Determination of initial rock mass stress-strain state parameters of the Zhdanovskoe deposit using in-situ and numerical methods

The article presents the results of determining the parameters of the initial stress state of the rock mass of the Zhdanovskoe copper-nickel ore deposit (Kola MMC JSC). Currently, the depth of mining of the deposit's reserves using underground mining conditions has reached about 700 m, which undoubtedly complicates the geomechanical situation, increasing the probability of dynamic failure in the rock mass and workings occurred by rock pressure. One of the determining factors in ensuring the safety of mining operations is reliable knowledge of the parameters of its initial stress-strain state and the stress changes with depth. Based on the analysis of study results, including field measurements and stress state numerical modelling, taking into account the reconstruction of the mining situation at different stages of mining, the parameters of the initial stress field were obtained. It has been established that the stress state of the Zhdanovskoe deposit rock mass is characterised by a gravitational-tectonic type with a pronounced subhorizontal orientation of the maximum compressive stresses acting along the strike of the main ore bodies. The ratios of the principal stresses have been identified and the functions of their variation with depth were determined. The results of the study make it possible to improve the reliability of geomechanical forecasts during underground mining of ore bodies, select the optimal sequence and parameters of mining operations, and provide for a set of measures to ensure geodynamic safety.

Semenova I. E., Kulkova M. S. Determination of initial rock mass stress-strain state parameters of the Zhdanovskoe deposit using in-situ and numerical methods. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2026;(2-1):19-32. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2026_21_0_19.

I.E. Semenova¹, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Head of Department, e mail: i.semenova@ksc.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4074-7240,
M.S. Kulkova¹, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Senior Researcher, e mail: m.kulkova@ksc.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4417-0223,
¹ Mining Institute of Kola Science Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 184209, Apatity, Russia.

M.S. Kulkova, e-mail: m.kulkova@ksc.ru.

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