Research Laboratory of Geomechanics and Geotechnologies

Scientific Supervisor: Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Moldabayev S.K.

Objective — to conduct research aimed at determining the stress-strain state of mine working exposures based on accurate measurement of the strength and elastic-deformation properties of rock formations.

Laboratory tasks:

1. Determination of triaxial compressive strength using RPS-200 in accordance with ISRM standards;
2. Determination of uniaxial compressive strength using UCT-1000 in accordance with ISRM standards;
3. Determination of uniaxial tensile strength using UCT-1000 (Brazilian method) in accordance with ISRM standards;
4. Determination of shear-compression strength using RDS-200XL;
5. Determination of longitudinal (P) and transverse (S) wave velocities using ULT-200 ultrasound equipment;
6. Determination of the elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio, cohesion, internal friction angle, bulk density, and rock deformation diagrams; construction of strength passports;
7. Determination of stress-strain state characteristics of rock formations using VIC-3D;
8. Preparation of geomechanical models and assessment of the stress-strain state of rock mass exposures — taking into account fracturing, water saturation, and tectonic faults — on a workstation with 128 GB RAM and the full suite of Rocscience software products.

Clients: Altynalmas JSC, Bogatyr Komir LLP, Eurasian Energy Corporation JSC, Maikuben-West LLP, Angrensor Energo LLP, Kazzinc LLP, KAZ Minerals, Kostanai Minerals JSC, ERG Research Centre LLP, Sokolovsko-Sarbaiskoye Mining and Processing Production Association JSC, Shubarkol Komir LLP, Shubarkol Premium LLP, and other subsoil users.

Laboratory's uniqueness — the first laboratory in Kazakhstan to be equipped with servo-hydraulic systems capable of determining all necessary strength and elastic-deformation properties of rock formations and establishing the stress-strain state of mine working exposures to prevent rock bursts and open-pit slope deformations. By enabling safe mining operations under the limiting-state conditions of mine working exposures, mining enterprises will be able to minimise the volumes of waste rock stripping required for mineral deposit development.

Effectiveness: In 2023, three commercial contracts with ERG are being executed for a total of 196.4 million tenge. To date, Kazakhaltyn has approved two R&D projects totalling 403.2 million tenge, with contracts at the signing stage. The opening of the laboratory has already allowed the recovery of nearly 600 million tenge. Given that the RPS-200 costs 843 million tenge, it will be paid off by the laboratory in a minimum of two years. Through commercial contract work this year, additional equipment worth nearly 140 million tenge will be procured.

Alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 4 — Quality Education;

SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth;

SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure;

SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production;

SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals