Slope Failure of Shilu Metal Mine Transition from Open-Pit to Underground Mining under Excavation Disturbance

Abstract

The instability of slopes and ground subsidence caused by the conversion from open-pit to underground mining are important aspects of mining disaster research. This study focuses on the instability of slopes and ground subsidence during the conversion from open-pit to underground mining in the Beiyi mining area of the Shilu iron ore mine. Using numerical simulation and analysis, this study establishes a mechanical analysis model to assess the rock stability and movement of rockfall. The research findings indicate that there are significant stress concentration phenomena in the surrounding and floor areas of the goaf during the mining process. The collapse zone mainly develops in the western area before and after a certain level of mining and then shifts to the eastern part of Beiyi area. Surface subsidence expands after mining at a certain level, resulting in a large-scale disturbance area. Furthermore, the eastern slope experiences extensive landslides. This study suggests the continued monitoring of landslides and slope stability in specific areas of the mine. The research results can help us to understand the stability of the open-pit to underground rock mass in Hainan, judge the development trend of the surface subsidence range, and provide a reference for the stability evaluation of the rock mass mined by the open-pit-to-underground caving method.