INCORPORATION OF A FAULT FACTOR INTO THE STABILITY GRAPH METHOD: KIDD MINE CASE STUDIES

Abstract

Mineral Resources EngineeringVol. 10, No. 01, pp. 3-37 (2001) Technical PapersNo AccessINCORPORATION OF A FAULT FACTOR INTO THE STABILITY GRAPH METHOD: KIDD MINE CASE STUDIESF. T. SUORINENI, D. D. TANNANT, P. K. KAISER and M. B. DUSSEAULTF. T. SUORINENIGeomechanics Research Centre, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, CanadaAddress correspondence to: Dr. F. T. Suorineni, MIRARCO-Mining Innovation, F217 Fraser Building, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury P3E 2C6, Ontario, Canada. Tel: (705) 675-1151 ext. 5096. Search for more papers by this author , D. D. TANNANTSchool of Mining & Petroleum Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Search for more papers by this author , P. K. KAISERGeomechanics Research Centre, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada Search for more papers by this author and M. B. DUSSEAULTDepartment of Earth Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Search for more papers by this author https://doi.org/10.1142/S0950609801000506Cited by:9 PreviousNext AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsRecommend to Library ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail AbstractThe stability graph method is a design tool used for open stope design in many mines throughout the world. After eighteen years of experience with this design tool, some limitations have been identified. One shortcoming of the stability graph method is the fact that it does not contain a factor that accounts for the presence of faults near the stope surface. This criticism is a legitimate one, considering that most metalliferous orebodies are associated with faults by their genesis, and that invariably, dilution in many open stopes is often related to the presence of faults. Therefore, a procedure that leads to the incorporation of a factor to account for faults in the stability graph has been developed to significantly improve the stability graph in predicting stope performance. Fault factor curves for use in the Canadian Shield where the in situ stress ratio K is often close to 2 have been proposed. This paper validates the use of the fault factor with case histories from the Kidd #3 Mine in Timmins, Ontario, Canada, and presents a stability graph that accounts for faults. The fault factor reduces the stability number N and improves the prediction of stope performance and improves dilution control. Two statistical indices are also presented for assessing the reliability of the stability graph in predicting open stope performance. FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited By 9Strategic sill pillar design for reduced hanging wall overbreak in longhole miningTuo Chen and Hani S. Mitri1 Sep 2021 | International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, Vol. 31, No. 5Stress relaxation behaviour of marble under cyclic weak disturbance and confining pressuresJin Yu, Yaoliang Zhu, Wei Yao, Xueying Liu and Chonghong Ren et al.1 Sep 2021 | Measurement, Vol. 182Factors Influencing Ore Recovery and Unplanned Dilution in Sublevel Open Stopes. Case study of Shaft No.4 at Konkola Mine, ZambiaKalunga Ngoma and Victor Mutambo11 June 2020 | Current World Environment, Vol. Special Issue, No. 1Stability assessment of underground mine stopes subjected to stress relaxationAmoussou Coffi Adoko, Javier Vallejos and Robert Trueman4 February 2020 | Mining Technology, Vol. 129, No. 1Three-dimensional effect of stresses in open stope mine designJavier A. Vallejos, Adeline Delonca and Ernesto Perez19 April 2017 | International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, Vol. 32, No. 5Strata Control for Mechanized Stopping Operation in Narrow and Weak Manganese Deposit of MOIL – A Case Study of Balaghat MineG.G. Manekar, D. Shome and A.K. Jha1 Jan 2015 | Procedia Earth and Planetary Science, Vol. 11Letter to the editor12 November 2013 | Mining Technology, Vol. 120, No. 4The stability graph after three decades in use: Experiences and the way forwardFidelis Tawiah Suorineni1 Dec 2010 | International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, Vol. 24, No. 4Quantifying the effect of stress relaxation on excavation stabilityP.C. Stewart and R. Trueman5 September 2013 | Mining Technology, Vol. 113, No. 2 Recommended Vol. 10, No. 01 Metrics Downloaded 30 times History PDF download