Combined stope optimization in underground mines of the Urals

N.A. Zavalko, A.Zh. Zubets, A.V. Zubenko, T.M. Tokmurzin, O.A. Sagina
Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation Russian Mining Industry №1/ 2026 p. 97-104

Abstract: This article focuses on developing a methodology for combined optimization of stope geometry in underground copper-pyrite mines in the Urals region. The study is based on an integrated approach that combines stochastic mathematical programming, numerical geomechanical modeling, and analysis of production data obtained from active mining operations. The relevance of the work is defined by the need to improve the efficiency of mineral extraction in conditions of ever increasing depths of mining operations, increasingly complex geological conditions, and stricter safety requirements for stoping. A comprehensive analysis of the geomechanical conditions and technological parameters of the room-and-pillar mining systems with backfilling of the mined-out space was carried out based on the data from six copper-pyrite deposits in the Urals. The developed methodology includes a three-stage optimization procedure. i.e. generation of acceptable geometric configurations of the stopes with account of the ore body stability; stochastic optimization of the layout using an assembly of geostatistical implementations of the ore body; integrated planning of the sequence of mining and backfilling of the mined-out space. Numerical experiments on actual block models of three mines showed an increase in the net present value of projects by 8–14% compared to the traditional deterministic approach. Optimized chamber geometry parameters reduce preparatory and cutting work by 12–18% and reduce the consumption of hardening backfill mixtures by 15–22% while maintaining an ore recovery rate of 87–92%. The proposed methodology allows geological uncertainty to be taken into account at the design stage, which increases the reliability of mining solutions and ensures more accurate forecasting of the production indicators for the entire period of the deposit's operation.

Keywords: room-and-pillar mining system, stope optimization, copper-pyrite deposits, stochastic programming, geomechanical modeling, consolidating backfill, underground mines, the Urals

For citation: Zavalko N.A., Zubets A.Zh., Zubenko A.V., Tokmurzin T.M., Sagina O.A. Combined stope optimization in underground mines of the Urals. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(1):97–104. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-1-97-104

Article info

Received: 19.10.2025

Revised: 16.12.2025

Accepted: 16.01.2026

Information about the authors

Natalya A. Zavalko – Dr. Sci. (Econ.), Professor of the Department of State and Municipal Administration of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Anton Zh. Zubets – Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Associate Professor of the Department of State and Municipal Administration of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1481-0189; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Andrey V. Zubenko – Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Associate Professor of the Department of State and Municipal Administration of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6825-1904; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Timur M. Tokmurzin – Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Associate Professor of the Department of State and Municipal Administration of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9476-3612; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Oksana A. Sagina – Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Associate Professor of the Department of State and Municipal Administration of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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