Ore extraction efficiency in sublevel caving with front-face ore drawing at great depths

Abstract

The development of ore deposits at the present stage of underground mining is characterized by the continuous withdrawal of rich ore sites deposits, the lack of their recovery and the involvement of poorer ores in mining, high capital intensity and minimal reproduction of the mineral resource base at existing enterprises. The constantly growing depth of mining operations is accompanied by the deterioration in the geological and geomechanical conditions. To increase recovery rates, some technologies require additional material and labor resources, which calls into question the feasibility of their application. The current situation in the mining industry is due to the mediocrity of the mining systems in use and their inability to ensure mineral extraction at a competitive level. One of the promising trends in extraction of medium-grade and quality ores is the development and wider application of sublevel caving with the front-face ore drawing as the technology with the maximum simplification of preparation and extraction layouts, high intensity of mining, minimum amount of working assets and the adapted automation of production processes. The analysis of the technical literature and practical know-how of well-known large mining companies shows the undeniable and obvious advantages of this development system over the other equivalent mining methods. A scientifically based selection of rational parameters for the system of sublevel caving with front-face ore drawing, especially at great depths, can ensure both safety and also high rates of extraction. In this regard, this publication focuses on the influence of structural elements and parameters of ore drawing on ore loss and dilution in the technology of sublevel caving at great depths.