Results of pilot-scale industrial tests on the physical and mechanical properties of consolidating backfill based on salt waste from the Gremyachinskoye deposit
V.I. Tatarnikov1, R.V. Berger2
1 Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
2 EuroChem-VolgaKaliy LLC, Kotelnikovo, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №5S/ 2025 p. 69-73
Abstract: The article studies the formation conditions of consolidating backfills based on salt waste in underground mining of potash ores. The Gremyachinskoye deposit was chosen as the research object characterized by a complex geological structure and the deep occurrence of the producing salt seam. Technological and geomechanical aspects of using a backfill mixture made of sylvinite processing waste are considered based on laboratory and pilot-scale industrial tests. Conventional hydraulic backfilling is shown to be accompanied by significant losses of commercial minerals and destabilization of the surrounding rock mass. A composition of the consolidating mixture has been developed that secures formation of a strong solid backfill without releasing excess brine at an optimal mixture moisture content of 6–8%. The studies confirm uniform roof rock subsidence, minimal shrinkage, and the possibility of phased extraction of the rib pillars with a significant increase in the ore recovery rates. The key parameters affecting the strength and stability of the backfill have been identified including the delivery method, moisture content, and mixture density. The results obtained make it possible to recommend the proposed technology as an environmentally and economically efficient alternative to traditional backfilling methods in mining of salt deposits
Keywords: Gremyachinskoye deposit, potash ores, backfill mixture, salt waste, consolidating mass, hydraulic backfilling, pilot-scale industrial tests, underground mining
For citation: Tatarnikov V.I., Berger R.V. Results of pilot-scale industrial tests on the physical and mechanical properties of consolidating backfill based on salt waste from the Gremyachinskoye deposit. Russian Mining Industry. 2025;(5S):69–73. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2025-5S-69-73
Article info
Received: 21.08.2025
Revised: 06.10.2025
Accepted: 17.10.2025
Information about the authors
Valentin I. Tatarnikov – Postgraduate Student, Department of Challenges in Modelling and Management of Mining Systems, Junior Researcher, Laboratory of Intelligent Monitoring Methods of Mining Systems, Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Roman V. Berger – Cand. Sci. (Eng.) Director of Production, EuroChem-VolgaKaliy LLC, Kotelnikovo, Volgograd Region, Russian Federation
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