AN ADAPTIVE MODEL OF GEOMATERIAL CLASSIFICATION FOR STRATEGIC MINE DESIGN WITHIN THE "OPEN-PIT – TECHNOGENIC DEPOSIT" FRAMEWORK

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of pricing dynamics on the mining sequence within an integrated "openpit – technogenic deposit" system. The relevance of the study stems from the limitations of the traditional binary classification of geomaterials into ore and waste, which fails to provide an objective assessment of intermediate raw material categories under volatile technical and economic conditions. In this study, technogenic materia is treated as a distinct functional class situated between ore and waste, while the cut-off grade is defined as a dynamic economic parameter sensitive to price fluctuations. Methodologically, the research is based on the construction of an economic block model, interpreting the economic break-even point of a block as an analogue for the cut-off grade. The ultimate pit limit is determined through graph optimization methods, followed by a three-component block classification based on the criteria of minimum industrial grade and current block value. To assess the impact of pricing scenarios on the mining sequence, cumulative curves were constructed for both the base case and improved market condition scenarios The findings indicate that price fluctuations trigger a reclassification of blocks among the "ore – technogenic material – waste" categories, alter the structure of the raw material flow, reduce the pre-stripping load, and modify the overall mining regime. The study substantiates that technogenic material serves as a manageable reserve for adapting production systems to market fluctuations. Integrating this approach into open-pit mining models provides a robust framework for enhancing the efficiency of the mineral resource base and refining the engineering design of open-pit mining operations.