Kamp, C, Cumming-Potvin, D, Lett, J, Poulter, M, Shea, N, Jalink, B & Vanegas-Palacio, C 2024, 'Cave profile interpretation using instrumentation and the cave conceptual model', in Daniel Johansson & Håkan Schunnesson (eds), MassMin 2024: Proceedings of the International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, pp. 318-349.
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/2435_C-02/)
Abstract: Creation of a three-dimensional cave profile is a specific time stage of the caving process during mining which utilizes monitoring data from in-situ instrumentation and remote sensing techniques. It is the primary method for visually interpreting rock mass response to cave mining. A cave profile is typically generated graphically based on spatial representation during a specific time period of geotechnical monitoring data and interpretation thereof in context of the Duplancic (1999) block caving conceptual model. The resulting cave profile is then typically compared to production data and used to assess potential for air blast, dilution, and orebody sterilization in regions that fail to cave. Many cave monitoring methods are available to inform development of a cave profile; however, there is a significant amount of estimation and interpretation required. Furthermore, there are no current industry supporting guidelines specifying how data from each monitoring method should be applied to delineation of the various zones (i.e., seismogenic, yielded, and caved zones) in the caving conceptual model. This paper presents the monitoring methods and processes used for cave profile interpretation based on a survey of six (6) block cave operations. Guidance regarding the application of the various instrumentation and remote sensing methods to the cave conceptual model is also presented and serves as an initial guideline for monitoring of cave establishment, cave initiation, cave propagation, and cave breakthrough.