Understanding surface subsidence from a block cave by comparing InSAR data with 3D numerical modeling

Authors: Kothari, UC; Sinaga, FM; Nguz Tshisens, J Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

This paper is hosted with the kind permission of the Universidad de Chile, Eighth International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining, 2020.

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2063_19

Cite As:
Kothari, UC, Sinaga, FM & Nguz Tshisens, J 2020, 'Understanding surface subsidence from a block cave by comparing InSAR data with 3D numerical modeling', in R Castro, F Báez & K Suzuki (eds), MassMin 2020: Proceedings of the Eighth International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining, University of Chile, Santiago, pp. 318-326, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2063_19



Abstract:
All mining operations have an inherent risk of instability related to rock excavations. For underground mines, the risk can be extended to the surface in the form of surface subsidence. Mining companies routinely use deformation monitoring to manage the geotechnical risks associated with the mining process. It can be challenging to monitor the extent and magnitude of subsidence with deformationmonitoring methods used for surface or underground mines. If a mine transitions from a surface mine to an underground mine, the existing monitoring techniques can be used to monitor small-scale effects of caving on the pit walls. It would be unrealistic, however, to measure the effects of subsidence using similar techniques for the whole area of influence. Numerical modeling is widely used to predict the effects of subsidence, based on small data sets available to calibrate the model. Now, satellite-based, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) can be used to monitor deformation and subsidence over a wide range of areas. The technology has progressed to where measurements can be obtained every five to ten days. This is an efficient technique for covering large, slow-moving areas in comparison to the results obtained from numerical modeling. The data obtained can also be used to calibrate the numerical model to obtain better future predictions of subsidence. Today, the combination of satellite-based radar and numerical modeling has become an invaluable tool for monitoring and predicting the effects of subsidence. In this paper, a visual demonstration of results of movements from an active mine site should contribute to the understanding of how satellite-based radar data and numerical modeling can be used to show the effects of subsidence.

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