Analysis of Ore Drawing Modes in Sublevel Caving Using Numerical Modeling

The analysis of rock flow patterns under the cross-effect of contiguous faces uses the 3D discrete element method to reproduce ore drawing processes in underground mining at the Khibiny apatite–nepheline deposit. The study of ore drawing modes revealed the mechanisms of loss formation, as well as the rational designs of structural components of a mining systems and ore draw planograms. The numerical modeling results were verified during in-situ experimental blasting and sublevel stoping in different geological and geotechnical conditions in mines of the Kola Division of APATIT. A conception of sublevel stoping modeling is developed, and the guidelines are proposed for rating ore losses and dilution in underground apatite–nepheline ore mining.