Increasing sublevel height from 30 m to 50 m at LKAB

Authors: Quinteiro, CR 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_67

Cite As:
Quinteiro, CR 2020, 'Increasing sublevel height from 30 m to 50 m at LKAB', 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. 936-945, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2063_67



Abstract:
LKAB has decided to try full-scale tests with sublevel caving using 50 m height sublevels and a new layout for sublevel caving at depth known as fork layout. Currently development work is under way in a smaller orebody near the Kiruna mine to prepare for mining three sublevels: the first with 40 m height and the others with 50 m height. The objective of these tests is to assess the applicability of these changes in future underground production areas at LKAB mines. These areas could be as deep as 2,000 m. It is believed that these changes will improve underground ground control since some infrastructure will be moved away from areas of high stress changes. Critical aspects for higher sublevels are fragmentation and gravity flow related issues. This paper presents the current status with the ongoing work and some partial results towards these full-scale tests.

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