Evolution of ground support designs for blasthole stoping in kimberlite at Diavik Diamond Mine

Authors: Burns, JM Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2325_38

Cite As:
Burns, JM 2023, 'Evolution of ground support designs for blasthole stoping in kimberlite at Diavik Diamond Mine', in J Wesseloo (ed.), Ground Support 2023: Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Ground Support in Mining, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 557-572, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2325_38



Abstract:
Diavik Diamond Mine has used blasthole stoping (BHS) for the extraction of ore from the A154N orebody since 2010. As the only diamond mine globally to use this mining method for kimberlite extraction, there are several unique challenges that Diavik had to overcome with regards to ground support. Geotechnical variability of the kimberlite, mine sequencing, stope sizing and production output requirements have led to the development of a variety of ground support designs to overcome these challenges. A change from a vertical walled, rectangular stoping geometry to a geometry requiring partial undercutting of the stope crown led to a transformation in the overcut ground support requirements. New support elements including, pre-tensioned cable bolts and resin rebar, have been integrated into the designs to account for the change in stope geometry. Concurrently, higher-capacity inflatable friction bolt support has been required to account for the geotechnical variability of the kimberlite and the transition from primary stoping to secondary stoping. This paper describes the various ground support designs at Diavik Diamond Mine used for BHS in kimberlite and how these designs have evolved over the life of the mine in response to changing ground conditions and production requirements.

Keywords: open stoping, ground support, cable bolts, kimberlite, blasthole stoping

References: