Type assignment to process flowsheets of environmentally balanced mining methods for solid mineral deposits
N.V. Gonchar1, V.A. Pikalov2, A.V. Sokolovsky2, M.A. Tereshina2
1 Russian Copper Company Limited, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
2 Geotechnology LLC, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №6/ 2025 p. 106-111
Abstract: The article discusses process flowsheets of environmentally balanced methods of mining solid mineral deposits, the relevance of which has increased against the trend of deteriorating natural quality of extracted mineral raw materials, more complex mining conditions, and increased man-caused stress on the environment, including the growing amount of waste. Such a mining method aims to strike a balance between the unavoidable negative impact that comes with all the mining processes and the solutions that offset this impact. It has been determined that a significant environmental effect can be achieved by using large volumes of worked-out open-pit mines and man-made terrains, purposefully forming them during the mining process as man-made georesources with specified consumer properties.
Keywords: mining methods, environmental sustainability, process flowsheet, man-generated georesources
For citation: Gonchar N.V., Pikalov V.A., Sokolovsky A.V., Tereshina M.A. Type assignment to process flowsheets of environmentally balanced mining methods for solid mineral deposits. Russian Mining Industry. 2025;(6):106–111. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2025-6-106-111
Article info
Received: 07.09.2025
Revised: 27.10.2025
Accepted: 14.11.2025
Information about the authors
Natalia V. Gonchar – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Honored Ecologist of the Russian Federation, Vice-President of Safety and Environment, Russian Copper Company Limited, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Vyacheslav A. Pikalov – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Head of Department, Geotechnology LLC, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation
Alexander V. Sokolovsky – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), General Manager of Geotechnology LLC, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Maria A. Tereshina – Cand. Sci. (Econ.), First Deputy CEO, Geotechnology LLC, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation
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