Numerical modelling of blast and gravity flow in SLC mines
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Avdelningen för geoteknologi |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 486 000 |
| Project duration | March 2018 - October 2018 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Swedish mining and metal producing industry - SIP Swedish Mining Innovation |
Purpose and goal
The aim with this project is to develop a numerical model to assess both blast-induced fragmentation in a semi-confined situation and the gravity flow characteristics of fragments in sublevel caving (SLC) mines in one numerical model. The specific objectives are to evaluate the effects of blast design on the blast performance and the impact of blasting on gravity flow in SLC mines.
Expected results and effects
A numerical model was developed to model both blasting and gravity flow of SLC mines in one model with LS-DYNA code. The results show that it is possible to evaluate the effects of blasting on gravity flow by using the model. The research results also show the potential that investigate the effects of different parameters such as the SLC layout, ring design and blast parameters et al. on the blast fragmentation and the gravity flow in SLC mines.
Planned approach and implementation
The LS-DYNA code was used to model both blasting and gravity flow in one model to investigate the effect of blasting on gravity flow of ore and waste rocks. The numerical model was created according to the field parameters of Kiruna mine. The blasthole layout, the charge pattern and the size of the ring are similar with those of Kiruna mine. Changping Yi visited the Kiruna mine in June of 2018 and Matthias at LKAB also visited LTU several times during the project. We had email communication and meeting at LTU for the numerical modelling.