Comprehensive geomechanical justification of ultra-deep underground mines support with account of specific features of the thermal regime

K.N. Konstantinov, M.S. Kulkova
Mining Institute of the Kola Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №1/ 2026 p. 151-156

Abstract: The article is offers a comprehensive geomechanical justification of the support parameters for the EX-1 and EX-2 ultra-deep exploration mine workings at the levels of –1650 m and –1750 m at the Glubokaya mine of the Oktyabrskoye deposit. A set of in-situ (ultrasonic logging, rheometry, seismic profiling) and numerical methods of modeling the stress-strain state of the rock mass was used to assess stability in complex mining and geological conditions. It was established that the depth of the excavation damaged zone is 1–1,5 m, and the most probable type of the stress field is hydrostatic. Parameters of the reinforced combined support were justified based on the research. Particular attention is paid to analyzing the impact of high temperature (up to 50°C) and low humidity on the shotcrete curing process, which is confirmed by in-situ and laboratory studies. It is shown that the applied support ensures a stable condition of the mine workings, and its parameters match the geomechanical conditions.

Keywords: stress-strain state, ultra-deep mine workings, damaged zone, seismic profiling, ultrasonic logging, rheometry, numerical modeling, rock support, thermal regime, shotcrete curing

Acknowledgments: Authors would like to express their gratitude to A.O. Orlov, Lead Engineer at the Mining Institute of the Kola Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, for his advice during the preparation of this paper.

For citation: Konstantinov K.N., Kulkova M.S. Comprehensive geomechanical justification of ultra-deep underground mines support with account of specific features of the thermal regime. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(1):151–156. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-1-151-156

Article info

Received: 26.10.2025

Revised: 16.12.2025

Accepted: 22.12.2025

Information about the authors

Konstantin N. Konstantinov – Researcher, Mining Institute of the Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3208-9292; e mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Maria S. Kulkova – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Researcher, Mining Institute of the Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4417-0223; e mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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