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Advances in Mine Backfilling Technology and Materials

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A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 7752

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Prof. Dr. Yuye Tan

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Guest Editor

School of Civil and Resources Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Interests: backfill mining; cemented tailings backfill materials; mechanical behavior of cemented tailings backfill; hydration process and characteristic of cemented tailings backfill slurry

Dr. Xun Chen

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Guest Editor

School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China
Interests: cemented tailings backfill; solid waste filling material; solution mining

Dr. Yuan Li

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Guest Editor

Department of Mining Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0102, USA
Interests: tailings dewatering; tailings material characterization; tailings backfill; management of tailings storage facilities
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Backfill mining technology can be used to manage mine waste and reduce ground subsidence. It has become the preferred choice and is widely used in underground mining for its efficient, ecological, and environmentally friendly properties, and its ability for mining environment reconstruction. In the past few decades, many studies have been carried out on the backfilling mining method, backfilling technology, backfilling material development, and backfilling slurry and body performance. A number of achievements have been made, and this has promoted the development and application of backfilling mining in underground mines. This Special Issue invites research and review articles on backfilling technology and materials across research fields which may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Advances in backfill mining method, theory and technology;
Advances in backfill materials;
Mechanical and rheological performance of backfill materials;
Advances in mathematical modeling, numerical simulation, and in situ measurement methods of backfill materials.

Prof. Dr. Yuye Tan
Dr. Xun Chen
Dr. Yuan Li
Guest Editors

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Keywords

backfill mining method
cemented tailing backfill technology
filling materials
mine waste
binding material
cemented tailing backfill
mechanical properties of cemented tailing backfill
rheological properties of filling slurry
mathematical modeling
numerical simulation
in situ measurement

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 5869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Long-Term Mechanical Behavior and Constitutive Model of Cemented Tailings Backfill Under Dynamic Triaxial Loading

by Yuye Tan, Jinshuo Yang, Yuchao Deng, Yunpeng Kou, Yiding Li and Weidong Song

Minerals 2025, 15(3), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15030276 - 8 Mar 2025

Viewed by 418

Abstract

Cemented tailings backfill (CTB) plays an important role in mine filling operations. In order to study the long-term stability of CTB under the dynamic disturbance of deep wells, ultrafine cemented tailings backfill was taken as the research object, and the true triaxial hydraulic fracturing antireflection-wetting dynamic experimental system of coal and rock was used to carry out a static true triaxial compression test, a true triaxial compression test under unidirectional disturbance, and a true triaxial compression test under bidirectional disturbance. At the same time, the acoustic emission monitoring and positioning tests of the CTB were carried out during the compression test. The evolution law of the mechanical parameters and deformation and failure characteristics of CTB under different confining pressures is analyzed, and the damage constitutive model of the filling body is established using stochastic statistical theory. The results show that the compressive strength of CTB increases with an increase in intermediate principal stress. According to the change process of the acoustic emission ringing count over time, the triaxial compression test can be divided into four stages: the initial active stage, initial calm stage, pre-peak active stage, and post-peak calm stage. When the intermediate principal stress is small, the specimen is dominated by shear failure. With an increase in the intermediate principal stress, the specimen changes from brittle failure to plastic failure. The deformation and failure strength of CTB are closely related to its loading and unloading methods. Under a certain stress intensity, compared with unidirectional unloading, bidirectional unloading produces a greater deformation of the rock mass, and the failure strength of the rock mass is higher. This study only considers the confining pressure within the compressive limit of the specimen. Future research can be directed at a wider range of stresses to improve the applicability and reliability of the research results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mine Backfilling Technology and Materials)

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19 pages, 6991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Two-Step Shear Flocculation for High-Efficiency Dewatering of Ultra-Fine Tailings

by Ying Yang, Xiaohui Liu, Liqiang Zhang and Miaomiao Guo

Minerals 2025, 15(2), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15020176 - 14 Feb 2025

Viewed by 352

Abstract

The high-efficiency dewatering of ultra-fine tailings is one of the most prominent challenges in tailings thickening. The two-step shear flocculation process represents a promising practical method to achieve the dewatering of ultra-fine tailings. In this paper, a small self-made experimental device was used to simulate the two-step shear flocculation process of ultra-fine tailings, strengthening the effect of shear failure and shear coagulation, and we explored the mass fraction of ultra-fine tailings, floc structure size, floc strength, and regeneration performance of tailings slurry according to the variation in shear action in different stages. In addition, the synergistic mechanism of shear failure and shear coagulation in the two-step high-efficiency dewatering process of ultra-fine tailings was proposed. The results show that the dewatering of ultra-fine tailings was significantly improved by two-step flocculation, and the mass fraction of tailings can reach more than 71%. In the primary floc failure stage, the value of G₁T₁ should be higher than 100,000, and in the secondary floc regeneration stage, the value of G₂T₂ should be in the range of 7000~11,000. This paper provides a reference for the regulation of the shear mode and action range in the two-step flocculation process of ultra-fine tailings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mine Backfilling Technology and Materials)

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22 pages, 4482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of Pore Structure and Mechanical Characteristics of Red Sandstone Under Drying–Wetting Cycles

by Hongwei Deng, Shiyu Zhou, Songtao Yu, Yao Liu and Jingbo Xu

Minerals 2025, 15(2), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15020158 - 7 Feb 2025

Viewed by 600

Abstract

Red sandstone is widely distributed in southern China. Due to the significant difference in mechanical properties before and after hydration and its poor water stability, red sandstone often triggers landslide accidents. In this paper, red sandstone from an open pit slope in Jiangxi Province was taken as the research object. Two variables, namely the initial saturation degree (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) and the number of wetting–drying cycles (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40), were set. With the help of nuclear magnetic resonance, the Brazilian disc test, and fractal theory, the relationships among its meso-structure, macroscopic fracture mechanics characteristics, and deterioration mechanism were analyzed. The research results are as follows: (1) Wetting–drying cycles have a significant impact on the pore structure and fracture mechanics characteristics of red sandstone. Moreover, the higher the initial saturation degree, the more obvious the deterioration effect of the wetting–drying cycles on the rock mass. (2) After further subdividing the pores according to their size for research, it was found that sandstone is mainly composed of mesopores, and the deterioration laws of different types of pores after the wetting–drying cycles are different. The porosities of total pores and macropores increase, while the proportions of mesopores and micropores decrease. The fractal dimensions of macropores and total pores of each group of rock samples are all within the range of 2–3, and the fractal dimension value increases with the increase in the number of wetting–drying cycles, showing significant and regular fractal characteristics. Micropores and some mesopores do not possess fractal characteristics. The fractal dimension of rock samples basically satisfies the rule that the larger the pore diameter, the larger the fractal dimension and the more complex the pore structure. (3) Both the type I and type II fracture toughness of rock samples decrease with the increase in the number of cycles, and the decrease is the most significant when the initial saturation degree is 100%. After 40 cycles, the decreases in type I and type II fracture toughness reach 23.578% and 30.642%, respectively. The fracture toughness is closely related to the pore structure. The porosity and fractal dimension of rock samples and their internal macropores are linearly negatively correlated with the type II fracture toughness. The development of the macropore structure is the key factor affecting its fracture mechanics performance. (4) After the wetting–drying cycles, the internal pores of red sandstone continue to develop. The number of pores increases, the pore diameter enlarges, and the proportion of macropores rises, resulting in internal damage to the rock mass. When bearing loads, the expansion and connection of internal cracks intensify, ultimately leading to the failure of the rock mass. The research results can provide important reference for the stability analysis of sandstone slope engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mine Backfilling Technology and Materials)

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20 pages, 8958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Cut-and-Fill Mining Method for Controlled Surface Subsidence and Resourceful Utilization of Coal Gangue

by Yongqiang Zhao, Yingming Yang, Zhiqiang Wang, Qingheng Gu, Shirong Wei, Xuejia Li and Changxiang Wang

Minerals 2025, 15(2), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15020146 - 31 Jan 2025

Viewed by 662

Abstract

Existing coal filling mining technologies face significant challenges of controlled surface subsidence, efficient utilization of waste rock in coal mines, and a shortage of adequate filling materials. This study introduces an innovative cut-and-fill mining method designed to strategically partition the goaf into cutting and filling zones. In the cutting zone, in situ filling materials are employed to construct waste rock column supports adjacent to the filling zone, thereby achieving controlled surface subsidence. This approach is integrated with long-wall mining operations and implemented using advanced, comprehensive equipment. FLAC3D simulations were conducted to investigate the patterns of stress distribution, surface deformation, and plastic zone formation within the mining field. With the implementation of the cut-and-fill mining balance, key observations include a reduction in maximum principal stress near the center of the goaf, an increasing trend in minimum principal stress, regular displacement distributions, and intact plastic zones positioned vertically away from the stope and horizontally close to the center of the stope. Compared to traditional caving methods, the cut-and-fill technique significantly reduces maximum vertical displacement, by nearly 95%, and maximum horizontal displacement, by approximately 90%. Additionally, it minimizes energy accumulation, lowers overall energy release, and prolongs the release period. Importantly, this method facilitates the resourceful utilization of approximately 800 million tons of waste rock, potentially leading to an estimated reduction of 500 million tons in CO₂ emissions. By achieving a balance of three effects—harmonizing coal extraction and filling capacity, aligning the supply and demand of filling materials, and optimizing the balance between filling costs and mining benefits—this method provides a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for the coal mining industry. The findings of this study are crucial for guiding the industry towards more environmentally responsible practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mine Backfilling Technology and Materials)

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20 pages, 9421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microwave Thermal Treatment on Enhanced Cemented Tailings Backfill: An Experimental Study

by Xiaolong Cui, Keping Zhou and Zheng Pan

Minerals 2025, 15(2), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15020115 - 24 Jan 2025

Viewed by 478

Abstract

Cemented tailings backfill (CTB), composed of tailings, binder, and water, is widely used for filling underground goaves in mining operations. Unmanaged tailings can occupy extensive land and pose significant environmental risks. Microwave technology offers a promising approach to enhance the utilization of tailings, reducing dependency on natural resources. However, limited research on microwave heating parameters has impeded its broader adoption. This study uses the orthogonal experimental method to study the influence of various factors on the strength of the CTB and to determine the impact capacity of each factor. Additionally, this study conducted a visual analysis of the microwave heating time (MHT), microwave delay time (MDT), cement-tailings ratio, slurry concentration and microwave power (MP) to verify the experimental results. The results show that microwave heating can enhance or diminish the mechanical properties of CTB samples at different curing ages, depending on the specific microwave parameter settings. Research indicates that microwave technology can be effectively applied to mine backfill materials to improve their early strength and the modulus of elasticity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mine Backfilling Technology and Materials)

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14 pages, 2307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Analysis of Yield Stress and Its Evolution in Fiber-Reinforced Cemented Paste Backfill

by Shili Hu, Jingping Qiu, Qingsong Zhang, Zhenbang Guo and Chen Liu

Minerals 2025, 15(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15010081 - 16 Jan 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 587

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced cemented paste backfill (FR-CPB) has attracted considerable attention in modern mining applications due to its superior mechanical properties and adaptability. Despite its potential, understanding its rheological behavior remains limited, largely because of the absence of quantitative methods for assessing fiber packing behavior within CPB. This study develops a rheology-based approach to determine the maximum packing fraction of polypropylene fibers in fresh CPB, revealing that shorter fibers (3 mm) achieve a maximum packing fraction of 0.661, significantly higher than longer fibers (12 mm) with 0.534. Building on these findings, a quantitative model for the static yield stress of FR-CPB was developed, showing that under a high fiber content (0.9%) and with longer fibers (12 mm), the yield stress reached 274.34 kPa, a 40% increase compared to shorter fibers. Additionally, the study modeled the time-dependent evolution of yield stress, achieving a prediction accuracy with a correlation coefficient of 0.92. These advancements enable the optimization of FR-CPB composition, which can reduce material usage, enhance pipeline transport efficiency, and improve backfill stability in underground voids. By minimizing the risk of structural failure and optimizing resource allocation, this research provides a theoretical foundation for safer and more cost-effective mining operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mine Backfilling Technology and Materials)

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21 pages, 2146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization Model for Mine Backfill Scheduling Under Multi-Resource Constraints

by Yuhang Liu, Guoqing Li, Jie Hou, Chunchao Fan, Chuan Tong and Panzhi Wang

Minerals 2024, 14(12), 1183; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14121183 - 21 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 779

Abstract

Addressing the resource constraints, such as manpower and equipment, faced by mine backfilling operations, this study proposed an optimization model for backfill scheduling based on the Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (RCPSP). The model considered backfilling’s multi-process, multi-task, and multi-resource characteristics, aiming to minimize total delay time. Constraints included operational limits, resource requirements, and availability. The goal was to determine optimal resource configurations for each stope’s backfilling steps. A heuristic genetic algorithm (GA) was employed for solution. To handle equipment unavailability, a new encoding/decoding algorithm ensured resource availability and continuous operations. Case verification using real mine data highlights the advantages of the model, showing a 20.6% decrease in completion time, an 8 percentage point improvement in resource utilization, and a 47.4% reduction in overall backfilling delay time compared to traditional methods. This work provides a reference for backfilling scheduling in similar mines and promotes intelligent mining practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mine Backfilling Technology and Materials)

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18 pages, 4558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Properties, Failure Modes, and Damage Development of Stratified Cemented Tailings Backfill under Uniaxial Compression

by Wenbin Xu, Yalun Zhang, Wei Chen, Tong Sun and Yilin Sang

Minerals 2024, 14(9), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14090917 - 6 Sep 2024

Viewed by 843

Abstract

Layered cemented filling leads to a layered composite structure of cemented tailings backfill (CTB) composed of high-strength top and bottom layers, as well as a low-strength middle layer. To solve the problem of the low mechanical properties of the middle layer caused by layered filling, this study proposes the concept of an enhance layer, that is, an enhance layer is added to the middle weak layer to improve its overall mechanical properties. To explore the characteristics of strength, failure modes, energy dissipation, and progressive damage of stratified cemented tailings backfill (SCTB) with varying layered structures, the uniaxial compressive tests of SCTB specimens with enhance layers c/t of 1:15, 1:10, and 1:6, as well as height proportions of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3, are examined. The results show that the elastic modulus and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of SCTB samples increase with the height ratio and cement-to-tailings ratio of the enhance layer. The elastic modulus and strength of SCTB specimens is more sensitive to the height ratio of the enhance layer than the c/t ratio. Moreover, the SCTB specimens mainly manifested as tensile failure of the upper layer and lower layer, but they did not penetrate the entire specimen. The propagation of cracks is limited by the addition of the enhance layer. The SCTB specimens have stronger plastic deformation ability, and a large part of the all-strain energy is dissipated in the shape of plastic failure. In addition, a constitutive model for damage in SCTB samples has been developed. The SCTB samples with a reasonable structure can also achieve sufficient strength compared to directly increasing the c/t ratio of CTB specimens while reducing the cost of cemented tailings backfill preparation. This approach reduces the carbon footprint of the mining industry and improved the overall mechanical properties and stability of the stratified cemented tailings backfill. This study provides a new approach for high-stage subsequent stope backfilling. The findings will offer guidance for the design of a layered filling mining method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mine Backfilling Technology and Materials)

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18 pages, 4565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Curing Agent for High-Concentration Unclassified Tailings Stockpiling: A Case Study of Tailings from a Gold Mine

by Weixiang Wang, Kun Li, Lijie Guo, Sha Wang, Yifan Chu and Yao Lu

Minerals 2024, 14(9), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14090884 - 29 Aug 2024

Viewed by 920

Abstract

The disposal of tailings has always been a focal point in the mining industry. Semi-dry tailings stockpiling, specifically high-concentration tailings stockpiling, has emerged as a potential solution. To enhance the stability of tailings stockpiling and minimize its costs, the incorporation of a low-cost curing agent into high-concentration tailings is essential. Therefore, this study focuses on the development of a curing agent for high-concentration unclassified tailings stockpiling. The composition of a low-cost curing agent system is determined based on theoretical analysis, and the curing reaction mechanisms of each composition are researched. Subsequently, an orthogonal experiment is designed, and the strength of the modified unclassified tailings solidified samples at different curing ages is measured. Furthermore, the rheological properties of the modified unclassified tailings slurries are tested, and the feasibility of industrial transportation of the unclassified tailings slurries modified with the optimized curing agent is analyzed. Lastly, the microscopic morphologies of each material and the modified unclassified tailings solidified samples are characterized, their chemical compositions are tested, and the action mechanism of the curing agent in the curing system is further investigated. The results show that the optimal proportions of each material in the curing agent are as follows: slag, 58%; quicklime, 15%; cement, 8%; gypsum, 9%; and bentonite, 10%. The dominance of industrial waste slag exceeding 50% reflects the low-cost nature of the curing agent. Under this condition, the modified unclassified tailings slurry with a mass concentration of 75% exhibited a yield stress of 43.62 Pa and a viscosity coefficient of 0.67 Pa·s, which is suitable for pipeline transportation. These findings lay a foundation for subsequent decisions regarding stockpiling processes and equipment selection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mine Backfilling Technology and Materials)

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Review

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17 pages, 9202 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pipeline Transport Performance of Paste Backfill Slurry in Long-Distance Underground Backfilling: A Review

by Wei Wang, Bin Yu, Wenyuan Xu, Kai Yang, Yanying Yin and Mengyuan Li

Minerals 2024, 14(12), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14121238 - 5 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 922

Abstract

This paper reviews recent advancements in the pipeline transport performance of paste backfill slurry in long-distance underground backfilling operations, with a primary focus on applications in metal mines. Key aspects, including flow performance, energy consumption during transport, and operational stability, are discussed in detail. Slurry concentration and rheological properties, including viscosity, yield stress, and flow behavior, as well as particle size distribution, are examined for their effects on transport efficiency. The relationship between these characteristics and pipeline resistance is also examined. Factors like pipeline orientation, configuration, diameter, length, elbow design, and elevation gradients are explored, demonstrating that careful design can optimize flow performance, reduce energy consumption, and minimize the risk of blockages and bursts. Additionally, the roles of commonly used additives, such as water reducers, foaming agents, antifreeze agents, and thickeners, are discussed in terms of their impact on slurry flowability, stability, and resistance losses. Optimal slurry regulation, strategic pipeline design, and effective additive utilization improve flow efficiency, extend service life, and reduce maintenance costs, thereby ensuring reliable backfill operations. Future research should focus on innovative pipeline designs, such as improving material selection and configuration to optimize flow stability and reduce energy consumption. Advanced additives, including thickeners and water reducers, could further enhance slurry flowability, reduce pipeline resistance, and improve system reliability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mine Backfilling Technology and Materials)

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