Any technological process including metallurgical processes is supported by the control system operation, accompanied by large information flows to be formed. However, the most part of this information is not used by specialists due to restricted capabilities of a human being that is, in fact, incapable of processing such information flows. It has been demonstrated that process control is significantly influenced by the human factor. This paper contains a methodology to process production information that permits the process personnel to use its potential in a more rational way to control the process. An approach has been reviewed to studying metallurgical processes using the analysis of indirect indicators of process management, namely the spectral density and auto-correlation function of main process parameters. A method to separate useful signals from noise has been studied. A method has been given to check the ACS management efficiency using primary material flows. The adopted methodology for processing experimental data permits interpreting the obtained results for their further practical application to develop new algorithms for process control and improve the existing control system.

This article examines the development of deep and extensive potash deposits, focusing on the mandatory preservation of the waterprotective layer and the implementation of measures to minimize surface subsidence, which significantly affects the mineral extraction ratio. These requirements, along with the need for disposal of processing plant waste, can be addressed through backfilling of mined-out spaces. The main types and methods of backfilling are reviewed. It is noted that backfill costs can be reduced by using technologies that employ hardening mixtures, which enable the subsequent extraction of inter-chamber pillars and increase overall mineral extraction. However, the production and complete filling of chambers with hardening mixtures substantially raises costs, limiting widespread adoption and necessitating the development of more economical solutions. A technology for layer-by-layer mechanized backfilling, developed by the Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources (IPKON) Russian Academy of Sciences, is presented. This approach involves two stages: the primary stage uses dry transport of processing waste, and the secondary stage backfills the upper part of the chamber with a hardening mixture prepared directly near the chamber, achieving high strength characteristics in the backfill mass. A proposed equipment set, designed to fit within the actual dimensions of mine workings, can be assembled into a single mobile system through technical modifications. The potential for using mobile systems to prepare backfill mixtures in underwater mining of solid minerals is also discussed.

Destruction of rocks and artificial composites is carried out in various ways. One of the most common methods is the impact fracture. The conical pick of JCB HM380 hydraulic breaker was used as the impact tool. The experimental study of rock fracture was carried out on an artificial composite—concrete. The depth of penetration of the pick into concrete was used as the test parameter. The model was based on the model of Professor V. B. Sokolinsky. The model developed in this work takes into account the degree of bluntness of the tool insingle and multiple impact. The system was considered as a two-component system due to the high stiffness of the pick–granite contact (as against the hammer piston–pick stiffness). The wave processes in the pick were disregarded because of the small length of the pick. The pick penetration depth in rocks was calculated theoretically, using the developed mathematical model, at each impact of the pick, and then was compared with the experimental data. The fracture tests also used JCB HM380 breaker and concrete. The penetration depth was determined from the step-frame analysis of video filming of the process. It is found that the pick blunting causes a monotonic increase in the rock resistance to the pick penetration, both in single and multiple impact, while the depth of the tool penetration and the blow time decrease (as compared with the initial state of the tool, by 28% and 20%, respectively).