SIMULATION OF LEACHING PROCESSES OF POLYMETALLIC ORES USING THE SIMILARITY THEOREM

Abstract

The use of similarity theorems for simulation of the technological process of mineral extraction is considered. The list of parameters that significantly influence the process of underground leaching of minerals is defined. Using these parameters and fundamental laws of physics and chemistry, mathematical functions are determined to describe the processes’ behaviour under these conditions. The obtained mathematical functions make it possible to develop a computer model of polymetallic ores leaching. This allows for the prediction of the volume of extracted concentrate with minerals from the ore mass with the associated compounds. The obtained results of calculations showed a change in the volume of minerals extracted from the rock mass depending on the mass of the working agent, the volume of leached ore and the solvent percolation rate. The results of the research can be used at mining enterprises to extract polymetallic ores by underground leaching. Also, they allow for the estimation of the economic issues from mining the ore reserves.