State Enterprise «Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine» (Navoi, Republic of Uzbekistan):

Leu S. V., Chief Engineer of Central Mining Department, phone: +998 (79) 577-02-03

Sadinov Sh. M., Head of Geomechanic Bureau of Muruntau Mine

Safety of mining operations in Muruntau open pit is provided by geodynamic monitoring system, which includes the following operations:
– instrumental mine surveying and geophysical methods of research of near-edge and dump massifs for the purpose of revelation of areas and sections of deformation development;
– estimation of deformation development scales;
– estimation of possible consequences of deformation development for open-pit functioning;
– organization of stationary instrumental observations in the most dangerous deformation areas;
– division of open pit edges into various grade steadiness parts, based on attribution of similar geological structure sections and weakening factors to unstable, conditionally unstable and stable areas;

– forecasting of deformation appearance on the basis of analysis of data about geological construction of near-edge massif, obtained as a result of monitoring.
Two interconnected aspects are included in provision of slopes stability during the development of complex-structure deposits in rocks by deep open pits:
– estimation of stability grade on the basis of geomechanic calculations;
– control of development of deformation processes in near-edge massif.
Geophysical researches are carried out with application of two auxiliary methods: vertical sounding method and seismometry method. These methods are used for the definition of structure of massif and its stress and strain state. Since 1979 till nowadays, there have been held the scientific and research works for estimation of pit edges stability. Obtaining of scientifically based information is the final object of researches for the purpose of provision of maximal technical and economic efficiency and safety of mining operations. This information makes it possible to do the following operations:
– forecasting of development of deformation processes;
– development of measures for prevention of detrimental deformations or decreasing
of their negative impact on open pit's operation mode (on the basis of obtained data).