journal article·2025-11-23Open access

Stability Analysis of Surface Facilities in Underground Mining and the Cumulative Impact of Adjacent Mining Activities

Guang Zhang, Yang Yuan, Yuan Gao, Zhixiong Luo, Lianku Xie

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 23

Abstract

Underground mining often causes surface displacement and deformation above and around mined-out areas, and mining-induced subsidence has become a growing concern for ground stability worldwide. Given the proximity between the studied mine and a neighboring operation, potential mutual influences during extraction were examined to ensure the safety of surface structures. This study analyzes the stability of the overlying strata by combining theoretical prediction and numerical simulation, considering the cumulative effects of adjacent mining activities. The main findings are as follows: (1) The probability integration method was used to predict surface deformation and subsidence caused by underground mining, providing deformation data for the 4# shaft, 4# return air shaft, 5# return air shaft, and surrounding ground surface. (2) A three-dimensional geomechanical model was built using FLAC3D finite-difference software based on actual topographical and geological data to assess the impact of mining on overburden stability. Results show that the surrounding rock remained primarily in the elastic stage, with a maximum surface subsidence of 47.7 mm, confirming the structural stability of the 4# and 5# shafts. (3) Analyzing stress redistribution during deep ore extraction in both mining zones reveals that stress disturbances were mainly confined to the excavation areas, with a maximum local stress concentration of 83.34 MPa at stope corners. The combined mining activities resulted in an overall subsidence of approximately 48.7 mm, which decreased gradually outward from the center. This research presents an integrated theoretical and numerical framework that combines probability integration theory with FLAC3D simulation to assess the cumulative deformation and stress interactions of neighboring underground mines. The proposed method offers a practical and transferable tool for evaluating regional mine stability and surface deformation risks in multi-mine districts.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Rock Mechanics and Modeling · Geotechnical and Mining Engineering · Landslides and related hazards

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Information Institute of the Ministry of Emergency Management, Beijing 100029, China

Funding

S&T Innovation and Development Project of Information Institution of Ministry of Emergency Management · Key Science and Technology Project of Ministry of Emergency Management of the People’s Republic of China

References (28)

Show source-provided references
1. Bazaluk, O., Petlovanyi, M., Zubko, S., Lozynskyi, V., and Sai, K. (2021). Instability Assessment of Hanging Wall Rocks during Underground Mining of Iron Ores. Minerals, 11.10.3390/min11080858 ↗
2. Ways to Reduce Ore Losses and Dilution in Iron Ore Underground Mining in Kryvbass10.15407/scine14.03.017 ↗
3. The Problem of Rational Use of Mineral Resources and Mining Waste in the Context of Sustainable Development of Regions10.1088/1755-1315/1254/1/012134 ↗
4. Bazaluk, O., Petlovanyi, M., Sai, K., Chebanov, M., and Lozynskyi, V. (2024). Comprehensive Assessment of the Earth’s Surface State Disturbed by Mining and Ways to Improve the Situation: Case Study of Kryvyi Rih Iron-Ore Basin, Ukraine. Front. Environ. Sci., 12.10.3389/fenvs.2024.1480344 ↗
5. Numerical Simulation of Land Subsidence and Verification of Its Character for an Iron Mine Using Sublevel Caving10.1016/j.ijmst.2015.12.020 ↗
6. Empirical Investigation and Characterization of Surface Subsidence Related to Block Cave Mining10.1016/j.ijrmms.2013.01.015 ↗
7. Li, P., Li, Y., Li, Q., Cao, Z., and Wang, L. (2022). A Novel Analytical Model of Mining Subsidence Considering Time Effect Based on the Probability Integral Theory. Sustainability, 14.10.3390/su142114443 ↗
8. Subsidence of Strata Overlying Salt Mines: A Case Study in Northern10.1007/s12665-022-10451-4 ↗
9. A Prediction Model for the Surface Residual Subsidence in an Abandoned Goaf for Sustainable Development of Resource-Exhausted Cities10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123803 ↗
10. Current Status and Progress on Overburden and Surface Damage and Prevention Technology of High-Intensity Mining
11. Analysis on the Surface Deformation in Jingerquan Mine
12. Huang, G. (2016). Study on Overlying Strata Stability and Surface Subsidence with Effect of Backfilling Method in Luohe Underground Mine, University of Science and Technology Beijing.
13. Zhang, G. (2016). Mechanism and Application of the Ground Subsidence of Soft Rock, Graduate School of China Coal Research Institute.
14. Study on the Surface Subsidence Rule in Roof Caving under Complex Conditions Based on UDEC
15. Numerical Simulation of Factors Affecting Strata Movement Caused by Caving Method
16. Dynamic Prediction of Mining Subsidence in Ling Long Mine
17. Study on Numerical Models in Predicting Surface Deformation Caused by Underground Coal Mining10.1007/s10706-021-01775-2 ↗
18. Numerical Simulation and Verification of Goaf Morphology Evolution and Surface Subsidence in a Mine10.1016/j.engfailanal.2022.106918 ↗
19. Prediction of Mining-Induced Surface Subsidence and Ground Movements at a Canadian Diamond Mine Using an Elastoplastic Finite Element Model10.1016/j.ijrmms.2017.10.006 ↗
20. Zhao, Y., Zhao, X., Dai, J., and Yu, W. (2021). Analysis of the Surface Subsidence Induced by Mining Near-Surface Thick Lead-Zinc Deposit Based on Numerical Simulation. Processes, 9.10.3390/pr9040717 ↗
21. Li, Z., Hou, K., Li, T., Tang, J., and Lu, G. (2024). Numerical Simulation of Surface Subsidence and Fracture Evolution Caused by Pulang Copper Mine Mining. Appl. Sci., 14.10.3390/app14062416 ↗
22. Tiwari, P., Rupesh, R., Sharma, S.P., and Ciazela, J. (2024). Dynamics of Saltwater Intrusion in a Heterogeneous Coastal Environment: Experimental, DC Resistivity, and Numerical Modeling Approaches. Water, 16.10.3390/w16141950 ↗
23. Gong, Y., Guo, G., Wang, L., Zhang, G., Zhang, G., and Fang, Z. (2022). Numerical Study on the Surface Movement Regularity of Deep Mining Underlying the Super-Thick and Weak Cementation Overburden: A Case Study in Western China. Sustainablity, 14.10.3390/su14031855 ↗
24. In Situ Monitoring and Analysis of the Mining-Induced Deep Ground Movement in a Metal Mine10.1016/j.ijrmms.2018.06.014 ↗
25. Integrated Monitoring and Modelling of Ground Subsidence in Potash Mines10.1016/S1365-1609(97)00229-3 ↗
26. Using Neural Networks to Discriminate between Genuine and Spurious Seismic Events in Mines10.1007/s000240050220 ↗
27. D-InSAR Monitoring Method of Mining Subsidence Based on Boltzmann and Its Application in Building Mining Damage Assessment10.1007/s12205-021-1042-5 ↗
28. Monitoring and Analysis of Surface Subsidence Caused by SBAS-InSAR Technology