Geophysical and geomechanical challenges in ensuring safe mining operations at potash mines

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2025-4S-140-145

Читать на русскоя языкеA.A. Baryakh , I.A. Sanfirov, A.G. Yaroslavtsev
Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №4S / 2025 p. 140-145

Abstract: The paper presents methodological basis of seismic geomechanical research within the Verkhekamskoe potash magnesium salt deposit, the largest field in Europe. Such invstigations have been conducted for decades, which allows us to define as the main directions, i.e. monitoring the impact of mining operations on the country rock masses within the active mines and monitoring of the emergency situations. Seismic and geomechanical studies within these directions include high resolution shallow seismic survey and geomechanical interpretation of the seismic data. The hardware and methodological component of the seismic surveys is designed with account of the specific features of the targets, seismogeological and surface conditions within urbanized areas. This is achieved through the use of specially designed non-explosive low-power seismic sources with the pulse energy up to 1200 J and telemetric portable digital seismic stations with a wide frequency and dynamic range. Geomechanical assessment and prediction of safe conditions for mining of water protective strata is based on mathematical modeling of changes in the stress-and-strain state of the undermined rock mass under the impact of mining operations. The calculation method is based on the model of an elastic-plastic medium, which in is implemented as parabolic Coulomb-Mohr criterion the zone of compressive stresses. The results of such complex studies are illustrated by practical examples for various mining situations at the operating potash mines and in emergency situations.

Keywords: stress-and-strain state, geomechanics, shallow seismic investigations, potash mine, monitoring, prediction, water protective strata

Acknowledgments: The research was financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education under Agreement on Governmental Order (reg. number 124020500031-4, reg. number 124020500029-1).

For citation: Baryakh A.A., Sanfirov I.A., Yaroslavtsev A.G. Geophysical and geomechanical challenges in ensuring safe mining operations at potash mines. Russian Mining Industry. 2025;(4S):140–145. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2025-4S-140-145

Article info

Received: 29.06.2025

Revised: 18.08.2025

Accepted: 25.08.2025

Information about the authors

Alexander A. Baryakh – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Director, Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2737-6166; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Igor A. Sanfirov – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Director, Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9190-4296; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Aleksandr G. Yaroslavtsev – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Head of the Seismoacoustic Processes Modeling Sector, Mining Institute of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0766-5104; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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