The first comprehensive work on one of the most important underground mining methods worldwide, Geotechnical Design for Sublevel Open Stoping presents topics according to the conventional sublevel stoping process used by most mining houses, in which a sublevel stoping geometry is chosen for a particular mining method,
The first comprehensive work on one of the most important underground mining methods worldwide, Geotechnical Design for Sublevel Open Stoping presents topics according to the conventional sublevel stoping process used by most mining houses, in which a sublevel stoping geometry is chosen for a particular mining method, equipment availability, and work force experience. Summarizing state-of-the-art practices encountered during his 25+ years of experience at industry-leading underground mines, the author:
Covers the design and operation of sublevel open stoping, including variants such as bench stoping
Discusses increases in sublevel spacing due to advances in the drilling of longer and accurate production holes, as well as advances in explosive types, charges, and initiation systems
Considers improvements in slot rising through vertical crater retreat, inverse drop rise, and raise boring
Devotes a chapter to rock mass characterization, since increases in sublevel spacing have meant that larger, unsupported stope walls must stand without collapsing
Describes methodologies to design optimum open spans and pillars, rock reinforcement of development access and stope walls, and fill masses to support the resulting stope voids
Reviews the sequencing of stoping blocks to minimize in situ stress concentrations
Examines dilution control action plans and techniques to back-analyze and optimize stope wall performance
Featuring numerous case studies from the world-renowned Mount Isa Mines and examples from underground mines in Western Australia, Geotechnical Design for Sublevel Open Stoping is both a practical reference for industry and a specialized textbook for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate mining studies.
Table Contenst
Introduction
Mining Method Selection
Self-Supported Mining Methods
Sublevel Open Stoping
Factors Controlling Stope Wall Behaviour
Scope and Contents of This Book
Sublevel Stoping Geometry
Introduction
Stoping Geometries
Multiple Lift Open Stoping
Single Lift Stoping
Shallow Dipping Tabular Orebodies
Bench Stoping
Planning and Design
Introduction
Geological and Geotechnical Characterisation
Stress Analysis in Stope Design
Design of Stoping Blocks
Detailed Stope Design
Rock Mass Characterisation
Introduction
Characterisation from Exploration Core
Analysis of Logging Data
Geotechnical Mapping of Underground Exposures
Analysis of Mapping Data
Intact Rock Strength
The Mechanical Properties of Rock Masses
Rock Stress
Span and Pillar Design
Background
Empirical Span Determination Using Rock Mass Classification Methods
The Stability Graph Method
Numerical Modelling of Stope Wall Stability
Pillar Stability Analysis
Drilling and Blasting
Introduction
Longhole Drilling
Blast Design Parameters
Ring Design
Explosive Selection
Explosive Placement
Initiation Systems
Raise and Cut-Off Slot Blasting
Trough Undercut Blasting
Rock Diaphragm Blasting
Rock Reinforcement and Support
Introduction
Terminology
Ground Support Design
Rock Bolting of Open Stope Development Drives
Cable Bolting of Open Stope Walls
Cable Bolt Corrosion
Cement Grouting of Cable Bolts
Support Systems
Mine Fill
Introduction
Unconsolidated Rock Fill
Cemented Rock Fill
Hydraulic Fill
Cemented Paste Fill
Open Stope Fill Operations Systems
Fill Monitoring and Quality Control
Dilution Control
Introduction
Types of Dilution
Economic Impact of Dilution
Parameters Influencing Dilution
Cavity Monitoring System (CMS)
Dilution Control Plan
Scale-Independent Measures of Stope Performance