Improved stope design guidelines based on Stability Graph Method for Swedish underground mines

Purpose and goal

The objectives of the project are to: 1) improve the data collection approach for assessing stope stability; 2) calibrate the three-dimensional numerical modelling methodology developed from previous pre-study project; 3) examine the feasibility of using machine learning techniques to predict open stopes´ stability using data from on-site cases and numerical models; 4) develop guidelines for qualitative and quantitative collection of input parameters used in stope design; and 5) develop new stope design tools/guidelines for Swedish underground mines.

Expected effects and result

The expected results from this project are: i) improved understanding of stope stability and critical input parameters; ii) guidelines on determination of the weight for critical input parameters; iii) improved data collection method and established database for future stope design; iv) calibrated 3D numerical models; and v) improved stope stability graph through new design guidelines. In the end, the following KPIs defined in the Roadmap will be addressed: no fatalities and minimised Lost Time Injuries (LTI), improved ore recovery and minimum dilution, and minimised waste.

Planned approach and implementation

The work is divided into work packages (WPs) and planned as follows WP1: Project coordination WP2: Cases investigation and data collection WP3: Numerical model calibration by using collected cases WP4: Improvement of stope design by using multivariate statistical analysis and machine learning techniques WP5: Development of stope design tools/guidelines for Swedish underground mines In order to ensure progress the project will use workshops to integrate and disseminate the results. The workshops are planned to be held approximately with 3-6 month intervals.