Digital technologies for sustainable engineering in mining – The first step towards a “smart mine”

摘要

Successful experience of use of remote-controlled and robotic mining machines offers pre-requisites for an open pit and underground geotechnology based on automated process flowcharts. In mines of Priargunsky Mining and Chemical Works, within the digital technology of mining engineering, the operations connected with the construction of geological model of deposit, simulation of heading, stoping and backfilling as well as estimation of rockburst hazard are implemented. The digital technology is advanced toward transition of major engineering support of mining to automation software tools integrated in the common information environment. From the evidence of the analysis carried out in 2016, it was found that visualization of mining technology objects and automation of engineering designs considerably improved quality of mine work planning. Agreement between the anticipated quality of ore extraction, subject to adherence to planned directions of mining advance, and the actual production results makes 95–98%. Ore loss in pillars is eliminated due to the option of getting information on ore reserves and their quality in sidewalls and roof from any automated working place, which enables implementation of technical solutions on extraction of such reserves in due time. At the present time, 75 specialists of business units within Priargunsky Mining and Chemical Works operate digital technologies. For coordination of such operations, ROSATOM’s Mining Division has established a Center of Competence in Geological-and-Mathematical Modeling of Mineral Deposits. The Center is intended to synchronize and maintain data bases of all uranium mining companies (Priargunsky Mining and Chemical Works, Khiagda and Dalur).