Design topics available

This page contains a hyperlinked list of pages that have been completed as part of Mine 448 - underground mine design project. Each topic has been completed as part of the course requirements for the design groups. It is hoped that with time, these guides will accumulate into a useful resource for the course. Comments on any of these topics can be left in the discussion page attached to each topic page.

List of topics for which pages are available:

Information required for mine design

• The geological model
• Geostatistics and resource estimation techniques

The stages of mine design

• The stages of mine design
• Pre-evaluation study
• Scoping study
• Pre-feasibility study
• Feasibility study
• Detailed design
• Project management principles

Geotechnical engineering

• Master list of tasks required for various stages of mine design
• Numerical modelling - constitutive models
• Ground support
  • Instrumentation for ground support design
• Backfill
  • Mining with backfill
• Mine dewatering
• Rock mass characterization using geophysical methods
• Mining induced seismicity

Mining methods

• Factors influencing mining method selection
• Estimation of the potential production rate
• Block caving
• Sublevel caving
• Cut and fill
  • Underhand cut and fill
    • Lucky Friday Mine
  • Ramp-in-vein
• Longitudinal longhole retreat
• Transverse longhole stoping
• Sub-level open stoping
• Vertical crater retreat
• Shrinkage stoping
• Hard-rock room and pillar

Mine infrastructure

• Crushers
• Shaft vs. Ramp Access
• Ramp design
• Shaft construction
  • Mine hoisting systems
  • Mine hoisting ropes
• Refuge stations
• Ore and waste passes
• Ventilation

Economics and finance

• Project economics
  • Discount rate
  • Depreciation
  • Taxation
• Project Evaluation Methods
• Metal price forecasting
• Equipment purchase vs leasing

Mining regulations, permitting

• Mining regulations
• Social engagement