Regarding correlation between the ore grade and the state of natural and man-made rock masses
V.I. Golik1, A.V. Titova2
1 Moscow Polytechnic University, Moscow, Russian Federation
2 Vernadsky State Geological Museum, Moscow, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №3/ 2026 p. 137-141
Abstract: The article discusses topical issues of managing the condition of ore-bearing rocks to improve the environmental and economic performance of mining operations in the national economy. Methods of managing the state of the rock mass are summarized, systematized and analyzed, natural relationships and correlations between the ore grades are established, a forecast for improving the performance of operations is made, and recommendations on improving ore mining and processing methods are given. A model to determine the benefits from improving the ore grades and the results of its implementation options in the Mapl system with quantitative characteristics of the ratio between the cost of managing the rock mass and the cost of filling the worked-out space is formed. It is shown that an increase in the area of exposed rock and duration of the stoping operation scales up dilution, selective mining of high-grade ores makes the process of backfilling the worked-out space and raises the material costs. An algorithm is presented for extracting metals from ores of different grades, a scheme for combining traditional and innovative mining methods is developed, and information on the results of the combination is provided. A model with independent variables is proposed to determine the efficiency of combining the methods. Dependence diagrams of variable mining and processing factors for gold-bearing ores are given. It is concluded that the cost of managing the condition of the ore-bearing rock mass is an important factor in shaping the economic performance of operations, and the worked-out space is a three-dimensional probability distribution for which the volume of the mine workings and the rock properties are interdependent factors. The research results can be used in upgrading underground mining technologies, as well as in training of highly qualified personnel.
Keywords: rock mass, correlation, ore grade, ore mining method, mathematical model, metal extraction
For citation: Golik V.I., Titova A.V. Regarding correlation between the ore grade and the state of natural and man-made rock masses. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(3):137–141. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-3-137-141
Article info
Received: 16.02.2026
Revised: 24.03.2026
Accepted: 01.04.2026
Information about the authors
Vladimir I. Golik – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor of the Department of Metallurgy, Moscow Polytechnic University, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1181-8452; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Asya V. Titova – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Vernadsky State Geological Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
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