналитический бюллетень. 2007; 10: 200-206. Khairutdinov M.M., Votyakov M.V. Development of cemented backfill mixtures using waste generated by potash-ore processing enterprises. Mining Informational and Analytical Bulletin. 2007; (10): 200-206. (In Russ.).

 

Управление топливными ресурсами
 
Happy Mine Surveyor's Day! ⚒
Dear colleagues! We sincerely congratulate you on your professional holiday - Mine Surveyor's Day!
Your work requires the highest precision, professionalism and responsibility. Thanks to your efforts and knowledge, the safety and efficiency of mining and underground work, as well as the accuracy of geodetic measurements, are ensured. Mine surveyors are people of the highest professionalism. Among miners, they have always been famous for their precision and integrity. We wish you good health, inexhaustible energy, career growth, new professional achievements, interesting and promising projects! May each working day bring you satisfaction from the work done, and may the team always support and inspire you to new achievements.

New issue

The new issue of the journal «Mine surveying and Subsurface Use» has been published
No. 4 (vol.26), July–August 2026

New materials