Numerical analysis of underground space and pillar design in metalliferous mine

Abstract The basic principle of the room and pillar design is to create an economical and safe underground working environment by leaving as little ore as possible due to the increase in costs today. However, it is a very complex engineering issue to determine the economic pillar size that will ensure the stability of the mine during production operations and work safety. The design of the pillar is based on the production of pillar sizes allowed up to the deformation limits without creating pillar defects and the production of as much valuable ore as possible. In this context, as the ore production is made, the vertical stresses that make up the pillar are increasing and pillar safety is at risk. In this study, a model is made for the Bayindir lead-zinc mine, which is working with room and pillar method and is about to be completed. In the model, pillar stresses are evaluated at four different stages. In stage 1, stress values are calculated on the pillar to be between 0.89 and 0.92 MPa. In stage 2, it is computed to be between 0.81 and 0.84 and in stage 3, it is found to be between 0.33 and 0.66 MPa. As a result of the model according to these stress values, it is predicted that the pillars can be fully recovered safely.

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