Geotechnology framework for transformation of small coal fields in Yakutia

The geological conditions at small open pits in the permafrost zone in Yakutia and the reclamation of these areas after completion of mining operations are discussed. The analysis of the stripping ratio dynamics at small open pits for the nearest 4 years shows an increasing trend. Unconditionally, this will complicate reclamation of the open pits, and elevate the scope and the cost of reclamation. For planning transformation of a coal field, it is proposed to use an index of fillability of a mined-out space, which can allow estimating the volume of overburden rocks placed in the mined-out pit and in the external dump. For example, when this index is less than 1, a recreation type of reclamation is recommended, for instance, a water body can be created in the mined-out pit void. When the index is higher than 1, it is more expedient to level crests of dumps and use the levelled area for the purposes of agriculture or forestry, or as construction sites. The mined-out void fillability index can help planning transformation of an open pit field to the effect of the disturbed land recovery with regard to the geological conditions of the open pit mining, systems of mining and dumping, social and economic factors and the land use according to its new assignment.

Zarovnyaev B. N. Geotechnology framework for transformation of small coal fields in Yakutia. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2025;(4):23-33. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_ 1493_2025_4_0_23.

B.N. Zarovnyaev, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Mining Institute of the North-Eastern Federal University named after M.K. Ammosova, 677013, Yakutsk, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia, e-mail: mine_academy@mail.ru, ORCID ID: 0009-0000-3738-566Х.

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