Geomechanical strategy to limit collapse extension

Authors: Constanzo B, H; Parraguez R, R; Olguín G, S; Balboa, S Download Paper

Cite As:
Constanzo B, H, Parraguez R, R, Olguín G, S & Balboa, S 2024, 'Geomechanical strategy to limit collapse extension', in Daniel Johansson & Håkan Schunnesson (eds), MassMin 2024: Proceedings of the International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, pp. 627-635.



Abstract:
During 2022, in the Recursos Norte mine of the El Teniente division of Codelco Chile, collapse-type instabilities were recorded in the galleries of the Undercutting and Production levels. This article presents the geomechanical strategy defined to limit the propagation of damage to the surrounding galleries, with the objective of isolating the recorded instability condition. The damage containment strategy considered different time horizons in relation to the level of present damage and the productive continuity of the sector. Immediate actions were aimed at applying a focused extraction strategy, concrete backfill, and reinforcement fortification of Fault N3 at the Production level. Medium-term actions involved the installation of concrete backfill and concreted steel frames in a polygon of greater vulnerability. The implemented extraction strategy yielded positive results, spatially limiting the damaged areas while simultaneously promoting the progress of caving in the affected sector. Additionally, the concrete-filled zone showed no further damage in its immediate surroundings, and geomechanical monitoring instruments did not register any deformations. Therefore, the action plan effectively contained the spread of damage, supported the caving evolution, and ensured the stability of the surrounding mining infrastructure.