Predicting Rock Properties of Limestone Using Operating Parameters of Ball Mill

Abstract

Rock properties are important for mining, geotechnical engineering, and other engineering projects. Accurate determination of these properties relies on high-quality samples, but challenges like sample availability, preparation of sample, cost, and time constraints have led to an increasing reliance on computational methods for prediction. Prior investigations predominantly relied on laboratory-based tests and indirect methodologies to predict properties of rocks. In contrast, this study introduces an innovative technique for predicting rock properties, specifically the P-wave velocity (V<inf>p</inf>) and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) by harnessing ball mill operational parameters throughout the grinding procedure an unconventional yet indirect approach. A multivariate regression model is established to connect operating parameters with the strength properties of limestone samples. The determination coefficients (R2) for V<inf>p</inf> and UCS prediction models are 0.892 and 0.868, respectively. Moreover, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is performed to ascertain the influence of significant parameters on the target variables. The accuracy and reliability of the prediction models are further validated through scatter plots and residual variations for both V<inf>p</inf> and UCS models. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.