Analysis of the current state of knowledge of the causes of spontaneous combustion of sulfide ores

Abstract

This paper analyzes the current state of knowledge of the spontaneous combustion of sulfide ores. The main factors affecting the heating of sulfide ores are presented, including the excess of heat release from oxidation processes over heat loss to the environment. The primary factor determining the level of heat loss is the geometric size of the waste heap. It is noted that
little-studied factors accelerating sulfide ore oxidation include temperature, fractional and mineralogical composition of sulfide ores, as well as the presence of ammonium nitrate-based explosives. A review of international experimental research and methods for determining the susceptibility of sulfide ores to spontaneous heating and combustion is presented. It is noted that existing methods and mathematical models of waste heaps do not allow for the reliable determination of the conditions for spontaneous heating and combustion of sulfide ores. Based on this, further research directions have been identified to determine the conditions for
spontaneous heating and combustion of sulfide ores in underground workings and waste heaps of ore stored on the surface.