Classification of mining methods for deep orebodies

Abstract

Classifications of mining methods date back to the 1960s and use the following criteria: type and size of a mineral deposit, mined-out space support, state of a working excavation, type of a face, roof support, etc. Since that time mobile mining machinery has appreciably advanced, and some mining methods have lost their importance. Mobile mining equipment is effective in definite mining methods: in open mined-out space, mining with backfill and combined schemes. The tran- sition to deep mining inevitably results in the sharply worsened technical and geomechanical conditions, and some well-established techniques for safe mining at rock burst hazardous deposits can not be considered self-sufficient. This paper puts forward a classification of deep mining methods, considering rock pressure control. The classification involves three classes: mining with backfill, mining with caving of overlying rocks and combined mining with backfill and caving.