Academician Melnikov Research Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources—IPKON, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia:
P. G. Patskevich, Senior Researcher, Candidate of Engineering Sciences
I. I. Aynbinder, Head of Department, Professor, Doctor of Engineering Sciences
E. V. Krasyukova, Junior Researcher, krasyukovaev@ipkonran.ru

Chukotka Mining and Geological Company, Anadyr, Russia:

N. V. Grigoriev, Consultant

Lode deposits in the Far North contain large reserves of base and noble metals such as gold, silver, tin and some other. The features of mine support at such deposits should be taken into account in justification of a support technology. The implemented research found the unique features of mine support in mining lode deposits of the Far North. The rock mass quality assessment and the support method justification should take into account the rock mass structure, including orientation of unfavorable geological structures. Justification of mine support systems should include zones of rocks with fast reducing strength under impact of water and mine air. In case of ice-containing rocks, which can thaw, and in the areas susceptible to influence of alternating temperatures, mining operations should include the routine scheduled geotechnical assessment as the rock properties tend to change. Application of the discussed rock mass quality ratings in justification of support systems for underground mining of lode deposits in the Far North demonstrated the satisfactory results with the geological, structural and temperature conditions included. In the areas of very difficult mining conditions, alongside with the rock mass quality quantification, it is advisable to use some other methods to amend engineering solutions on mine support, including mathematical modeling.

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