New Insights on the mechanisms controlling fines generation and fine migration in block cave mining

Block cave mining is generally considered the preferred mining method for deeper and lower grade copper and gold deposits. The body of practical knowledge related to the impacts that mass mining methods have on the surrounding environment is limited by the challenges imposed by the ever-increasing size of caving operations, and the difficulty to transfer knowledge across different geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological conditions at different sites. Fragmentation, gravity flow and fines migration play a key role in block and panel cave mining with respect to both safety considerations (mudrushes) and technical aspects (ore recovery and dilution). The objective of this project is to develop a better mechanistic understanding of the processes governing fines generation and fine migration. The aim is to develop a comprehensive research program that incorporates both the experience of the industry partner and a clear statement of study objectives and deliverables aligned with the interests of the industry partner. The desired research outcome would be the development of a solid understanding of fines migration mechanisms that could then be applied to cave design.

Faculty Supervisor:

Davide Elmo;Erik Eberhardt;Bern Klein

Student:

Partner:

Centre for Innovation in Mineral Resources Engineering

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Mining; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: