Difference between revisions of "Sublevel caving"
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= Introduction = |
= Introduction = |
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| − | Sublevel Caving is one of the most advanced mining methods. This method is usually undertaken when mining the orebody through an open pit is no longer economically viable. In Sublevel Caving, mining starts at the top of the orebody and develops downwards. Ore is mined from sublevels spaced at regular intervals throughout the deposit. A series of ring patterns is drilled and blasted from each sublevel, and broken ore is mucked out after each blast. Sublevel Caving can be used in orebodies with very different properties and is an easy method to mechanize. This method is normally used in massive, steeply-dipping orebodies with considerable strike length, and usually has a high amount of dilution and low recoveries. Thus Sublevel Caving is usually used to mine low-grade, low-value orebodies. |
+ | Sublevel Caving is one of the most advanced mining methods. This method is usually undertaken when mining the orebody through an open pit is no longer economically viable. In Sublevel Caving, mining starts at the top of the orebody and develops downwards. Ore is mined from sublevels spaced at regular intervals throughout the deposit. A series of ring patterns is drilled and blasted from each sublevel, and broken ore is mucked out after each blast. Sublevel Caving can be used in orebodies with very different properties and is an easy method to mechanize. This method is normally used in massive, steeply-dipping orebodies with considerable strike length, and usually has a high amount of dilution and low recoveries. Thus Sublevel Caving is usually used to mine low-grade, low-value orebodies. |
| − | = <br>[[Image:Sublevel Caving 1.png|thumb|center]] <br> Ore Body Characteristics = |
+ | = <br>[[Image:Sublevel Caving 1.png|thumb|center|Sublevel Caving 1.png]] <br> Ore Body Characteristics = |
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+ | •'''Strong and competent rock with few major structures:''' |
| − | - A competent rock mass allows for more drilling and blasting within each stope. This provides good fragmentation and leaves the caving above very coarse. This results in blasted material finer than the cave, making distinction between ore and waste easier. |
+ | - A competent rock mass allows for more drilling and blasting within each stope. This provides good fragmentation and leaves the caving above very coarse. This results in blasted material finer than the cave, making distinction between ore and waste easier. |
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| ⚫ | •'''Massive deposit: '''<br>- Need a large footprint to minimize dilution levels as most dilution comes from the boundary between ore and waste. A massive deposit minimizes the dilution as a smaller proportion of material is being mined from these boundary areas. <br>'''• No weak or weathered materials: '''<br>- Can cause problems with muck rushes, over-compaction, and hang-ups. |
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| − | <br>• No weak or weathered materials: <br>- Can cause problems with muck rushes, over-compaction, and hang-ups. |
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- Keeps the dilution low and allows for overdrawing at drawpoints. The model (Figure 2) below shows the proportion of ore (below the line) and dilution (above the line) as the extraction increases. It can be seen that very high extractions can be achieved depending on the shape of the curve and the grade of the ore and waste. If the waste rock is mineralized more ore can be removed without increasing the dilution factor.<br> |
- Keeps the dilution low and allows for overdrawing at drawpoints. The model (Figure 2) below shows the proportion of ore (below the line) and dilution (above the line) as the extraction increases. It can be seen that very high extractions can be achieved depending on the shape of the curve and the grade of the ore and waste. If the waste rock is mineralized more ore can be removed without increasing the dilution factor.<br> |
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Revision as of 12:25, 23 January 2013
Introduction
Sublevel Caving is one of the most advanced mining methods. This method is usually undertaken when mining the orebody through an open pit is no longer economically viable. In Sublevel Caving, mining starts at the top of the orebody and develops downwards. Ore is mined from sublevels spaced at regular intervals throughout the deposit. A series of ring patterns is drilled and blasted from each sublevel, and broken ore is mucked out after each blast. Sublevel Caving can be used in orebodies with very different properties and is an easy method to mechanize. This method is normally used in massive, steeply-dipping orebodies with considerable strike length, and usually has a high amount of dilution and low recoveries. Thus Sublevel Caving is usually used to mine low-grade, low-value orebodies.
Ore Body Characteristics
•Strong and competent rock with few major structures:
- A competent rock mass allows for more drilling and blasting within each stope. This provides good fragmentation and leaves the caving above very coarse. This results in blasted material finer than the cave, making distinction between ore and waste easier.
• Steeply dipping orebody:
- Keeps the low grade waste further away from the current draw points, keeps dilution low.
•Massive deposit:
- Need a large footprint to minimize dilution levels as most dilution comes from the boundary between ore and waste. A massive deposit minimizes the dilution as a smaller proportion of material is being mined from these boundary areas.
• No weak or weathered materials:
- Can cause problems with muck rushes, over-compaction, and hang-ups.
• Preferably have mineralised waste:
- Keeps the dilution low and allows for overdrawing at drawpoints. The model (Figure 2) below shows the proportion of ore (below the line) and dilution (above the line) as the extraction increases. It can be seen that very high extractions can be achieved depending on the shape of the curve and the grade of the ore and waste. If the waste rock is mineralized more ore can be removed without increasing the dilution factor.
