Filonenko O. Substantiation of the backfill mass parameters for quarry cavities based on metallurgical slags

This Dissertation is a completed scientific research work in mining that expounds solution to a new scientific problem of efficient backfill parameters justification for open pit mines based on figured pattern change of ferrous slags backfill materials and quarry water interaction products, figured pattern change of physical and mechanical characteristics due to mechanical compaction. Environmental safety proof of ferrous slags as backfill material, declining of backfill layers deformation, and effective rehabilitation of lands disturbed by mining for new economic land use is an outcome of scientific problem solution. Based on statistical analysis, about 10% of annually deposited industrial waste is accounted for processing industry. While 70% of processing industry waste is accounted for ferrous metallurgy. In fact, low level of ferrous slags utilization in Ukraine is attributed to inefficient regulation that identifies ferrous slags as waste (not as byproduct). This poses a legal barrier on slag market from environmental perspective. In addition, there are no effective incentives for slag use in various branches of economy. Therefore, in case of logistics failure and unfavorable ferrous slag market demand, a rational option to pursue is to backfill available open pit mines with ferrous slags taking into account environmental safety issues and efficient parameters of backfill mixtures.