Ground control with backfill and caving in deep-level mining of gently dipping ore bodies

Abstract

Abstract The research aims to solve the relevant problem of ground control through the combination of backfill and caving in complicated geomechanical conditions of stoping in thick and gently dipping ore bodies with reliable support of overlying rocks. This problem is conditioned by the absence of data of ground control using a combination of mining methods with caving and cemented backfill, which attracts scientific interest and needs a deep insight. The problem was solved by means of finding regular patterns in stress distribution in different modulus rock mass and based on the sound selection of parameters for ore and artificial pillars, including shape and size of caving zone, such that to ensure stability of undermined rock strata, using the finite element method. It is found that alteration of trapezoid-shaped areas mined out by backfill with caving, as well as making more accurate dome of natural equilibrium in the roof caving zone improves mining safety.