Updating Laubscher’s empirical method to estimate subsidence limits

The increasing global demand for mineral resources and the depletion of significant of high grade near-surface deposits is driving mining companies to consider cave mining as the ideal method to exploit large low-grade deposits at depth. A key characteristics of cave mining is the formation of a significant surface subsidence crater, which may impact nearby infrastructures, as well as have important environmental impacts. The objective of this research is to update empirical subsidence charts using new cases from recent cave mining operations. This research represents a valuable contribution to caving geomechanics in the preliminary prediction of surface subsidence limits, which are of fundamental importance for the design and planning of adjacent infrastructures and for protection of the environment.

Faculty Supervisor:

Davide Elmo

Student:

Constanza Patricia Contreras Canales

Partner:

SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

University:

University of British Columbia

Program: