This article is the first part in a series of research papers studying the location systems used in coal mines. The paper reviews various approaches to investigation of location systems and assesses the impact of external factors on the location accuracy in the systems created using complex measurement techniques. The tests were performed at different mine sections, i.e. straight roadways, junctions and turns, equipped with the SBGPS system. First, planned actions were performed in the mine, e.g. positioning of the test objects in defined locations, moving along designated routes, etc. Following which, the raw (mathematically unprocessed) data of distance measurements using the ultra-wideband signal Time-of-Flight (ToF) method...

Car Pullers of the TEV Series are the most economical and convenient means to relocate a car string when hauling bulky goods at loading and unloading complexes of manufacturing facilities. Their key advantage is the possibility to control them remotely. Assuring accident prevention is one of the key aspects that is given a particular attention to during the design and manufacturing of this type of the car pullers. A universal means to secure accident prevention is the brake system. In order to verify the possibility to stop the train in movement and retain it in the down grade, studies have been performed by PromTechTrans LLC of the train braking efficiency when using the brake system of the TEV series car puller depending on the descent grade and the train set weight. The permissible grade of the railway section is calculated as a function of the car string weight and the breaking efficiency to secure the traffic safety during the train retention on the inclined track.

Historically, coal mining in Russia and abroad has been concerned with the need to improve the efficiency of coal bed excavation as well as to find ways to prevent adverse methane emissions. The success in responding to methane safety challenges in underground coal mining depends on the level of knowledge about the hazardous properties of coal beds. The research objective was to justify the application of the quantum theory principles and axioms in securing methane safety in coal mines. The paper demonstrates shortcomings in our understanding of the processes that take place in coal beds being investigated using current chemical and physical methods. Experimental evidences are provided of the molecular structure of coal at all the metamorphic stages (coal ranks).

External dumps of PJSC «Mikhailovsky GOK» were formed on a weak watered base which presents the least favourable conditions to ensure their stability. Refuse rock was dumped in the controlled deformation mode. This method can be applied if enough free land is available and the mining equipment makes it possible to locate the dump outside the deformation zone. However, at the present time it does not seem possible to dump the refuse material in this way.

Specific features of the Urals gold deposits at the mature stage of their development are considered in the paper. It presents principal provisions of a long-term project for time-phased implementation of lean operations at the ‘Noviy Kochkar’ Mining and Concentration Complex. A new concept of the strategy to develop gold deposit in the Southern Urals is based on unleashing the resource base potential through application of innovative geotechnologies and securing sustainable development of the company in the present-day context.

Mining and geological as well as natural and climatic features of the primary diamond-bearing deposits in Yakutia create uniquely complex conditions for the mining operations. As a rule, efficient and most complete development of such deposits is only possible with application of innovative technologies. New technologies and design solutions are required to ensure safety and acceptable operating costs of further development of some deposits all the way down to the explored depths. Development of new geotechnologies for the pit reserves mining is becoming a priority task in academic research.

The paper studies various designs of the quality management chain for ore delivery to the processing plant in surface mining operations using high-accuracy navigation of mechanical shovels and automatic deployment of dump trucks based on the artificial intelligence and digital advisers being part of the dispatching system.

The article summarizes the 85-year history of the Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University, one of the 33 cornerstone Universities in Russia. It describes the University’s progress in International ratings, educational sphere, research activities and students’ self-administration. In 2019 the NMSTU is celebrating its 85th Anniversary. Enjoying world recognition and offering a wide range of modern competences to its students, the University and its staff set ambitious goals for the future.

The paper describes an innovative engineering solution to replace lining in large-size ball mills with the diameter over 7 m. The arrangements currently used for re-lining of such mills are considerably bulky and require a lot of open space for preparation. This approach aims to minimize the mill downtime caused by the relining activities. The author suggests replacing the mill lining with a hydraulically-driven manipulator installed on an extension platform with a device to deliver the lining inside the mill shell through the trunnion.

The paper presents a motion control system for unmanned aircrafts (UA) in coal mines. Specific features of the mine atmosphere are considered and simulation results are provided.