Purpose. To identify dependence of specific rock mass fissility upon the bench height of basalt open pits based upon the analysis of basalt open-pit bench fissility. Methods. Fractural tectonics of basalt open pits was studied experimentally. In addition to the specific fissility, the studies determined both shape and quantity of natural blocks within each bench meter; their geometry in terms of fissure frequency; and nature of changes in the fissure number as well as geometry of the blocks depending upon a bench height. Graphical analysis of the obtained results has helped determine the typical dependencies of fissure number upon the changes in the open-pit bench height. Findings. It has been defined that the specific fissility of basalt benches is distributed irregularly in terms of an open-pit bench height. Field studies, involved three basalt open pits, have made it possible to identify that the 3rd degree polynomial is the most adequate approximation of the specific fissility dependence upon the bench height. Originality. For the first time, the experiments have helped define that rock mass joints a share downward from the smaller to the larger ones following a parabolic law (according to a cubic expression). The obtained regularities help identify the percentage of shares of three sizes for each bench height meter. Practical implications. Estimate of share percentage will make it possible to schedule rationally the drilling and blasting operations while selecting energy efficient parameters of production facilities for further basalt processing.

Purpose.Determination of the rock stability along the strike of the mass, where the drift mining of the horizon -480 m is conducted, considering the possibility of using the improved types of supports in the conditions of the 10th Anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence mine at the Khromtau field with the substantiation of using the effective type of fastening that increases technical and technological, operational and economic indicators of the mine. Methods. Numerical modelling of the stress-strain state of the rock mass applied at the mine have been performed using the RS2 software in a two-dimensional formulation. The rock mass state, as well as the physical-mechanical properties of mine rocks are determined according to building codes and regulations (SNiP II-94-80), depending on the category of the rock stability. Findings. It has been revealed that the combined supports from rock bolts and shotcrete are the most rational type of fastening in the studied mine. The efficiency and prospects of using the combined supports have been determined, which ensure a decrease in their material consumption and cost while increasing the reliability of mine workings and the labor productivity of miners. The use of combined support allows to increase the economy of materials for support by 1.7 times, as well as to increase the drifting rate by 1.6 times in comparison with the metal support. Originality.The paper proposes a new approach to substantiation of an effective fastening method by comparing the costs when driving horizontal underground mine workings in the mining-and-geological conditions of the 10th Anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence mine. Practical implications.The research results can be used when planning mining operations, in particular, stable fastening methods at the 10th Anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Independence mine of the Khromtay deposit, as well as other mining enterprises with similar mining-and-geological conditions.

This paper studies the rock mass stress state under highland conditions, depending on the geological structure of a particular rock mass area, the tectonic field of stresses and the region relief. This study is aimed to develop an experimental method for assessing and monitoring the properties and state of the rock mass adjacent to mine workings. Experimental studies are performed through stresses measurements in-situ. Based on research results, it has been revealed that the geological structures, tectonic fields of stresses and the earth’s surface relief of the deposit normally reflect the values and direction of the main stresses acting in the mass. These patterns can be used to predict and assess the stress state of the rock mass. During the mass stress state assessment, quantitative dependences have been obtained for determining the stress tensors conditioned by the overlying rocks weight, tectonics and fracturing, and the deposit surface relief The research results make possible to assess the nature of the stresses distribution, to identify the areas of reduced, equal, increased and maximum stresses concentration of the virgin mass, as well as to increase the efficiency of the geoacoustic control developed by the authors for the state of the mass adjacent to mine working. According to the new patterns and dependences obtained, the values and directions have been scientifically determined of the main stresses action, as well as the zones of stresses manifestation. These patterns and dependences are valuable for designing and planning the development of mining operations.

Mountains cover more than 93% of the territory of Kyrgyzstan. Nearly the entire Republic lies inside one of the world’s greatest mountain system – Tyan-Shan. In terms of the territory of the Republic, 5.9% occur at the elevation to 1000 m, 22.4% – at the elevation from 1000 to 2000 m, 30.9% – from 2000 to 3000 m and 40.8% – at the elevation above 3000 m. The region is a true storehouse of natural resources. At the same time, the mining and geological conditions of the Tyan-Shan are extremely unique and feature a rugged topography, with deep roughness, glacial morphology, high slope gradients (>40–55°) and the considerable altitude of ridges elevating for more than 5000–7000 m above sea level. The highest peaks within the Republic are the Pobeda Peak (7439 m) and Tengri Khan (6995 m). Rock mass under mining and mine construction features difficult ground conditions, with the extremely nonuniform occurrence of elements, complex structures, diverse ages, lithology, genesis and physical properties. Moreover, the region experiences high seismicity and natural stresses. The value and nature of the stress field distribution in the rock mass depends on the depth and physical properties of rocks, as well as on the relief and tectonics. Experience of mining and mine construction shows that the rock mass stress state is not to the full extent included in mine planning or in meeting individual operational challenges. This affects the ecology in the territory of mining impact and the mining efficiency. Efficient and safe mining and mine construction requires that the data on the natrual strsss state of rock mass are available as early as the mine planning stage. This is ensured with the assistance of the zonal and stagewise assessment of state of the rock mass using the approach developed by the present article authors. The structural and mechanical characteristics of the Tien-Shan are studied. Based on the study results, the orientation of the principal normal stresses is determined for the geomechanical assessment of state of the high-altitude rock mass and waterworks.

Purpose. The research purpose is to substantiate the rational parameters of innovative container technology for transporting mine rocks in open pits with account of technological advantages. Methods. The winding machine normal operation was determined by calculation performed. The container metal structure was designed in the environment of the Compass-3D software complex. The structural elements were tested for normal operation using computer modeling methods in the APM WinMachine 9.7 program, which gives the possibility to obtain the strength calculation values. Findings. The results of modeling the stresses on the wall of the container and the frame, as well as the yield strength are presented. The test calculation confirms the technical feasibility for operating the dragline-based mine winding machines. The influence of the container capacity on the performance of the winding machine has been determined and the dependence of the economic efficiency of the container technology introduction at the open pit depth has been revealed. Originality. For the first time, on the basis of computer modeling, the parameters of stress distribution on the container wall have been substantiated when performing a strength calculation. It has been determined that the maximum stress in the container wall is 117.52 N/mm2; the principal stress value is 83.85 N/mm2. The safety factor for yield strength is 1.8. The maximum load acting on the structure is 957.5 kgf, which does not exceed the calculated value. Practical implications. The practical importance is to improve mining efficiency, reduce the cost of transporting rocks and ensure automatic container unloading. The use of replaceable containers in open pits can significantly change the formation principles of shovels and transport complexes, increase their performance and the efficiency of shovels in the main processes.