Georadar surveys of mining structures in the western part of the Arctic

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2023-S1-103-109

A.I. Kalashnik, A.Y. Dyakov Mining Institute Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russian Federation Russian Mining Industry №1S / 2023 р. 103-109

Abstract: The application of georadar surveys is described as a non-destructive, giving a detailed continuous (profile) picture, method for studying the internal structure and water saturation of mining structures. Examples of surveys of specific objects of large mining enterprises in the western part of the Arctic are given. It is shown that the electromagnetic field induced by the georadar is distorted in areas where the physical properties of rocks and soils differ (heterogeneities, increased fracturing, tectonic disturbances, faults, zones of increased water saturation, etc.). The key parameter of georadar sounding is determined, which is the intensity of wave field distortion, determined by the contrast (ratio) of the physical properties of rocks, spatial orientation and depth of heterogeneity. Based on this, structural features of the rocks of the Zhelezny quarry JSC “Kovdorsky GOK”, the mine Vostochny KF of JSC «Apatit», etc. were revealed. Hidden tectonic faults and heterogeneities of the massif, which pose a potential danger to mining operations and industrial facilities, were identified and traced. On the basis of long-term monitoring georadar surveys of the enclosing dams of the tailings of Kovdorsky GOK JSC, Kola Mining and Metallurgical Plant JSC, Oleniy Ruchey Mining and Processing Complex of NWPC, OLCON JSC, patterns of formation of filtration-deformation processes were established. For the Oleniy Ruchey mine, quality assessments were made for the construction of tailings dams, concrete foundations for mills, and railway loading and unloading terminals. On the island of Svalbard, georadar surveys have clarified the upper boundary of frozen rocks under the site of the thermal power plant of Arktikugol JSC.

Keywords: mining structures, heterogeneity of structure, water saturation, georadar survey, physical properties, filtrationdeformation processes, industrial safety, Arctic

For citation: Kalashnik A.I., Dyakov A.Y. Georadar surveys of mining structures in the western part of the Arctic. Russian Mining Industry. 2023;(1 Suppl.):103–109. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2023-S1-103-109

Article info

Received: 03.02.2023

Revised: 20.02.2023

Accepted: 21.02.2023

Information about the authors

Anatolii I. Kalashnik – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Head of laboratory, Mining Institute Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Andrey Y. Dyakov – Scientific Researcher, Mining Institute Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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