Analysis of the floor pillars and room fenders stability in the room-and-pillar mining system at the Mayskoye deposit

The article presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of the floor pillars and room fenders stability for the Mayskoye deposit based on geomechanical studies. The key parameters of the room-and-pillar mining system with backfilling of the excavated space are examined, including the impact of the dip angle of the ore body, the depth of mining operations, as well as the mechanical properties of the host rock and backfill material on the optimum dimensions of the pillars. Numerical modeling was performed using advanced software suites, which allowed estimating the stress-and-strain state of the rock mass under various mining scenarios. Special attention is paid to technological solutions aimed at improving pillar stability and mining efficiency, including the choice of a rational mining sequence, optimization of the room geometry and backfill parameters. It is shown that the deposit dip angle and mining depth have a significant impact on the load distribution in pillars, which should be taken into account when designing the mining systems. Practical recommendations are provided to reduce the risk of the roof collapse and improve the safety of mining operations. The research results can be used in the design and operation of similar fields with the room-and-pillar mining and backfill systems. The paper discusses parameters of the room-and-pillar mining system with backfilling of the mined space as well as the impact of the dip angle of the ore body and the depth of the mining operations on the dimensions of the pillars. Technological solutions are presented to ensure the stability and efficiency of mining operations