Alan Lolaev’s research while affiliated with Russian Academy of Sciences and other places

During the development of underwater quarries, it is important to ensure that during excavation of the soil and subsequent reclamation of the excavated space, a smooth and flat bottom is created. In this regard, a developed technological regulation for underwater laying of reclamation material in the excavated space is presented in this work, which eliminates the resuspension of bottom sediments. The process begins with careful excavation and once the excavation is complete, the next step is to lay down the reclamation material in a manner that minimizes disturbance to the water column and sediment layer. The regulation emphasizes the need for precise control and monitoring of the placement of the reclamation material. The focus of this technological regulation is to promote sustainable and environmentally responsible practices during the development of underwater quarries. By creating a smooth and flat bottom through the proper laying of reclamation material, the potential negative impacts on the surrounding aquatic environment can be mitigated, ensuring long-term ecological balance in these underwater mining operations.

There are large storages of industrial waste from the Tyrnyauz tungsten-molybdenum (TTMP), Sadon and Fiagdon polymetallic, Urup copper-pyrite-polymetallic and Lermontov uranium mining and processing plants (MPPs) in the North Caucasian Federal District of Russia, which can pose an environmental threat to the adjacent territories. On the other hand, the wastes of MPPs can be of significant practical interest if high concentrations of a number of valuable ore elements (Mo, W, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ag, etc.) are found in them with their significant reserves. Industrial wastes from TTMP is disposed of in two tailings. This publication presents the results of comprehensive studies of industrial waste TTMP with the identification of pollution sources and an assessment of the types and extent of their negative impact on the ecosystem of adjacent territories.

Accidents at mining enterprises, including tailing dumps, pose significant threats to human lives, structures, and the environment. This study focuses on designing, constructing, and operating tailing dumps in Siberia’s northern region. To ensure safety and minimize environmental impacts, comprehensive scientific monitoring and research were conducted at all stages, including design, construction, operation, and disposal. The aim was to create a uniform mass within the dam body, requiring understanding of the tailing structure and technological characteristics during placement. Parameters like particle size, distribution, density, and moisture content were considered to assess the physical and geometric properties of the tailings. Estimated monitoring was introduced as a permanent model to quickly assess the stability of hydrotechnical constructions. This involved monitoring changes in exploitation properties, structure height, beach length, and water levels. A controlled inwashing technology for subsequent dam layers was developed. Complex research facilitated the formulation of an estimated monitoring methodology and an algorithm for tailing dam formation. Practical application demonstrated high reliability and confirmed load-bearing capacity, allowing for the forecast of dam stability and safe execution. Findings led to alterations in work techniques, ensuring safe and efficient operation of tailing dams.

Accidents at mining enterprises, including tailing dumps, pose significant threats to human lives, structures, and the environment. This study focuses on designing, constructing, and operating tailing dumps in Siberia's northern region. To ensure safety and minimize environmental impacts, comprehensive scientific monitoring and research were conducted at all stages, including design, construction, operation, and disposal. The aim was to create a uniform mass within the dam body, requiring understanding of the tailings' structure and technological characteristics during placement. Parameters like particle size, distribution, density, and moisture content were considered to assess tailings' physical and geometric properties. Estimated monitoring was introduced as a permanent model to quickly assess the stability of hydrotechnical constructions. This involved monitoring changes in exploitation properties, structure height, beach length, and water levels. A controlled inwashing technology for subsequent dam layers was developed. Complex research facilitated the formulation of an estimated monitoring methodology and an algorithm for tailing dam formation. Practical application demonstrated high reliability and confirmed load-bearing capacity, allowing for the forecast of dam stability and safe execution. Findings led to alterations in work techniques, ensuring safe and efficient operation of tailing dams.

The research focuses on the tailing dump, which is located in the Norilsk industrial region’s (Northern Siberia) territory. The difficulty of precisely calculating the period of tailings consolidation presented itself to the authors while they conducted research on improving the technological parameters of the tailings alluvium. Without resolving this issue, it is impossible to improve the technology of the tailings alluvium. In order to assure safety and efficiency at all phases of construction and to strengthen the stability of the examined tailings, a sophisticated set of model tests and calculations was conducted. This work provided the foundation for modifying the work techniques. The method for defining the maximum density at the optimum humidity, when the formation of a geotechnical massif at the tailing dam’s inwash occurs, has been devised on the basis of laboratory testing. The findings from study may be effectively used as the foundation for building tailing dams.

Based on the operating conditions of alluvial storage in permafrost, it should be noted that the increase in the annual capacity of the layer may not provide its complete consolidation during the short spring–summer period before freezing. Thus, it will reduce the stability of the structure. In order to optimize the inwash technology of the tailing dam, it is necessary to determine the time of tail’s consolidation. Based on laboratory tests, we developed an approach to coefficients definition of filtrational and secondary consolidation of tails during alluvium depending on a physical condition, density, water saturation degree. The mathematical model to calculate the time of their consolidation also has been developed.

The research object of the present work is the Mizur tailing dump located on the territory of North Ossetia-Alania Republic (Russia). The tailings dam has the size—150 × 280 m and up to 30 m bulk dam high, and situated in the densely populated area. The exploitation of the Unal tailing dump has begun since 1984 with the purpose of warehousing of tails and organization of system of turnaround water supply. During the period of storage all waste undergoes changes caused by the physical and chemical transformations under the influence of external conditions and internal factors. As a result of these pre-rotations significant amounts are formed the neogenic substances being more toxic and mobile, than initial connections. Carried out complex of laboratory and in-situ tests permit to forecast the amount of “technogenic” resources and has formed the basis for alteration of work technique. The high concentrations of As, Sb, Zn, Pb, Cu, Sn are established. Utilization of the buried industrial wastes will allow not only to receive metals necessary for a national economy, building materials, but also will lower negative pressure on an ecological situation of this area and also will reduce degree of risk of emergence the technogenic catastrophes connected with the possible break of a bulk dam of the tailings dam.

One of the main transboundary problems of the North Caucasus regions of Russia is the Terek River basin. Unregulated water abstraction and water pollution affect the economy and the ecological state of the regions. The article presents the results of comprehensive studies of transboundary environmental problems based on observational data from hydrological stations of five republics of the regions in the North Caucasus. The study based on field measurements and laboratory analysis from water, soils, grasses, and bottom sediments materials. Studies have shown the volume of cross-border interregional transport of toxic substances and water consumption. Water quality ranged from “moderately polluted” to “very dirty.” Adoption of a state program is extremely necessary for recovery and environmental rehabilitation of the Terek River basin.