Shrinkage stoping is a vertical stoping method, conducted in a vertical or near-vertical plane, and at an angle greater than the angle of repose of the broken ore [1]. A defining characteristic of shrinkage stoping is that most of the blasted (broken) ore remains in the stope to support the hanging wall and footwall [1]. However, when ore is broken, for example by blasting, it swells, i.e., its volume increases [1].
Shrinkage stoping is another highly selective mining method designed for mining narrow steeply dipping veins [2]. Similarly to cut-and-fill method, shrinkage stoping starts from the bottom of the ore body and advances upward excavating the ore in horizontal slices [2]. However, the key difference is that the broken ore is not removed completely from the shrinkage stope. Approximately 60% of the broken ore is left in the stope where it is used as a working platform for mining the next slice of the ore [2]. The broken ore remaining in the stope, also serves as a support for the stope walls [2].
Shrinkage stoping is highly selective and cost-effective mining method. However, its application is limited to the steeply dipping regular ore bodies in the very stable host rocks [2]. Regular shape of the ore body is also important for effective use of this technique [2].
Reference
[1] “10.3.2: Shrinkage Stoping | MNG 230: Introduction to Mining Engineering.” Accessed: Oct. 16, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.e-education.psu.edu/mng230/node/903
[2] M. Abzalov, “Applied Mining Geology,” vol. 12, 2016, doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-39264-6.
