Kola Mining and Metallurgical Company (Kola MMC), Monchegorsk, Russia ; NUST MISIS, Moscow, Russia
G. D. Stepanov^1,2, Chief Geophysicist, StepanovGD@kolagmk.ru

Kola Mining and Metallurgical Company (Kola MMC), Monchegorsk, Russia
A. O. Kasko, Deputy Director of Integrated Works—Chief Engineer

NUST MISIS, Moscow, Russia¹ ; INGORTECH LLC, Yekaterinburg, Russia²
T. R. Urazbaev^1,2, Leading Geophysical Engineer

The article presents the results of geophysical studies conducted at the Severny Mine of Kola Mining and Metallurgical Company (Kola MMC) and aimed at a detailed investigation of the structure and parameters of rock mass under complex mining and geological conditions. The main objective of the studies was to refine the geological model of rock mass to improve the accuracy of prediction of risk zones such as water-saturated rocks, fracturing, karst cavities and tectonic faults. The application of the geophysical methods also allowed assessment of the mechanical properties of rocks, which is important for planning mine support and ensuring mine safety. The data were obtained using the Mikon-GEO hardware–software system based on the polarization method of recording seismic reflected waves. The methodology developed by Professor V. B. Pisetsky involves the use of three-component geophones (3C) placed in face boreholes at a depth of 0.5 meters along two parallel profiles. Seismic excitation was performed by strikes of a heavy hammer at multiple points to achieve multiple signal coverage. This approach enables construction of 2D and 3D models of the elastic parameters of rock mass. During practical work, sounding was carried out at 10 points on different mine levels. The data analysis revealed several contrasting zones with altered elasticity and acoustic impedance levels, which correlated with geological disturbances such as rock interfaces, faults and fractured areas. Thus, the implementation of the polarization seismic sounding in mining practice contributes to the accurate identification of hazardous zones in rock mass and enhances mine safety. Collaborative developments by scientists and industrial companies ensure sustainable technical progress in geophysical monitoring methods under complex mining and geological conditions.

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