Mine-wide ground stability assessment and mine planning using the finite element technique

As mines get older and deeper, the dilution and mine stability problems get worse. These problems could be further complicated by future automation of underground mining. Regardless of the degree of mining automation underground, a good mine design is still considered one of the most important mining components in reducing mining costs and increasing safety and productivity. A rational mine design and optimization of mining sequences could be greatly improved with the application of state-of-the-art modelling techniques. Modelling technology will help the mine designers to effectively identify potential stability problems in advance and take preventive measures accordingly. In this paper, a powerful FE modelling tool is discussed and three case studies are presented. This work has demonstrated that modelling technology can be applied successfully to mine-wide stability assessment and for long term ground control and mine planning.