Rock Backfill and Hazard Control of Abandoned Stopes: A Case Study

Abstract

Goafs formed in mine-out areas threat the underground mines owing to possibilities of rock burst and surface subsidence. This paper aims to discuss the feasibility, design and construction of waste rock backfill in abandoned stopes. Based on goafs distribution and stabilities in the White Bull Mine, rock backfill system with a total volume of 362,000 m3in 8 gobs was designed and carried out. The system included technologically and economically feasible stopes, conveying equipments of tramcars, rock transfer by electric rakes, haulage network and mining workings. Field effects showed that rock backfill was applicable to control potential hazards. With rock filling, goaf utilization rates ranged from 60% to 70%, which helped to control adjacent rock movement, eliminate rock burst and surface subsidence. Additionally, backfill construction reduced the lift and transportation costs of rocks by about 50%, which further lowered the land usage of surface dumping.