Block Caving Mining Systems – Strategies for Caveability Prediction and Hazard Management Using Next Generation Technologies

Block caving mining is a mining method for economically mining high tonnage low grade orebodies. The method is gaining popularity globally as more low grade large orebodies are now frequently discovered at depth and cannot be mined with open pit mining. However, the mining systems comes with several challenges and associated hazards. The major challenges in using this mining system include reliably predicting whether the orebody will unravel after undercutting it, subsidence and dilution control. The associated hazards with this mining system include airblasts, water and mud-inrush, drawpoint hang ups, and cave propagation stalling. This research aims at using next generation technologies including virtual reality, sensor technology, space technology and artificial intelligence to optimize the block caving mining system and to mitigate the associated risks for safe, economic and environmentally friendly use of the method.