An approach to back analysis of sublevel open stope performance

ABSTRACT: The analysis presented here involved an extensive database of historical stope data which was used to establish key statistical variables related to stope performance. All the calculations have been undertaken with respect to the planned stope boundaries and the data was divided by stoping blocks with respect to depth below surface. Analysis of stope overbreak and underbreak show that the two variables appear to be statistically independent, suggesting that they originated in different stope walls. Statistical analysis of internal and external dilution was completed including a relationship between overbreak and underbreak with the underlying Hydraulic Radius number. The paper described a new methodology to precisely indicate whether localized instability is occurring at the boundaries of a stoping geometry. Finally, the analysis and results can be used to establish a general approach to back analysis of stope performance at other geotechnical environments and mining operations.