Probabilistic-Based Stope Design Methodology for Complex Ore Body with Rock Mass Property Variability

• Published in: Journal of mining science 2019-09, Vol.55 (5), p.743-750
• Main Authors: Idris, M. A., Nordlund, E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Complex orebody; Deformation; Design; Design engineering; Design optimization; Design parameters; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Geomechanics; Geometry; Geophysics/Geodesy; Geotechnical Engineering & Applied Earth Sciences; Gruv- och berganläggningsteknik; Methods; Mineral Resources; Mining and Rock Engineering; Numerical analysis; point estimate method; probabilistic approach; Probabilistic methods; Properties; rock mass variability; Rock masses; Rocks; Stability; stope geometry; Underground mines; Variability
• ISSN: 1062-7391; 1573-8736; 1573-8736
• DOI: 10.1134/S1062739119056112

This paper presents a probabilistic approach for optimizing stope design methodology while taking into consideration the variability in the rock mass properties. For this study, a complex orebody in a Canadian mine was used. Because of the variability in the rock mass properties of the orebody, it was not possible to determine precisely, the values of geotechnical design input parameters and hence the need to utilize a probabilistic approach. Point Estimate Method (PEM), a probabilistic tool, was incorporated into numerical analysis using FLAC 3D to study the deformation magnitudes of various stope geometries to determine the optimal stope geometry with a minimum ground control problem. Results obtained for the distribution of the wall deformations and the floor heaves for each option of the stope geometry were compared to select the best geometry to achieve the optimum stability condition. The methodology presented in this study can be helpful in the process of underground mine planning and optimization in complex orebody.