Industry Survey on the Current State of Stope Design Methods in the Underground Mining Sector

Mateusz Janiszewski,Mikael Rinne,Sebastian Pontow

doi:10.3390/en15010240

Abstract

Stope design is a core discipline within mining engineering. This study analyzes the current state-of-the-art of stope design through a survey addressed to mining industry professionals. In stope design research the dominance of empirical methods has slowly shifted towards numerical methods. Recent advancements have mostly focused on the development of stope optimization algorithms. The survey consisted of 19 questions and was distributed to stope design experts via email, LinkedIn messages, and the Mining Industry Professionals network forum. In total, 36 responses of satisfying quality from 20 countries were received and analyzed. No dominance of a single stope design method was recognized. Empirical methods and personal expertise are still used widely. However, a readiness for change in stope design practice was indicated in 87% of responses. The current needs of the stoping-based underground mining sector are to increase the amount of geotechnical data, automate stope design and implement related software, and integrate these into general mine planning. According to 70% of the participants, acquired geotechnical data should be available within three days to be employed in design practice. The industry is ready to implement more efficient stope design methods if they offer results proven in case studies.

Highlights

Underground mining operations are progressing into deeper and increasingly more complex deposits, associated with more challenging geological conditions, while the demand for minerals and metals continues to grow rapidly
It must be noted that block-caving methods were not considered in this study, as the approaches to stability and design in block caving are beyond the scope of stope design methods
This study analyzed the current state-of-the-art of stope design methods through an industry survey distributed among mining professionals

Summary

Introduction

Underground mining operations are progressing into deeper and increasingly more complex deposits, associated with more challenging geological conditions, while the demand for minerals and metals continues to grow rapidly. With the goal of transforming the mining industry into a more sustainable one, the necessity to utilize mining methods with limited impact on the surface is becoming ever more urgent. The pillar and artificially supported, so-called stoping-based, mining methods, with no or very limited subsidence, are the solutions of choice for the future challenges of the mining industry [3]. The lack of visible environmental damage from these mines allows for a more positive public perception of the mining industry These stoping-based mining methods rely on diving the orebody into stopes for ore production and have already become amongst the most common methods in modern underground mining. This is due to their inherent operational safety, reliable design, and cost efficiency [4].

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Discussion

Conclusion