Extraction of Two Sill Pillars Under Paste Backfill at Louvicourt Mine, Canada

Authors: Doucet, C; Lampron, S; Bisson, B; Harrison, R Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/663_25

Cite As:
Doucet, C, Lampron, S, Bisson, B & Harrison, R 2006, 'Extraction of Two Sill Pillars Under Paste Backfill at Louvicourt Mine, Canada', in R Jewell, S Lawson & P Newman (eds), Paste 2006: Proceedings of the Ninth International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 293-302, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/663_25



Abstract:
Louvicourt Mine, located approximately 500 km north-west of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is co-owned by the operator Aur Resources inc. (30%), Teck Corporation (25%) and Novicourt (45%). The polymetallic orebody (Cu-Zn-Au-Ag) was mined between depths of 400 and 920 m for 11 years and the mine closed in July 2005. Extraction of the orebody started from the 655 m and 860 m levels using a primary/secondary ascending mining sequence with paste backfill. Extraction on two levels created a 600000-t sill pillar between the 655 and 680 levels. Extraction below the 860 level created a second sill pillar (230000 t) between the 860 and 885 levels. These two pillars are located under paste backfill and the rockmass in those areas is highly fractured as a result of high mining stresses. Since the backfill was poured at the beginning of the mine’s operation, the mixes used were not optimal and the fill quality was variable. This paper describes the steps taken to design the mining of the stopes under paste and the results obtained for both sill pillars.

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