Reactivating mud-affected drawpoints at El Teniente mine

Authors: Garcés, D; Rejas, S; Bernier, J; Ferrada, M Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2645_88

Cite As:
Garcés, D, Rejas, S, Bernier, J & Ferrada, M 2026, 'Reactivating mud-affected drawpoints at El Teniente mine', 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. 1-13, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2645_88



Abstract:
Mud rush is one of the most significant hazards at El Teniente mine, characterised by the sudden inflow of large amounts of fine-grained material mixed with water, typically originating from either the surface or abandoned upper levels. Tactical risk management plans include draw control and strategies, continuous ore sampling, machine learning–based mud rush risk assessment, and closure of high-risk drawpoints. These plans have recently been improved through the use of semi-automated extraction equipment to meet higher safety standards while maintaining target production rates. In this context, managing the reopening of closed drawpoints affected by mud rush risk is considered a novel approach in cave mining, especially at El Teniente mine. Understanding how semi-automated technology, combined with appropriate operational strategies, can enable the reactivation of natural flow in mud-affected drawpoints is essential for developing guidelines on draw control and reopening practices. Ultimately, the goal herein is to safely recover lost ore reserves that were previously abandoned due to mud rush risk. This article provides a structured operational strategy for reactivating closed mud-affected drawpoints at Dacita mine, which is one of the operations at El Teniente mine. The strategy first involves characterising drawpoints and assessing the automation status in the production level to establish the most suitable reopening sequence for restoring gravity flow. Subsequently, a prioritisation process is carried out based on production variables, geological parameters, operational risks, exclusion zones, as well as secondary breakage and drill-and-blast plans. Ultimately, this strategy provides cave mines with a reliable alternative to safely recover ore reserves, and makes it possible to potentially increase the production rates without requiring cave growth. The lessons learned in Dacita mine will serve as key knowledge for future cave mining projects at El Teniente mine.

References: