Application of geomechanical properties and energy parameters of rocks in sustainable mining and mineral processing

Geomechanical properties comprise geological and mechanical parameters that influence rock response to stress and energy transformation at varying rates. In the fields of rock mechanics, geotechnical and civil engineering, geomechanical properties of rocks are useful in design, implementation, and evaluation of sustainable engineering infrastructures. Geomechanical properties also influence the breakage characteristics of rocks at varying stress and energy rates, with potential applications in mineral processing (impact comminution). However, applications of geomechanical properties in improving sustainability of engineering infrastructures and mineral liberation during impact comminution has not been fully explored. The aim of this dissertation is to investigate relations between geomechanical properties, energy transformation, fragmentation characteristics and possible applications of forementioned relations in sustainable mining and mineral processing. To achieve this, experimentation and artificial intelligence were applied in predicting forementioned relations at varying rates. Based on study findings, empirical models, and guidance charts for estimating geomechanical properties, energy transformation and breakage characteristics of rocks were proposed. Findings from this study are useful in improving sustainability of mining and mineral processing applications which are dependent on geomechanical properties of rocks.