Abstract
The article addresses energy efficiency of geotechnological facilities at opencast mines. The energy intensity of basic processes in solid mineral mining by the opencast method using the cyclical technologies takes up to 60–70% of the total mining and haulage cost. Given the mining technology is selected, and the stripping and excavations directions and procedures are determined, the potential for reduction in the geotechnology energy intensity lies in a proper choice of models of mining/haulage equipment, its duty and operation conditions. First of all, it is required to develop an energy efficiency methodology. This article reveals the possibility and potential of actual energy efficiency improvement in mines using the most widespread opencast method. The proposed approach assumes the in-depth analysis as an essential factor of the energy efficiency improvement of geotechnology facilities at opencast mines. The in-depth analysis should ensure real-time monitoring and assessment of energy consumption governed by the duty and operation conditions of the main mining and haulage equipment. The implementation of the proposed approach requires appropriate methods and techniques to take into account all factors that affect the mining and haulage equipment performance. This makes it possible to evaluate energy efficiency with due regard to the energy consumption and the nature of this energy integration by shares in the energy flows within the technology process. The studies emphasize that energy saving is a conventional key objective in mining. To this effect, it is required to ensure mechanical availability of mining and haulage machines, to monitor fuel consumption, to plan and control energy intensity based on the expected extraction volume per planned period. In the meanwhile, the research implemented reveals that opencast mines can essentially improve their energy efficiency in case of an appropriate backup with the relevant methods and techniques.