Authors: A.V. Kulakov, A.A. Eremenko, A.I. Konurin, V.N. Filippov, V.N. Koltyshev

Title of the article: Justification of sublevel caving parameters with end ore draw for apatite-nepheline ores

Year: 2026, Issue: 4, Pages: 164-176

Branch of knowledge: 2.8.8 Geotechnology, mining machines

Index UDK: 622.271.3

DOI: 10.26730/1999-4125-2026-4-164-176

Abstract: For thick and very thick apatite-nepheline orebodies at the Kirov underground mine, the completeness and quality of ore extraction are controlled not only by the selected mining method but also by the consistency between the layout geometry and the laws of end ore draw. The paper substantiates rational parameters of sublevel caving for the Kukisvumchorr and Yukspor deposits, which are characterized by large orebody thickness, variable dip angles, and the need for stable operation of high-performance mobile equipment. The study combines analytical estimation of mining-system parameters under ore-draw constraints with three-dimensional numerical modelling based on the discrete element method. The effects of sublevel height, spacing between drill-and-loading drifts, blasted slice thickness, and the limiting dilution in the last draw dose on ore losses and dilution were investigated. To improve the reliability of the assessment, the simulations accounted for slice-by-slice extraction and the return of part of temporary losses from overlying slices. It was found that the best balance of recovery indicators for the considered conditions is achieved at a sublevel height of 20-23 m, a drift spacing of 18 m, or 20 m in highly disturbed rock mass, and a blasted slice thickness of 4.5 m with a possible increase to 5.0 m. The results also show that increasing the limiting dilution above 60% reduces losses but leads to a faster growth of overall dilution. The obtained relationships can be used in mine design and in adjusting stoping parameters for deep horizons of apatite-nepheline deposits.

Key words: sublevel caving end ore draw apatite-nepheline ores ore losses dilution discrete element method mining system parameters

Receiving date: 15.04.2026

Approval date: 01.09.2026

Publication date: 10.09.2026

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