Celhay, F, Bustmante, D, Castro, R, Arancibia, L, Latorre, A & Hidalgo, F 2024, 'Multi level modelling in block panel caving mining', in Daniel Johansson & Håkan Schunnesson (eds), MassMin 2024: Proceedings of the International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, pp. 670-679.
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/2435_D-18/)
Abstract: In mines using Block/Panel Caving, more than one extraction level is mined, often by design, with new levels of extraction below previously extracted ones. In those areas interacting with the extraction of a lower level, the characterization of the remaining mineral or broken ore becomes crucial because it should influence both ore extraction in the lower sectors and its recoverable grades. One mine that has faced this issue is El Teniente Division (DET) of Codelco. This mine, located in the high Andes of Chile, has been in operation for over 100 years, and with more than 8 extraction levels, a significant amount of remaining/broken ore has resulted over the years. To characterize the broken ore’s remaining grades, a methodology was developed using caving/flow modelling, conciliation with extracted grades at drawpoints, a drilling campaign, and topography measurements. DET used the gravitational flow software FlowSim BC v6.3, which yielded errors of less than 5% when modeling was compared with actual conditions. These findings underscore the efficacy of this modeling approach in providing greater certainty for long-term mining planning in operations utilizing multi-level caving.