Block caving is historically one of the lowest cost bulk underground mining methods. It is because of this, a detailed rock mechanics assessment of the ore body must be completed to determine its suitability.
The principal considerations in determining whether or not an ore body is suitable for block caving are—local geology, rock strength, hydrology, pre mine rock stress, ore body geometry and characteristics of the capping rock.
Depending upon the project scope and time constraints, a qualified mine engineer should be involved in order to gather and interpret the data used in making the final decision regarding the cavability of an ore body.
Mine planning efforts for block caving projects should involve engineers with practical experience in the parameters that are under consideration for each particular project.
Extensive experience in evaluating cut-off grades and ore reserves for potential block caving deposits along with level placement, type of caving most applicable, (i.e., gravity draw, slusher extraction or loader extraction) equipment, manpower, and cost estimation is required.
Reference
Indian Bureau of Mines: «Application of Rock Mechanics in surface and underground mine», June 2014.
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