Geomechanical Assessment of Overlying Rock Mass in Blind Orebody Mining at Sheregesh Deposit

The authors make a geomechanical assessment of undermined rock mass before and after formation of a sinkhole on ground surface during blind orebody mining on Podruslovy site. The geophysical surveys allowed finding the pillar size dynamics above the mined-out void. The borehole gravity measurements in integration with an orthophotomap made it possible to determine the boundaries of the mined-out void and the parameters of the sinkhole. The mathematical modeling estimated the zones of stress concentration and fracture in enclosing rock mass in the neighborhood of the test boreholes. The safety precautions are designed for the further mining operations on Podruslovy site at Sheregesh deposit.