Abstract This note presents a computer-controlled mechanical system developed to simulate ground loss in centrifuge model tests. The main application of the system to date had been in the field of mining subsidence prediction. This involves the replication of total extraction of thin mineral seams at depth. A brief overview of total extraction methods is presented, and the performance of the system to replicate these methods in centrifuge model tests is briefly illustrated. The versatility of the system to other applications involving ground loss or boundary displacement problems is also illustrated.