Face-to-Surface II - Improved production efficiency in Sublevel Caving

Important results from the project

The aim of Face-to-Surface II was to improve the production capacity by reducing disturbances and fragmentation variations on the loading level, and to reduce vibrations to the surrounding. The project have shown how vibration levels can be reduced by carefully reducing sizes for production holes underground. The project have also demonstrated the effects that bad fragmentation and boulder have on production and productivity. The connection between rock mass properties and boulder frequency have been demonstrated and a technical solution for chargeability have been developed.

Expected long term effects

Exception of the overall general goals, the project has; Developed a chargeability model based on MWD. Create a deeper understanding of how hole dimensions affect ground vibrations, fragmentation and the amount of boulders. Developed a new methodology for fragmentation analysis using AI based technology for image analysis of video films collected in a production environment. Generated four articles that are in the final phase for publication. Will generate two licentiate theses that are partly based on the project (planned during autumn 2020).

Approach and implementation

Face-to-Surface has been carried out in an underground environment together with the industrial partners. In this environment, equipment for filming and modern data communication technology have been installed. This has generated a lot of practical problems and disruptions, causing delays of the project. However, at the same time it has also meant that a unique material was obtained regarding the actual process underground. Research in this environment is challenging, but also very important. The experiences from this project have already been used in several following projects.