IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Development of a tool to optimize the production of paste overfill

Abstract

Paste mining backfill is used to stabilize underground excavations but is complex to produce and has related safety problems. No method currently exists to guide the development of cemented paste backfill recipes. Using experimental studies as a basis, the authors have developed mathematical models that predict rather precisely the mechanical strength, consistency, percent solids and the production cost of cemented paste mining backfill. The model’s results have optimized fill properties by taking into account important criteria for the company, namely worker safety and the technique’s feasibility and usefulness. Validated experimentally, the developed models have resulted in the development of a preliminary version of an expert help tool for the production of paste fill recipes. The authors are pursuing their work to improve the tool and extend its utilization possibilities.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0099-0850
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2004
Team:
  • Mostafa Benzaazoua (Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue)
  • Tikou Belem (Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue)