Integrated caving and gravity flow modelling for remnant resource optimisation at Chuquicamata underground Lift 1

Authors: Castro, R; Molina, Y; Quiroz Alegria, R; Arancibia, L

Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2645_100

Cite As:
Castro, R, Molina, Y, Quiroz Alegria, R & Arancibia, L 2026, 'Integrated caving and gravity flow modelling for remnant resource optimisation at Chuquicamata underground Lift 1', in A van As, D Cumming-Potvin & J Wesseloo (eds), Caving 2026: Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Block and Sublevel Caving, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-10, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2645_100

Download citation as:   ris   bibtex   endnote   text   Zotero


Abstract:
The Chuquicamata Division (DCH) 2025 Business Plan (PND2025) provides strategies to optimise the transition to deeper mining sectors. A critical component of this optimisation is the accurate characterisation of remnant resources over Lift 1, which are subject to complex cave flow dynamics. To overcome the limitations of traditional vertical mixing models in predicting these dynamics, this study implemented a robust and integrated modelling approach to improve recoverable reserve estimates and validate production forecasts. This methodology coupled FLAC3D with the ITASCA Constitutive Model for Advanced Strain Softening (IMASS) constitutive model to simulate cave propagation and FlowSim BC to model gravity flow and material mixing. The cave propagation model was rigorously calibrated using seismic records and topographic data (LiDAR/RADAR), confirming that propagation is structurally controlled, and the gravity flow model was calibrated using geotechnical parameters. The coupling of these tools significantly improved forecast accuracy compared to a vertical mixing model. Finally, this validated framework provides important information for business planning and a strategic basis for maximising asset value for Lifts 1 and 2.

Keywords: resource optimisation, gravity flow simulation, cave propagation, model calibration, Chuquicamata

References:
Arancibia, L 2021, Experimental and Empirical Modelling of Dilution in Block Caving, MSc thesis, Universidad de Chile, Santiago.
Castro, RL 2007, Study of the Mechanisms of Gravity Flow for Block Caving, PhD thesis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane.
Castro, R, Gomez, R & Arancibia, L 2022, ‘Fine material migration modelled by cellular automata’, Granular Matter, vol. 24, no. 1.
Codelco 2025, GMRD-SEG-INF-063-2025, internal document, Codelco Chuquicamata Division, Calama.
Ghazvinian, E, Garza-Cruz, T, Bouzeran, L, Fuenzalida, M, Cheng, Z, Cancino, C & Pierce, M 2020, ‘Theory and implementation of the Itasca constitutive model for advanced strain softening (IMASS)’, Proceedings of MassMin 2020, University of Chile, Santiago, pp. 451–461.
ITASCA 2020, FLAC3D Documentation: IMASS Model, Itasca Consulting Group, Minneapolis.
Le-Feaux, R, Castro, R, Cortez, D, Gómez, R & Silva, D 2021, ‘A hybrid extraction level layout for block caving’, Mining Technology, vol. 131, no. 1, pp. 51–65.
Mendecki, AJ 2013, ‘Mine seismology: glossary of selected terms’, Proceedings of Eighth International Symposium on Rockbursts and Seismicity in Mines, in A Malovichko & D Malovichko (eds), RaSiM8, Geophysical survey of Russian Academy of Sciences, Mining Institute of Ural Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences. 2013. p. 527–551.
Sainsbury, BL 2012, A Model for Cave Propagation and Subsidence Assessment in Jointed Rock Masses, PhD thesis, University of New South Wales, Sydney.




© Copyright 2026, Australian Centre for Geomechanics (ACG), The University of Western Australia. All rights reserved.
View copyright/legal information
Please direct any queries or error reports to repository-acg@uwa.edu.au