Kosharna S. Geological and economic estimation of iron-ore deposits of the Kryvyi Rih basin on the stage of the intensive use and exhaustion of reserves

Dissertation is devoted to the problem of geological and economic estimation of iron-ore deposits in Kryvyi Rih on the stage of their intensive use, exhaustion and liquidation, to methodological approaches in relation to minimization of influence of ore mining and processing on a natural environment, to ecological rehabilitation of territories and to prognostication of environmental costs which will take place on completion of their extractive activity. For comparison with the objects of Kryvyi Rih, the studies on iron ore deposits in Slovak Republic have been done. The study of distribution of heavy metals on the Kryvyi Rih’s technogenic objects of ore mining and processing confirmed the conclusion of other researchers that the basic source of their entering into soils are the slags and smokes of metallurgical enterprises. When heavy metals get into soils, their redistribution goes under the influence of wind and atmospheric precipitates with the transfer and accumulation of dust particles - the main concentrators of heavy metals in the lower parts of the relief. The assessment of heavy metals distribution on a part of investigated objects in the Kryvyi Rih and Slovakia let us make a conclusion about the general similarity of conditions and consequences of mining and processing activity impact on the state of the soil covering. On the base of existing classifications of ecological charges, the most practical methodology of their association which has to simplify their planning for enterprises is offered. The calculations of ecological charges prognostication which will take place at the end of extractive activity on deposits show that on such objects the realization of active recultivation works parallel with the extraction of minerals is expedient. This leads to substantially lower investments after completion of mining activity. It has also been empirically proved that expanding of post-liquidation working costs conduces the growth of the cost price and, consequently, the minimum industrial content of the useful component, causing a decrease of reserves and possibility to concentrate on truly valuable ores, which in fact, for individual deposits may be the best way for development.