Geomechanical justification of development parameters for the Jeruy stockwork gold deposit using a framework mining method and open stope backfilling

The development of stockwork-type gold deposits takes place under challenging geological and technical mining conditions. An accurate assessment of these conditions enables the proper selection of a mining method. For the high-altitude Jeruy deposit in the Kyrgyz Republic, a combined sequential-parallel open-pit and underground mining approach is advisable. This study examines the feasibility and technology of employing a stope mining method featuring backfilling and a framework-based development layout. It also analyzes the zones of influence associated with drilling and blasting operations in both open-pit and underground settings. Understanding these zones of influence allows for the assessment of the sill pillar parameters required between the active open-pit mine and the planned underground mine. An analysis of mining methods indicated that sublevel and level caving systems (involving the caving of ore and host rock) are unsuitable for the Jeruy deposit due to safety risks associated with simultaneous open-pit operations. The research concludes that a staged stope approach-utilizing artificial pillars within a framework layout-enhances safety by mitigating rock pressure effects and improves efficiency by optimizing the extraction of ore reserves (accounting for varying gold grades and market conditions) while simultaneously reducing ore loss and dilution within the stopes.

Chuprin K. E. Geomechanical justification of development parameters for the Jeruy stockwork gold deposit using a framework mining method and open stope backfilling. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2026;(11-1):74-84. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2026_111_0_74.

K.E. Chuprin, Deputy General Director for Production, Alliance Altyn LLC, e-mail: chuprin.ke@alliance-altyn.kg.

1. Makarcheva A. A., Guskov O. I. Assessment of quantitative indicators of parameter variability in stockwork deposits. Proceedings of higher educational establishments. Geology and exploration. 2016, no. 3, pp. 73—77. [In Russ].

2. Chuprin K. E., Mansurov V. A., Plaksin D. A., Eremenko V. A. Substantiation of frame mine design for underground mining of the Jerooy stockwork-type deposit with heterogeneous patterns of gold distribution in ore. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2026, no. 2-1, pp. 33—45. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2026_21_0_33.

3. Makarcheva A. A. Assessment of the feasibility of selective mining of stockwork deposits. XII Mezhdunarodnaya nauchno-prakticheskaya konferentsiya «Novye idei v naukakh o Zemle» [XII International scientific-practical conference «New ideas in Earth sciences»], vol. 1, Moscow, 2015, pp. 421—422. [In Russ].

4. Ermoshkin D. N., Kurmanaliev K. Z., Mansurov V. A., Mezhelovsky V. I., Babkin E. A. Justification for using a mosaic pillar system in barren blocks during the mining of vein gold deposits. Russian Mining Industry Journal. 2023, no. 3, pp. 108—114. [In Russ].

5. Umarov A. R., Eremenko V. A. Secondary stress evolution in frame structure mines. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2023, no. 4, pp. 77—92. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2023_4_0_77.

6. Eremenko V. A., Galchenko Yu. P., Kosyreva M. A. Assessment of the influence of geometric parameters of traditionally used and nature-mimicking underground ore mining systems on the initial stress field. Journal of Mining Sciences. 2020, no. 3, pp. 98—109. [In Russ].

7. Chuprin K. E., Nesipbaev D. A., Kurmanaliev K. Z. Framework geotechnology for the underground mining of the stockwork ore body at the Jeruy deposit (Kyrgyz Republic). News of the Ural State Mining University. 2025, no. 2(78), pp. 71—88. [In Russ].

8. Eremenko V. A., Galchenko Yu. P., Lipnitskiy N. A., Umarov A. R. Framework mining structure for the underground mining of thick ore deposits. Gornyi Zhurnal. 2021, no. 9, pp. 11—18. [In Russ].

9. Pakhaluev V. F., Galchenko Yu. P., Sabyanin G. V. Experience in implementing framework geotechnology concepts to preserve aquifers at the Yakovlevskoye deposit. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2011, no. 11, pp. 130—137. [In Russ].

10. Chuprin K. E., Shamshiev O. Sh., Chubko O. L., Kurmanaliev K. Z. Prerequisites for the non-linear characteristics of a gold deposit: the morphological and concentration core of mineralization. Subsoil Use and Transport Systems. 2024, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 58—70. [In Russ].

11. Chitalin A. F., Misharin L. G., Popov S. S., Chikatueva V. Yu. The significance of geological-structural study of vein-type deposits for predicting ore bodies. Gold and Technologies. 2024, no. 2 (64), pp. 108—123. [In Russ].

12. Raimjanov B. R., Muhitdinov А. Т., Khasanov A. R. Improvement of mining technology efficiency in thick steeply dipping close-spaced or bodies under difficult geological and geotechnical conditions. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2018, no. 10, pp. 67—78. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236-1493-2018-10-0-67-78.

13. Iskakov Y., Amanzholov D., Kenessov Z. Innovative approaches to stabilizing underground mine workings in unstable rock masses by creating a preliminary protective shield. Mining of Mineral Deposits. 2025, vol. 19, pp. 65—74.

14. Demin V., Khalikova E., Rabatuly M., Amanzholov Zh., Zhumabekova A., Syzdykbaeva D., Bakhmagambetova G., Yelzhanov Y. Research into mine working fastening technology in the zones of increased rock pressure behind the longwall face to ensure safe mining operations. Mining of Mineral Deposits. 2024, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 27—36.

15. Karasev V. A., Masaev Yu. A., Masaev V. Yu. Technology of mine working support using spiral supports during the extraction of thick coal seams. Bulletin of the VostNII Scientific Center for Industrial and Environmental Safety. 2020, no. 1, pp. 12—19. [In Russ].

16. Himanshu V. K., Bhagat N. K., Vishwakarma A. K., Mishra A. K. Principles and practices of rock blasting. CRC Press, 2024, 263 p.

17. Saidin M., Afrazi M., Jahed A. Engineering performance of data-driven powder factor optimization in tunnel blasting under complex geological conditions. Geosciences. 2025, vol. 15, no. 11, article 441. DOI: 10.3390/geosciences15110441. 

18. Serdaliyev Y., Bakhramov B., Alip A. Improvement of blasting technology at gold-ore mining enterprises using contour blasting. Mining of Mineral Deposits. 2025, vol. 19, pp. 83—94.