In the quest for efficient and safe mining practices, particularly in deep-buried ore deposits, the design and stability of mining pillars are critical. Recent research from Guizhou University sheds light on this essential aspect, offering a scientific approach to pillar width that could significantly impact the mining and construction sectors.
Led by WEN Xiaosong from the School of Mining at Guizhou University, this study employs cusp catastrophe theory to analyze the stability of mining pillars in a phosphate mine located in Guizhou, China. The research underscores the importance of leaving permanent pillars with adequate width to ensure the safety of mining operations. “The reasonable design of pillar width is vital to its safety,” WEN notes, highlighting the delicate balance between resource extraction and structural integrity.
The study derives a safety factor expression for mining pillars using the Hoek-Brown strength criterion and area load-bearing theory. Through detailed analysis, WEN and his team established a model that identifies the conditions necessary for pillar instability. Their findings indicate that the width of safety pillars should exceed 5.8 meters, with a safety factor of no less than 1.5. The practical application of this research saw the team set a pillar width of 6 meters, leading to a maximum settlement displacement of just 14.75 mm and a maximum stress of 3.88 MPa—both figures well within acceptable limits.
Such insights are not merely academic; they hold substantial commercial implications for the construction and mining industries. As mining companies strive to enhance safety while maximizing resource extraction, the application of cusp catastrophe theory could lead to more reliable designs and reduced operational risks. “Our numerical simulation results align closely with field monitoring, demonstrating the effectiveness of our approach,” WEN adds, reinforcing the validity of their findings.
As the mining industry faces increasing pressure to operate sustainably and safely, this research paves the way for future developments in pillar design and stability analysis. The integration of advanced theoretical models like cusp catastrophe theory into practical applications could revolutionize how mining operations are conducted, leading to safer and more efficient practices.
This significant research was published in ‘矿业科学学报’, which translates to the Journal of Mining Science. For further information on the study and its implications, you can explore the work of WEN Xiaosong and his team at Guizhou University.
