Optimization of technogenic mineral formations in the development of porphyry copper ores of the Tominsk ore field of the Urals

Abstract

Introduction: In the copper-pyrite ores of the Urals, the copper content ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 %, in porphyry copper ore it does not exceed half a percent. The development of these deposits requires special technologies for crushing ore for further enrichment. The disposal of waste from the process of enrichment of the rock mass is carried out partially by laying the resulting material in the mine workings during the reclamation process. The landscapes of reclaimed mine workings belong to the technogenic type and represent rounded depressions filled with enrichment waste. They are technogenic mineral formations that differ from natural ones in granulometric, mineralogical compositions and physico-mechanical properties. The relevance of the research is due to the fact that the placement of fine milled tailings in waste storages with dam heights of more than 50 meters increases the risks of emergency situations. The object of research is the laying material placed in the spent production of existing production facilities at the Tominsky and Mikheevsky mining and processing complexes.

Purpose: The research is to study the physical and mechanical properties of technogenic mineral formations formed as a result of a three-stage grinding scheme of copper-pyrite ores in the process of their placement in the Korkinsky section.

Methodology: Includes a set of methods for determining the granulometric and mineralogical compositions of enrichment waste, the mineral composition was determined by X-ray spectral microanalysis on a Tescan Vega electron microscope with an energy-dispersed Oxford Instrument prefix.

Results: In the course of field research, the following weighted average diameters of the laying material were obtained in the section: at the discharge – 0.017 mm, at a distance of 500 m – 0.013 mm, at a distance of 1000 m – 0.009 mm. The filling material selected from the release had a weighted average diameter of 0.026 mm. A significant change in filtration properties (up to 10 times) occurs in the load range up to 0.15 Mpa, further changes are insignificant. The order of values allows them to be considered as anti-filtration screens with low filtration properties. It is revealed that the main process of loss of free water in the filling material during reclamation occurs as a result of consolidation under pressure.