Block caving is the mining method in which masses, panels, or blocks of ore are undercut to induce caving, permitting the broken ore to be drawn off below. There are over 45 cave mining projects in various stages of studies and development around the world. With the amount of literature available on block caving this report identifies the need to provide a simple understanding of the process. Ore reserve estimation for block cave mines using geovia pcbc. Defining zones of different structural, densities and chemical patterns is equally as important as lithological changes. Block caving at the pebble mine center for science in public. These are comprehensive lecture notes on block caving mining method. Block caving is an underground mining method that uses gravity to exploit massive, steeply dipping ore bodies located at depth.
Blockcaving, cavability, block size, length and width of the block, the optimal block size in block caving method introduction in classification of underground mining methods, caving methods are regarded as high production methods. Slightly different names are in use, but those that are simple as well as descriptive are top slicing, sublevel caving, and block caving. Abstract block caving is a mining operation method where taking advantage of the gravity forces, the ore is fragmented. Block caving is a new alternative method of developing new mines or extending the operation of open pits. The method has application, for ex ample in sulfide deposits. The second half of the name derives from the caving of the hanging wall and. Block caving, cavability, block size, length and width of the block, optimal block size in block caving introduction in classification of underground mining methods, caving methods are regarded as high production methods. The amount of drilling and blasting required for ore. The geologist technician must always consider the end result, this means that they must be familiar with block caving planning so that the presentation is relevant to operation. Javier ubilla graduate student, rensselaer polytechnic institute, usa. Underground mining methods presents the latest principles and techniques in use today. Block gravity caving is a bulk underground mining method, which allows large lowgrade deposits to be mined underground.
Underground mass mining methods present several geotechnical challenges and risks inherent with block cave mining environments. Inclined caving as a massive mining method ddmunro twp. It has application to large, often lowergrade orebodies where high production rates can provide good returns on the investment. Therefore, the infrastructure is always placed on the footwall side. It is a largescale mining method suitable for large ore bodies with a steep dip and a rock mass with a host rock in the hanging wall will fracture under controlled conditions. Nov 25, 2012 draft animation on block caving to be finalised. Recent years have seen a major increase of interest in the block cave mining method which is characterized by extraction of a massive volume of rock usually accompanied by the formation of a significant surface depression above and in the vicinity of the mining operation. The block caving method is an example of these methods, which is similar to surface mining methods in terms of production, in that the cost of production is low. There are three distinctive methods of working large deposits that involve, in some way, the factor of caving.
Pdf mining methods underground mining mayra garcia. Laubscher introduction cavemining refers toallmining operations in whichtheorebody cavesnaturally after undercutting andthecavedmaterial isrecovered through drawpoints. Block caving method is employed generally for steeply dipping ores, and thick sub horizontal seams of ore. In order that the invention may be more fully explained some specific block cave mining methods employing tunnel boring machinery will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which. This thesis focuses specifically on blockpanel caving, in which an ore column of finite width, length and height is drawn from a horizontal array of drawpoints at its base. Reserve estimation for block cave mines using geovia pcbc a gradual reduction of gradevalue as one moves away from the ore zone. One of the most important aspects of underground hard rock mining is ventilation. Block gravity caving is a bulk underground mining method, which. Block caving, cavability, block size, length and width of the block, the optimal block size in block caving method introduction in classification of underground mining methods, caving methods are regarded as high production methods.
An undercut with haulage access is driven under the orebody, with drawbells excavated over the undercut. The australian centre for geomechanics looks forward to hosting the fourth international symposium on block and sublevel caving in vancouver in septemberoctober 2018. Block cave mining is an underground mass mining method that allows for the bulk extraction of large, relatively lower grade, ore deposits with substantial vertical dimension. Nowadays, block caving is the underground mining method with the highest productivity in the world. This thesis focuses specifically on block panel caving, in which an ore column of finite width, length and height is drawn from a horizontal array of drawpoints at its base. It is only relatively recent that this mass mining method, despite 70 years of use, has begun proving its potential. This method is particularly suitable for lowgrade minerals or with disseminated mineralization. Cavingisthelowestcost underground mining method provided thatthe drawpoint sizeandhandling facilities are tailored tosuitthecavedmaterial andthatthe extraction horizon canbemaintained forthelife ofthedraw.
The include up to date improvements in the once conventional block caving mining method. This fact sheet describes the block caving method of underground mining and the potential environmental implications. The principle of longwall top coal caving ltcc duration. Introduction the one ug mining method that has the potential to rival surface mining in output and cost is block caving. Ebook block caving geomechanics as pdf download portable. This method owes the first part of its name to the fact that work is carried out on many intermediate levels that is, sublevels between the main levels. A literature study of mines which implemented mining methods upon which the inclined cave was conceptualised is then presented. Background the pebble mine, a proposed project in remote southwest alaska, would be one of the largest coppergoldmolybdenum mines in the world. On block and sublevel caving second half of date to e advised vancouver, canada. Ventilation is the primary method of clearing hazardous gases andor dust which are created from drilling and blasting activity e.
Atlas copco block caving mining method black diamond drilling services australia pty ltd. Longwall longwall in coal longwall in hard rock sublevel caving characteristics of the ore body and mining method development production equipments used block caving introduction historical evolution of the method condition deposit principles of the method methodology of block caving basic issues of geomechanical to the black caving method. Block and panel caving block caving is an underground mining method that uses gravity to exploit massive, steeply dipping orebodies located at depth, particularly those with disseminated mineralisation or that are lowgrade in nature, but too deep to be extracted using open pit methods. Mar 15, 2017 block gravity caving is a bulk underground mining method, which allows large lowgrade deposits to be mined underground. Analytical model to determine of the optimal block size in. Block caving free download as powerpoint presentation. Block caving mining method 101 newtrax technologies inc provided the rock breaks successfully and the ore can be extracted evenly at desired draw points block caving is a high productivity method with low operating costs that allows a high degree of mechanization and capability of automation.
It follows the same basic principles as the block caving mining method. The term block caving is used for all types of gravity caving methods. Block cave mining is defined as a mining method which involves undermining an ore body, allowing it to progressively collapse under its own weight. Many of the components of block caving have changed in the last few years, as new techniques and equipment have become available, increasing the efficiency of the method. Soft rock mining refers to excavation of softer minerals such as. These techniques are usually very costly and need great preparation. This method owes the first part of its name to the fact that work is carried out on intermediate levels that is, sublevels between the main production levels. However the body of theoretical and practical knowledge of the factors controlling the caving process, particularly in competent rock masses, is limited, and the economic risk in developing a. These ore bodies are generally low grade in nature and are too deep to be extracted through open pit mining. There are several different methods of cave mining, including block, panel, sublevel and inclined. Sublevel caving is one of many different methods for underground hard rock mining. Block caving is the mining method in which masses, panels, or bl. These practices were then used to form the basis of the designs on which the initial geotechnical modelling was done and built upon through an iterative process of. Determination of optimum drawpoint layout in block caving.
Pdf longwall longwall in coal longwall in hard rock sublevel caving characteristics of the ore body and mining method development. Jul 25, 2018 block caving is a new alternative method of developing new mines or extending the operation of open pits. The drawbells serve as a place for caving rock to fall into. One of the methods is block caving, a largescale production mining method based on gravity and internal rock stresses, where caving is induced through blasting using longhole drilling, and once the cave is developed. Inclined caving as a massive mining method ddmunro. Underground mining methods such as block, panel, and sublevel caving continue to be the primary choice for deeply situated massive orebodies, due to the high production rates and low operating costs involved.
Block caving is a gravitybased underground mining method that involves breaking up the rock mass located at depth into pieces. In block caving, a large section of ore is initially undercut by drilling and blasting, creating a large unsupported roof that will start to collapse under its own weight. Block caving method for a 60 m thick ore s u bm i tt ed byd ee pa k ku m a r pa n da 114mn0047. It is a mass mining method that allows for the bulk mining of large. Among underground mining methods, block caving is typically a large. Reflecting the international and diverse nature of the industry, a series of mining case studies is presented covering the commodity range from iron ore to diamonds extracted by operations located in all corners of the world. It is only relatively recent that this mass mining method, despite 70. Block refers to the mining layout, which divides the ore bodies into blocks. In block caving, a large section of rock is undercut, creating an artificial cavern that fills with its own rubble as it collapses. If the deposit is overlain by capping or bounded by drawing the ore.
Cave mining methods will be the underground method of choice in the future. Cavingisthelowestcost underground mining method provided. There are three major systems of block caving, and they are differentiated by the type of production equipment used. This material is intended for use in lectures, presentations and as handouts to students, and is provided in power point format so as to allow customization for the individual needs of course instructors. Jul 10, 2018 block cave mining is an underground mass mining method that allows for the bulk extraction of large, relatively lower grade, ore deposits with substantial vertical dimension. Caving underground mining methods longwall, sublevel. With an output of 49,400 mtd during 20, ramping up to 80,000 mtd this year, the doz is now one of the worlds highestcapacity underground metal mines. Block caving is a largescale underground mining method applicable to the extraction of lowgrade, massive ore bodies.
Blockcaving method is employed generally for steeply dipping ores, and thick sub horizontal seams of ore. This video describes the block caving process with 3d animation. This method involves undermining the orebody to make it collapse under its own weight into a series of chambers from which the ore extracted. Thisincludes blockcaving, panelcaving, inclineddrawpoint caving, and frontcaving. It is often the only viable mining method for some of the. Block caving is an economical and efficient massmining method when rock conditions are favorable. Block caving is the lowest cost underground mining method but it has relatively high risks and a high upfront capital and development cost. Underground hard rock mining refers to various underground mining techniques used to excavate hard minerals, usually those containing metals such as ore containing gold, silver, iron, copper, zinc, nickel, tin and lead, but also involves using the same techniques for excavating ores of gems such as diamonds or rubies. Oraeemirzamani3 1islamic azad university south tehran branch tehran, iran 2university of stirling stirling, uk fk7 4la 3imperial college london london, uk sw7 1na corresponding author. Sublevel caving and block caving underground mining. Block caving controllable risks and fatal flaws ausimm.
Geotechnical analysis of gravity flow during block caving ramon verdugo professor of geotechnical engineer ing, university of chile, chile. Caving is a mining method which is of growing interest to companies concerned with the exploitation of massive ore deposits, because of its low cost. However, it has a range of technical risks that are peculiar to block. The focus is specifically around block cave projects and mines as well as the specific peculiarities of block cave mining, which can make the ore reserve evaluation process more complicated. This material is intended for use in lectures, presentations and as handouts to students, and is provided in power point format so as to allow customization for. Caving underground mining methods longwall, sublevel caving. Feb 10, 2018 atlas copco block caving mining method black diamond drilling services australia pty ltd. Block caving is an underground hard rock mining method that involves undermining an ore body, allowing it to progressively collapse under its own weight. The second section describes underground mining equipment, with particular focus on excavation machinery such as boomheaders, coal cutters, continuous miners and shearers.
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