No. 2 (vol.26), March

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Open-pit mining technologies for major russian gold deposits by 2025 (Natalkinskoe, Pavlik, Khakandzhinskoe, Kultumisskoe, Verninskoe)

DOI: 10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-4-13

V. V. Arno¹, E. P. Kolesnichenko², I. Yu. Garifulina¹, E. S. Semykin¹, N. A. Remizov¹

FGBOU VO "North-Eastern State University (Polytechnic Institute)", Magadan, Russian Federation
Higher School of Economics of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation

p. 4-13

Abstract:: This article analyzes modern open-pit mining technologies for five major Russian gold deposits by 2025: Natalkinskoe and Pavlik (Magadan Oblast), Khakandzhinskoe (Khabarovsk Krai), Kultuminskoe (Zabaikalsky Krai), and Verninskoe (Irkutsk Oblast). Geological and industrial parameters, drilling and blasting preparation, excavator-truck and excavator-conveyor transport systems, crushing and screening equipment, beneficiation systems, digitalization, and geotechnical monitoring are examined. Geotechnical challenges (permafrost, seismicity, short mining season) are identified with adapted solutions proposed. Economic analysis demonstrates project profitability (IRR 12–40 %, payback period 3–7 years) with gold production costs of 550–900 USD/oz. Prospects for automation and artificial intelligence implementation to increase efficiency by 10–25 % are identified.
Keywords:: open-pit mining, gold deposits, drilling and blasting, excavator-truck haulage, excavator-conveyor system, mine digitalization, geotechnical monitoring, permafrost, crushing and beneficiation, Natalkinskoe deposit, Pavlik, Khakandzhinskoe, Kultuminskoe, Verninskoe
For citation:: Arno V.V., Kolesnichenko E.P., Garifulina I.Yu., Semykin E.S., Remizov N.A. Open-pit mining technologies for major russian gold deposits by 2025 (Natalkinskoe, Pavlik, Khakandzhinskoe, Kultumisskoe, Verninskoe). Mine Surveying and Subsurface Use. 2026; 26 (2): 4-13. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-4-13.

Analysis of the influence of mining and geological parameters on the indicators of ore loss and dilution in sub-stage cladding mining systems

DOI: 10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-14-18

A. M. Gildeev¹, G. S. Kurchin², S. A. Vokhmin², A. K. Kirsanov², D. V. Barkhatov³

LLC "UK YUGK", Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation
Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation
Polar Division of PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel, Skalisty Mine, Norilsk, Russian Federation

p. 14-18

Abstract:: Sublevel caving is considered the most efficient method for underground mining of ore deposits; however, its loss and dilution rates vary significantly between sites. This variability is traditionally assumed to be due to differences in the design parameters of the mining unit. This study, based on an analysis of mining operations, found that design parameters (spacing between sublevels, working width, and drilling and blasting parameters) have no statistically significant relationship with recovery rates. In contrast, geological parameters explain over 60% of the dilution variability. Based on this, three types of deposits with different expected performance indicators were identified. The obtained results indicate the dominant role of geological factors and require a rethinking of the design methodology for sublevel caving systems.
Keywords:: sublevel caving, losses and dilution, design parameters, development system, completeness of extraction
For citation:: Gildeev А.M., Kurchin G.S., Vokhmin S.A., Kirsanov A.K., Barkhatov D.V. Analysis of the influence of mining and geological parameters on the indicators of ore loss and dilution in sub-stage cladding mining systems. Mine Surveying and Subsurface Use. 2026; 26 (2): 14-18. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-14-18.

Use of preventive liquid to combat adhesion of support surfaces of stepper excavators

DOI: 10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-19-25

I. I. Demchenko¹, N. A. Popov¹, O. S. Ignatova¹, V. I. Bragin¹, E. A. Antonov²

Siberian Federal University, Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation
Sibugol LLC, Balakhta branch, Bolshiesyrsky Mine, Bolshie Siry village, Russian Federation

p. 19-25

Abstract:: The problem of rock masses sticking and freezing on the working surfaces of mining equipment has been a common issue for many years. Ignoring these problems often leads to equipment and machinery breakdowns, resulting in costly repairs and financial losses for businesses. In practice, the use of preventive liquid has been widely used to combat high adhesion of working surfaces of mining and transport equipment. For example, in quarrying railway transport, when transporting goods prone to freezing and sticking to the surfaces of gondola cars or dump cars, portal structures are used, designed for spraying preventive liquid “top-down”. In this case, to apply a proven method of adhesion control on the support surfaces of walking excavators (support base and skis), it is necessary to change the spraying direction to “bottom-up”. This paper presents the schemes of the proposed device that allows you to apply a preventive liquid to the support surfaces of walking excavators. The paper provides justification of the main parameters of the device for combating the adhesion and freezing of rock masses on the support surfaces of walking excavators, as well as a mathematical model for their determination. The paper also calculates and presents the mass and dimensional parameters of the excavators in the form of a table.
Keywords:: walking excavator, support surfaces, adhesion, adhesion of rock mass, preventive liquid, methods of adhesion control, irrigation, cleaning of work surfaces
For citation:: Demchenko I.I., Popov N.A., Ignatova O.S., Bragin V.I., Antonov E.A. Use of preventive liquid to combat adhesion of support surfaces of stepper excavators. Mine Surveying and Subsurface Use. 2026; 26 (2): 19-25. (In Russ.). https://doi. org/10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-19-25.

Research on helicoid module mixer for mining industry

DOI: 10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-26-32

A. S. Morin, E. Sh. Musazade, O. S. Ignatova, V. I. Bragin

Siberian Federal University (Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals and Materials Science), Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation

p. 26-32

Abstract:: Mixing in the mining industry plays a key role in the preparation of pulps, backfill mixtures, and reagent solutions. The quality of mixing determines the completeness of physical and chemical processes, the uniformity of component distribution, and the stability of system properties. Effective mixing reduces reagent consumption, increases the recovery of useful components, and ensures the reliability of process equipment. To improve the energy efficiency and reliability of mixing equipment under conditions of high abrasiveness, variable rheology, and unstable process fluid transport conditions, a new combined modular design of a helical mixing device has been proposed. This design redistributes flow energy from the axial to the tangential component without significantly increasing hydraulic losses. A comparison of static and dynamic designs was used to study the two-phase system using CFD modeling using the Navier – Stokes equations and the Boussinesq turbulent model. Calculations of the hydraulic resistance coefficient and specific energy consumption were also performed. Hydrodynamic modeling results show that the dynamic configuration ensures the formation of a stable swirling flow without stagnation zones or localized undermixing. The hydraulic resistance coefficient is reduced to 0.613 compared to 0.986 for the static configuration, and power consumption is reduced from 30.1 to 25.5 kW. These results confirm the device’s potential for use in the preparation of slurries, reagent solutions, and emulsion systems in the mining industry.
Keywords:: mixer, rotor module, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, dynamic swirler
For citation:: Morin А.S., Musazade E.Sh., Ignatova O.S., Bragin V.I. Research on helicoid module mixer for mining industry. Mine Surveying and Subsurface Use. 2026; 26 (2): 26-32. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-26-32.

Justification of the triangular location of blast wells in the quarry and the required explosion energy

DOI: 10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-33-37

S. A. Shemyakin¹, E. A. Shishkin¹, V. Yu. Voronin²

Graduate School of advanced engineering, Pacific National University, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation
Areal company, Khabarovsk, Russian Federation

p. 33-37

Abstract:: The results of existing studies of explosive methods for preparing rock for excavation allow only an approximate determination of the size of the rock pieces during the explosion, as well as the specific consumption of explosives. The research is aimed at developing a methodology for calculating the technological parameters of blasting operations, accessible to the technical personnel of the quarry. To achieve this goal, the expediency of using a triangular grid of wells is justified, which makes it possible to reduce areas of undisturbed rock compared with a rectangular grid. When studying the stress state of the rock during an explosion, dynamic strength is taken into account. The complexity of determining the rupture area makes it difficult to determine the specific consumption of explosives. A hyperbolic law has been established for changing the fracture area of a rock depending on the size of an individual piece of rock. A method for determining the energy consumption for the formation of an explosion in one well is proposed, taking into account the dynamic tensile strength, as well as the hyperbolic pattern of changes in the fracture area of rock pieces. The developed method for determining energy consumption allows mining engineers to more reasonably approach the purpose of the specific consumption of explosives. The method takes into account the size of a piece of rock corresponding to the involvement of the working body of the excavation equipment that is available at the quarry under consideration.
Keywords:: blast hole, grid, voltage, rupture area, energy consumption
For citation:: Shemyakin S.A., Shishkin E.A., Voronin V.Yu. Justification of the triangular location of blast wells in the quarry and the required explosion energy. Mine Surveying and Subsurface Use. 2026; 26 (2): 33-37. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.56195/207933322026-26-2-33-37.

Analysis of rock mass structural heterogeneity at the Yubileynoye deposit open-pit mine

DOI: 10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-38-46

O. S. Kolesatova^1,3, M.S. Kolkova², E. A. Gorbatova², А. А. Zubkov²

Non-State Educational Institution of Higher Education “Technical University of UMMC”, Verkhnyaya Pyshma, Russian Federation
Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University", Magnitogorsk, Russian Federation
Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Ural State Mining University", Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation

p. 38-46

Abstract:: The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of the structural heterogeneity of the rock mass and kinematic stability of the pit walls at the Yubileynoye deposit. The aim of the work was a quantitative analysis of the spatial characteristics of fractures to assess the risks of rock mass instability and predict the occurrence of bench deformations. The study was carried out using modern remote sensing technology: photogrammetric survey with a GoPro Hero 11 Black action camera was conducted on sections of the northwestern pit wall. Data processing in the Agisoft Metashape software package made it possible to construct detailed 3D models of the benches with high resolution (GSD 2.6–5.2 mm/pix) and an error of no more than 0.036 m. Statistical analysis of the measured fracture orientation elements revealed three significant fracture systems in the areas. Their presence is confirmed by high values of the Fisher concentration parameter (κf from 39.8 to 271.1). The calculated Woodcock coefficients made it possible to identify two types of structural heterogeneity: an ordered “ideal” blocky rock mass in silicified rocks of site 1 (K = 4.026, C = 2.718) and a weakly ordered, weakened rock mass in zones of clay alteration at site 2 (K = 1.442; C = 2.121). A relationship was established between the type of heterogeneity and the potential failure mechanism. The blocky rock mass is characterized by a high risk of shear failures (probability of planar sliding up to 68.5 %, wedge sliding – 38 %), while for the weakened rock mass, the risk of toppling predominates (probability up to 25 %). The obtained results confirm that quantitative assessment of the structural heterogeneity of the rock mass is an important factor for predicting bench deformations and substantiates the need for applying a differentiated approach to managing pit wall stability. For blocky rock masses (at high K, C values), measures against shear along planes are required; for weakened zones (at low K values), control of toppling and water ingress is necessary. The developed approach is applicable for stability prediction and safety enhancement at this and similar deposits.
Keywords:: structural heterogeneity of rock mass, fracturing, photogrammetry, 3D modeling, Fisher parameter, Woodcock coefficients, kinematic analysis, pit wall stability, geomechanical risk
For citation:: Kolesatova O.S., Kolkova M.S., Gorbatova E.A., Zubkov А.А. Analysis of rock mass structural heterogeneity at the Yubileynoye deposit open-pit mine. Mine Surveying and Subsurface Use. 2026; 26 (2): 38-46. (In Russ.). https://doi. org/10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-38-46.

Assessment of the degree of damage to rock salt samples during their cyclic deformation (based on thermoradiation measurements)

DOI: 10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-47-52

D. I. Blokhin, E. B. Cherepetskaya

National University of Science and Technology "MISIS", Moscow, Russian Federation

p. 47-52

Abstract:: The possibility of obtaining information on the increase in disturbance of geomaterials caused by the intensification of deformation processes occurring in them is investigated by variations in the intensity of concomitant IR radiation. The results of experiments on the registration of thermal radiation from the surface of rock salt samples under conditions of uniaxial compression close to the limit conditions of periodic loading are presented. The qualitative identity of the recordings of mechanical parameters and variations of IR radiation characterizing changes in the stress–strain state of the tested rock samples is shown. It has been established that the recorded changes in the angle of inclination of the dependences of the intensity of thermal radiation from the surface of rock salt samples on longitudinal deformation in areas of load growth under high–amplitude periodic exposure are similar to changes in the values of the deformation modulus E, calculated in the same way in the corresponding sections of the stress-strain diagrams. It is concluded that it is possible to use the results of non-contact thermoradiometric measurements, namely, data on changes in the angle of inclination of these curves as an indicator of the degree of disturbance of geomaterials.
Keywords:: geomaterials, cyclic loading, stresses, deformations, disturbance, thermal radiation
For citation:: Blokhin D.I., Cherepetskaya E.B. Assessment of the degree of damage to rock salt samples during their cyclic deformation (based on thermoradiation measurements). Mine Surveying and Subsurface Use. 2026; 26 (2): 47-52. (In Russ.). https://doi. org/10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-47-52.

Mine Surveying Support for Underground Mining Using the Room-and-Pillar System with Hardening Backfill (Case Study of the Mayskoye Deposit)

DOI: 10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-53-58

V. V. Arno¹, E. P. Kolesnichenko², I. Y. Garifulina¹, N. A. Remizov¹

FGBOU VO "North-Eastern State University (Polytechnic Institute)", Magadan, Russian Federation
Higher School of Economics of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation

p. 53-58

Abstract:: The article discusses the experience of mine surveying support for underground mining of the Maiskoye gold-silver deposit (Magadan Region) using a room-and-pillar system with hardening backfilling of the worked-out space. The methods for determining the parameters of rooms and pillars, the system of mine surveying control of stockpile movement, and the calculation of ore loss and dilution indicators are presented. The geometric parameters of the mining system for various horizons from -40 to -340 m are substantiated. The efficiency of the applied technology was analyzed at a production capacity of 850 thousand tons of ore per year. The results of the study can be used in the design and operation of underground mines with similar mining and geological conditions.
Keywords:: mine surveying, chamber-pillar mining system, hardening filling, parameters of chambers and pillars, losses and dilution, Maiskoye deposit, underground mining
For citation:: Arno V.V., Kolesnichenko E.P., Garifulina I.Y., Remizov N.A. Mine Surveying Support for Underground Mining Using the Room-and-Pillar System with Hardening Backfill (Case Study of the Mayskoye Deposit). Mine Surveying and Subsurface Use 2026; 26 (2): 53-58. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-53-58.

Criteria and methods for assessing the environmental efficiency of subsurface use in a sustainable manner

DOI: 10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-59-64

Yu. P. Galchenko, E. D. Yakusheva

Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources Russian Academy of Sciences (ICEMR RAS), Moscow, Russian Federation

p. 59-64

Abstract:: The article presents a new methodology for quantifying the environmental efficiency of integrated subsurface development, taking into account the limitations and principles of sustainable development of the mineral resource complex. It is shown that the uncontrollable aggravation of the ecological crisis generated by the systemic antagonism between man and the biosphere, in conditions of the obvious need to preserve the natural environment as a guarantee of the survival of future generations, gradually changes the vector of development of society in the direction of increasing the importance of the ecological imperative, both in general principles and in local methods of building the technosphere. It has been established that the outstripping growth of environmental problems in the field of subsurface use is associated not only with the obvious discrepancy between the rates of consumption of various metals and the geologically caused decrease in the availability of mineral resources of the subsurface, but also, mainly, with the complete absence of motivating technical and economic motives and biologically justified incentives to search for innovative ways of greening the technological paradigm of both the technosphere as a whole and and subsurface use, in particular. A theory and methodology for overcoming these contradictions are proposed based on replacing a purely monetary approach to assessing the environmental consequences of man-made changes in the subsurface with biologically relevant criteria and methods that meet the requirements and limitations of the UN Concept of Sustainable Development of Nature and Society and the current Environmental Doctrine of the Russian Federation.
Keywords:: subsurface development, ecological crisis, biota conservation, ecologization of the paradigm, stimulation, justification, methodology, differentiated criteria, methods, subsurface use, sustainable development, environmental efficiency
For citation:: Galchenko Yu.P., Yakusheva E.D. Criteria and methods for assessing the environmental efficiency of subsurface use in a sustainable manner. Mine Surveying and Subsurface Use. 2026; 26 (2): 59-64. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.56195/207933322026-26-2-59-64.

Geoecological analysis of the resilience of ecosystems in the North Caucasus region to technogenic load

DOI: 10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-65-69

A. I. Lazovsky

Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Continuing Professional Education "Institute for Advanced Training of Managers and Specialists", Balashikha, Russian Federation

p. 65-69

Abstract:: The article presents a comprehensive assessment of the resilience of ecosystems in the North Caucasus region to technogenic load. The research combines remote sensing data, GIS modeling, and statistical analysis of long-term environmental monitoring reports by Roshydromet and Rosprirodnadzor for 2018–2024. The study examines the natural, geochemical, and climatic characteristics of the region that determine its ecological vulnerability. The results show that mining, intensive agriculture, and urbanization are the main drivers of environmental degradation, leading to soil erosion, contamination of surface and groundwater, loss of biodiversity, and alteration of the hydrological regime of mountain rivers. GIS and remote sensing analysis revealed that large parts of the region demonstrate low or very low ecosystem resilience, particularly in mountainous and foothill areas where the natural structure of landscapes has been disrupted. To enhance ecological stability, the study proposes the adoption of environmentally safe technologies in the mining and industrial sectors, the development of geoecological monitoring systems, and the implementation of land reclamation programs. The integration of engineering, technological, and social-ecological measures is considered a key condition for achieving sustainable development and preserving the natural potential of the North Caucasus in the context of growing anthropogenic and climatic pressures.
Keywords:: North Caucasus, sustainable natural resource management, ecosystem resilience, geoecology, technogenic load, landscape degradation, GIS monitoring, reclamation
For citation:: Lazovsky A.I. Geoecological analysis of the resilience of ecosystems in the North Caucasus region to technogenic load. Mine Surveying and Subsurface Use. 2026; 26 (2): 65-69. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.56195/20793332-2026-26-2-65-69.

No. 2 (vol.26), March–April 2026

Issues of the Journal: 2026

№ 2/2026

New materials

New issue of the journal