CN116034210A - Patio breakout method for mining ore from ore bodies, mining infrastructure, monitoring system, machine, control system and data medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a raise caving method for mining ore from ore bodies, the raise caving method comprising: developing at least two slots (3 a,3 b) in the rock mass and leaving a column (9 a) of the rock mass to separate adjacent slots (3 a,3 b) to create a favorable stress environment in the rock mass to provide protection for the mining infrastructure; developing at least one production raise (6 a) in a rock mass providing a favorable stress environment; -extracting at least one production stope (13 a) from at least one production raise (6 a) in an upward-pushing manner; and withdrawing ore from the production stope (13 a). The invention also relates to a patio caving mining infrastructure, a machine, a monitoring system, an automated or semi-automated control system, and a data medium of a patio mining infrastructure.

Description

Patio breakout method for mining ore from ore bodies, mining infrastructure, monitoring system, machine, control system and data medium

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method for mining ore from ore bodies. The invention also relates to a mining infrastructure, a machine, a monitoring system, an automated or semi-automated control system and a data medium of the mining infrastructure.

Background

In large deposits, the caving method relies on natural or induced rock destruction by gravity, principal stress or a combination of both. The caving causes the overburden material to fall into the stope.

In prior art breakout methods, such as block breakout and variants thereof, the ore bodies are bottomed, thereby initiating the breakout of the ore bodies, whereas in sub-layer breakout, ore bodies that are too difficult to breakout must be mined by means of drilling and blasting.

In all breakout methods, with the advancement of mining, upper-disc rock mass breakout is allowed, wherein breakout initiation and continuous expansion are easier to achieve in weaker rock mass and/or under conditions of lower prevailing stress. In addition, in caving operations that are operated at relatively shallow depths, the amount of stress around the active infrastructure can be controlled.

However, from the late 1990 s, caving mining has progressed to larger depths and harder to handle rock masses. As the magnitude of the stress increases, breakout becomes more and more difficult to achieve and faces more rock pressure related problems. Problems encountered include, among other difficulties, difficulties in initiating a breakout, ensuring continued breakout expansion, production level instability during bottoming, production or mining induced seismic activity, and associated rock burst damage. In the worst case, these problems may lead to significant economic losses or unplanned operational termination.

Furthermore, rock mechanical models and mining experience have shown that extreme abutment stresses are generated both around the pull bottom in block breakouts and variants thereof and around the active sub-layer in sub-layer breakouts before and after initiation of a continuous breakout. High abutment stress levels are critical and may cause damage to the undercut and production infrastructure, may adversely affect the rock mass properties in future production zones, or may initiate damaging seismic events. Prior art methods for abutment stresses are for example certain bottoming strategies that minimize pre-developed infrastructure in the abutment, or pre-treatment methods for reducing the magnitude of the abutment stresses. However, the trend towards breakouts of more difficult to handle rock masses requires larger undercut areas, but this in turn leads to higher abutment stress levels and higher seismic energy release. The above mentioned problems affect the application of the prior art breakout method at greater depths. In prior art breakout methods, high stress at greater depths and mining-induced seismic activity are persistent safety, production and economic risks.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the prior art mining methods, it is desirable to implement a mining method for mining ore from ore bodies that addresses or alleviates some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for mining ore from ore bodies which solves the key rock mechanics problem and which provides safety and protection for the mining infrastructure when caving in deeper large ore bodies.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for mining ore from ore bodies which enables large scale, low cost caving mining in deeper large ore bodies.

At least one of these stated objects or the stated objects is achieved by a raise caving method for mining ore from ore bodies, wherein further embodiments are contained in the dependent claims.

Thus, according to one aspect, the present invention relates to a raise caving method for mining ore from ore bodies, the method comprising the steps of:

developing at least two slots in the rock mass and leaving a column of rock mass to separate adjacent slots to create a favorable stress environment in the rock mass to provide protection for the mining infrastructure; developing at least one production raise within the rock mass providing a favorable stress environment; advancing upward by mining at least one production stope from at least one production raise; and withdrawing ore from the production stope.

The mining method according to the present invention, also referred to herein as the raise caving mining method, enables large scale, efficient caving mining in large ore bodies at large depths, due to the provision of the following advantageous stress environments: in this advantageous stress environment, problems related to rock mechanics are reduced, so that the overall rock pressure situation can be managed. Thus, a smaller range and lower cost support is needed, significantly reducing the rock burst and associated safety risks, and reducing overall economic risks. Furthermore, the raise caving method may also be implemented at shallow depths.

In order to solve the key rock mechanics problem in the prior art caving method, the invention relies on: the method includes the steps of stress relieving a rock mass with a minimum amount of infrastructure by applying stress relieving slots and columns, placing production infrastructure in the rock mass that provides a favorable stress environment, and extracting ore from a mineral body located in the rock mass. Furthermore, by applying an advantageous mining sequence, an advantageous stress environment may be provided in the active mining area.

The inventors of the present invention conducted the following studies: the study was aimed at studying the application potential of raise collapse from the point of view of rock mechanics and summarizing the impact on safety, productivity and potential for automation. The results of the study show that the raise caving method of the invention is applicable from a rock mechanics point of view and that it seems to offer considerable advantages over existing caving methods. The following overall improvements provided by the novel raise caving method are summarized. This summary is valid for all prior art breakout methods. However, it is particularly emphasized that sublevel caving is effective, which is the primary mining method used by mining companies for many years. However, there are also inherent problems in sub-floor caving that would be addressed by the novel raise caving method.

Each slot creates stress-shadows at certain locations adjacent to the slot. The stress-shadow stresses the rock mass, thereby creating a favorable stress environment in the vicinity of the slot. The stress-shadow also extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions near the slot, but the size and distribution of the stress-shadow may vary. Stress-shadows can be of different sizes and shapes depending on the prevailing ore body shape, stress conditions, etc., and can also vary over time depending on the mining layout and mining sequence. In this specification, the groove is also referred to as a stress relief groove to emphasize its use.

It is therefore advantageous to arrange and develop the production infrastructure in the stress-relieved rock mass in the vicinity of the groove to ensure that the production infrastructure is protected. Thus, the production patio is preferably developed in an advantageous stress environment formed at certain locations adjacent to the groove.

According to the method, at least two grooves are developed in the rock mass, leaving a column as part of the rock mass to separate the grooves. Leaving the posts between the slots creates an advantageous stress environment for further development of the two slots in the vertical direction and further development of the next slots at a distance in the horizontal direction. The column controls the magnitude of the stress in the rock mass at the location where the next slot will be developed later in the rock mass, thereby creating an advantageous stress environment enabling the development of the next slot.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: a mining sequence is implemented to provide a favorable stress environment in an active mining area. The mining sequence is a means for controlling mining-induced seismic activity in an active mining area.

In another form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: a mining layout is implemented to provide a favorable stress environment in an active mining area. The mining topology is a means for controlling mining-induced seismic activity in an active mining area.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: at least one slot courtyard is developed in the rock mass from a horizontal roadway disposed on the slot entrance layer up to a horizontal roadway disposed above the slot entrance layer. Preferably, the groove courtyard is developed at a distance from a previously developed groove or grooves or from a previously developed groove courtyard or groove courtyards. The distance is determined by conditions such as the shape of the ore body, the rock mass conditions, the stress magnitude and the direction of the mining. Preferably, the trough courtyard is developed by known processes and equipment.

In one form of the invention, the method includes: at least one of the tanks is developed from the at least one tank courtyard by blasting upward from a horizontal roadway disposed on the tank entrance floor to a horizontal roadway disposed above the tank entrance floor.

In one form of the invention, the method includes disposing at least one of the slots in a contact region between the ore body and surrounding rock mass formations. In yet another form of the invention, the method includes disposing at least one of the slots inside the ore body. Thus, a portion of the ore body is located between the slot and the surrounding rock mass formations. In yet another form of the invention, the method includes disposing at least one of the slots outside of the ore body. Thus, the positioning of the slots depends on the shape of the ore body, the rock mass conditions, the stress magnitude and the mining direction.

In one form of the invention, the method includes orienting at least one of the slots in a vertical direction. In another form of the invention, at least one of the grooves is oriented in an oblique direction. However, the slots do not have to be oriented in the direction of the inclination of the ore body. Thus, the longitudinal axis of the slot may be oriented in a vertical direction or in an oblique direction. By oblique, it is meant that the slot is directed at least 40 degrees from the horizontal plane. The orientation of the slots depends for example on the geometry of the ore body. Thus, in one form of the invention, the method includes orienting adjacent slots in different directions.

In one form of the invention, the method includes: a stress relief phase for creating and expanding an advantageous stress environment in the rock mass to protect the mining infrastructure, in particular the production infrastructure in the production area; and a production stage for extracting ore from the ore body, and wherein the stress relief stage and the production stage are combined such that the production stage benefits from the stress relief stage in certain mining areas.

Although the two phases have different purposes, they cannot be separate, independent phases. Instead, the two phases must be designed together to form a functionally combined and applicable raise caving method. The two phases require different types of infrastructure. The infrastructure required for the stress reduction phase is referred to herein as a stress reduction infrastructure. The infrastructure required for recovery is referred to herein as the production infrastructure. The amount of infrastructure for the development of the tank in the stress reduction stage can be kept to a minimum, which is advantageous in that costs can be reduced. Furthermore, this also means that less stress-relieving infrastructure is exposed to high stresses and the associated costs for rock support and possible repair are reduced. Mining infrastructure includes both stress relief infrastructure and production infrastructure.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: at least one starter tank is developed from the tank inlet layer to a predetermined vertical extent to create stress-shadows to provide protection for production infrastructure located above the tank inlet layer and adjacent to the starter tank.

In one form of the invention, the method includes: the starting tank is developed from at least one tank courtyard by blasting up to a predetermined vertical extent along the tank courtyard from a horizontal roadway disposed on the tank inlet layer. Developing the starting tank from the tank ceiling is advantageous because the machinery and equipment used to develop the starting tank can be located in the tank ceiling and can be operated from the tank ceiling.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: a continuous starter trough is developed from at least two starter troughs to create stress-shadows S to provide protection for production infrastructure located above the trough entrance layer and adjacent to the starter trough. The continuous starter groove is formed by joining at least two adjacently arranged starter grooves into a continuous starter groove. This is advantageous because the continuous starter trough may create stress-shadows that provide protection for production infrastructure, such as take-out points, disposed adjacent to the starter trough. Furthermore, by means of a continuous starting tank, the infrastructure on the take-off layer can be protected from exposure to high stresses. The vertical extent of the starting tank depends on, for example, the rock mechanics and the rock mass conditions, but is adapted such that the area of the infrastructure on the extraction level is adequately and sufficiently stress-relieved.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: at least one of the slots is developed from a roof of the at least one starting slot to a patio layer disposed above the slot entrance layer, wherein the roof area of the slot is smaller than the roof area of the starting slot. Thus, the slot was developed as a continuation of the starting slot. In particular, the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slot is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the starting slot perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the starting slot. Preferably, the starting groove and the groove are configured to have similar thicknesses.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the step of developing a channel access layer in the rock mass. The slot entry layer is the layer from which the slot/starting slot begins, which is arranged below the take-out layer. The tank inlet layer may also be provided with tank take-out points and horizontal lanes for taking out the expansion during the initial tank and tank development. The extraction points are the following excavation structures: the caving or crushed ore is loaded through the excavating structure and removed from the starting chute, trough or stope.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the step of developing a take-off layer in a favorable stress environment. Typically, the take-out layer is developed in the rock mass above the trough entry layer. Preferably, the production infrastructure is developed at the take-out layer and in the stress-shadow provided by at least one of the grooves and/or at least one of the starting grooves.

In one form of the invention, the method includes: at least one other extraction layer is developed that is located in a favorable stress environment. Several withdrawal layers may be provided to enable efficient withdrawal of ore from the stope. In one form of the invention, the method includes: the extraction level includes extraction infrastructure such as pit extraction points, stope extraction points, horizontal roadways.

In one form of the invention, the withdrawal point may be long-term and fixed. This is advantageous as it aids in mining automation.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the step of developing a slot take-off point into the slot and/or the starter slot at the take-off layer. The removal of the crushed rock in the trough and the starting trough may be done from the trough inlet level, the removal level or e.g. the patio level arranged above the trough inlet level.

After the development of the slots has de-stressed the rock mass area where the take-out layers are arranged, slot take-out points may be installed at the main take-out layer. Thereafter, the slot entry layer is no longer needed and can be discarded.

In one form of the invention, the method includes: the production stope creates an advantageous stress environment that protects the production infrastructure in the vicinity of the production stope. This is advantageous because additional production infrastructure such as horizontal roadways, patios, extraction points or rock mass passages may be safely placed in a favorable stress environment in close proximity to the production stope.

During the production process of a mining operation, several production stopes may be developed in close proximity to each other. In one form of the invention, the method includes: the interaction of two or more production sites creates a regionally advantageous stress environment to protect the mining infrastructure. Preferably, the ongoing production process results in an increased range of regionally advantageous stress environments in the rock mass, so that the mining infrastructure may be developed step by step according to the production process and so that the mining infrastructure may benefit from the regionally advantageous stress environments.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: the intermediate take-out layer is developed as needed to facilitate extraction of ore from the stope. If the flow of ore to the take-off layer cannot be ensured due to the shape of the ore body or the inclination of the ore body, it may be necessary to develop one or more intermediate take-off layers. An intermediate take-off layer may be developed on the patio layer.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: after the production stope roof has advanced beyond the intermediate retrieval levels, stope retrieval points are developed into the production stope from one or more intermediate retrieval levels. This is advantageous because ore from a production stope can be taken out on several levels.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: the development of at least one rock path is delayed, if necessary, between the intermediate retrieval layer and another layer located below the intermediate retrieval layer. Preferably, the rock access is developed in an advantageous stress environment formed by at least one production stope. By delayed development, it is meant that the rock access is developed after the production stope roof has advanced beyond the intermediate retrieval.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the step of delaying the development of at least one horizontal or inclined transportation channel if desired. The inclined transport channels extend between the intermediate take-out layer and another layer located above or below the intermediate take-out layer. The inclined transportation channel may be located in a favorable stress environment created by at least one production stope.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: production stopes are mined by drilling and blasting. In another form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: production stopes are produced by caving.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: at least one slot is developed in the rock mass from a horizontal tunnel arranged on a first sub-layer up to a horizontal tunnel arranged on a second sub-layer arranged above the first sub-layer by means of a round of drilling and blasting, and said round of blasting and loading is performed in a receding manner.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: and (5) extracting the column. Preferably, the column is produced in such a way that it is actively weakened by drilling and blasting from at least one production raise. Alternatively, the string is produced in a manner that reduces the strength of the string by reducing the aspect ratio of the string due to mining at nearby stopes and promotes yielding and self-destruction of the string. In addition, the column may be stress relieved due to column yield and self-destruction.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: the stress relief column is produced by disposing a production raise near or in the stress relief column.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: the column is extracted by means of caving.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: the string is produced by means of drilling and blasting.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: preventing premature collapse of the upper tray due to the presence of broken rock mass in the pit and stope, column and implementing the extraction strategy.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: at least one production stope is connected to the previously caving material, thereby allowing the previously caving material to fill the production stope.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: some portions of the upper tray are collapsed to fill at least a portion of at least one production stope that is empty.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: the upper disc collapse is encouraged by extracting the column to thereby remove the upper disc support provided by the column.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: the ore body between the upward side of the trough wall and the upper pan is caving in, wherein the caving is caused by extraction of the column.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: a well is developed from a patio, wherein the patio is not located inside the well. This is advantageous, for example, in the case of a plugged tank, wherein a patio located outside the plugged tank may be used to drill and blast into the interior of the tank in order to clear the plug.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: at least one slot is implemented in another mining method to stress the rock mass and protect critical infrastructure.

In one form of the invention, the method includes: the mining geometry is adapted to and determined by the production and/or ore body geometry.

In one form of the invention, the method includes: the mining sequence is adapted to and determined by production and/or ore body geometry and/or rock mechanics considerations, thereby controlling mining induced seismic activity and high stresses.

In one form of the invention, the method includes: the mining layout, infrastructure location and mining order may be adjusted in a short time.

In one form of the invention, the method includes: the mining sequence includes developing the trough prior to developing the corresponding production stope, wherein a roof of the trough is at a predetermined vertical distance in front of a roof of the production stope to ensure that the production stope is mining in rock mass in a favorable stress environment.

Preferably, the recovery is initiated when a favorable stress environment has been created. Thus, a portion of the trough should be developed before the corresponding stope is developed.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: the production stope is monitored via a production raise. Such monitoring may be performed by monitoring devices arranged inside the production patio.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: the tank and/or the starter tank is monitored via a tank courtyard. Such monitoring may be performed by monitoring means arranged inside the slot ceiling.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: the risk of air impingement and caving stall in the production stope is controlled via the production raise. Such control may be performed by a control device arranged inside the production raise.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: the steps of the method are repeated for a larger area in the rock mass, thereby mining the ore body in a safe manner.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: backfilling portions of the production stope.

In one form of the invention, the method includes producing backfill material by excavating a designated excavation in the discarded rock. This can be achieved by enlarging the stope in the vertical range or by producing separate stopes, the only purpose of which is to produce waste for backfilling, for example to reduce surface deformation.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: at least one of the previously developed slotted patios is continued to be developed in the rock mass from the current layer up to another layer located higher in the rock mass.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: development of at least one of the previously developed slots continues by blasting upward from the slot patio toward another layer located higher in the rock mass.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: at least one of the production raise is continued to be developed upward toward another layer in the stress-relieved rock mass.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: at least one of the production manholes is continued to be mined upward from the production manholes toward another layer, and ore is withdrawn from the production stope via the withdrawal layer and/or the intermediate layer.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: leaving temporary columns disposed between the production stope and a tank located adjacent to the production stope.

In another form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: leaving temporary columns between adjacent production stopes.

Furthermore, certain elements of the raise caving method may be applied in other ways. For example, stress relief slots developed by patios may be used as a stress relief element in existing mining methods, or may be suitable for stress relief and protection of critical long-term infrastructure. In addition, adjacent stopes mined by patio can also replace the traditional bottoming in block and slab caving. In this case the stope roof will increase in size until caving begins. Thus, a patio equipped with appropriate machinery above the active cavity would provide the possibility for pretreatment, breakout propulsion monitoring, promotion of breakout propulsion and breakout front diversion.

In summary, the raise caving method according to the invention may preferably be implemented in rock masses having large and shallow or large depth ore bodies.

It should be noted that a large depth refers to a depth in which the ratio of the main rock stress to Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) exceeds 0.4. Large ore bodies are large in all directions and can have any shape or size, thick flat ore bodies are also considered to be large. The main extraction layer, the patio layer, the trough entrance layer and the intermediate extraction layer may be located at different depths, as the ore body shapes may be different.

In prior art breakout methods, seismic activity typically occurs near the active infrastructure, causing considerable damage. In comparison with prior art caving methods, only a very small amount of active infrastructure is required in areas where seismic activity is active when using the raise caving method according to the invention. Thus, the method is advantageous because seismic energy can be released away from most of the active infrastructure necessary to access and prepare the ore body, i.e., away from horizontal roadways, extraction points, patios, ore and rock passages, shafts, etc. of various sizes and geometries.

In particular, prior art sub-layer breakout sub-layer developments are known to have long lead times. This development is associated with high early capital costs. In addition, the built infrastructure is also susceptible to stress and rock burst damage prior to its actual use. Furthermore, there is limited knowledge of the prevailing rock mass conditions at development time. In contrast, the raise caving method according to the present invention requires only a very small amount of infrastructure to be developed in advance. Thus, most infrastructure is created on the fly, greatly reducing the early capital costs and reducing the time of exposure to high stress conditions. In addition, short-term variations in mining layout are readily implemented to react to encountered situations. For example, placement of the infrastructure under difficult ground conditions may be avoided, specific mining layouts and mining sequences may be designed in critical areas, or blasting operations may be easily adapted to local conditions.

The raise caving method according to the invention is therefore particularly advantageous in that it allows for adjustment of the mining layout and/or the mining order. Thus, control of seismic activity and/or high stresses may be improved and/or stability of the infrastructure may be improved. In addition, this adjustment can be further performed in a short time.

In prior art sub-level breakout, workplace conditions and excavation geometry are very variable. Workplaces and activities are distributed over multiple sublayers. For this reason, only a limited degree of automation has been achieved to date in the critical processes related to development, rock breaking and tapping.

In contrast, the patio caving method requires significantly less development on fewer floors. Furthermore, the geometry of the patio is very well defined and reused throughout the process. Thus, the problems currently faced in terms of automation, such as in terms of mechanical positioning or borehole detection, can be overcome. In addition, the withdrawal points in the courtyard breakout are long-term and fixed. Subsequently, the raise caving operation can be comparable to an "underground rock factory".

The raise caving method according to the invention is advantageous in that it provides a significant potential for automation in the actual extraction process.

Furthermore, in prior art sub-layer breakouts, a number of closely spaced extraction points are required on each sub-layer. In contrast, only a small amount of ore can be recovered from each take-off point before the take-off point has to be closed and the next has to be opened. The service life of the withdrawal point is typically several days. Production blasting may also be performed at the location of the take-out point, possibly causing damage to the take-out point. Furthermore, these take-out points and associated infrastructure are always located below the mined out area in the area that is subject to stress and seismic activity.

In contrast to sub-floor caving, in the raise caving mining method according to the invention, the extraction points developed are used for months or years. In addition, the initiation of blasting and/or caving is accomplished using a production patio. Each production raise and associated stress relief infrastructure utilizes a significant deposit volume. Thus, the amount of infrastructure required can be reduced by 50% or even more compared to prior art sub-layer breakout. Thus, the amount of machinery required and the amount of consumables required, such as the amount of explosives, rock supports or energy required, is significantly reduced. Subsequently, the inherent nitrogen loss caused by horizontal roadway development blasting is significantly reduced. In addition, the extraction point and production infrastructure are arranged in the stress-relieved rock mass.

Thus, the raise caving mining method according to the present invention greatly reduces infrastructure development effort and enables most of the infrastructure to be located in the stress-relieved areas.

Furthermore, in prior art sub-layer breakouts, each blast ring acts independently. Rupture and gravity flow are largely affected by the initial blasting conditions (blast limitations, loading rates, drilling deviations, etc.). Thus, there are large variations in the performance represented in the fetch graph, such as the occurrence of weakening, recycling, and stopping.

In contrast to sub-layer caving, there is mainly a free-face blasting situation in the raise caving mining method. Thus, a lower specific packing density may be used. Since the material falls into the stope and the extraction column is high, a large number of secondary fracture effects can be expected. The likelihood of discontinuation is also greatly reduced based on the improved rupture.

Thus, the raise caving method according to the present invention may also allow for improved cracking and reduced occurrence of aborts.

Furthermore, in prior art sub-level breakout, ore withdrawal occurs at a number of withdrawal points which run in a relatively short time and thus withdraw only relatively small tonnage of ore from each withdrawal point. The actual weakening mechanism depends on various factors such as the compaction of the cave material, cracking, and the porosity of the blasted sub-layer breakout ring.

However, in this raise caving method, high pillars can be protected from weakening if good extraction control practices are followed, as compared to sub-level caving.

The patio caving mining method according to the invention is therefore advantageous in that an improved control of the weakening can be achieved.

Further, in sub-level caving, the upper disc caving and associated surface subsidence area (the lowering of the surface after underground mining) gradually increases with each mined sub-level, but this is different when using the raise caving mining method. When the mining method according to the invention is employed, the mining starts from bottom to top and the upper disc collapse is delayed due to the presence of broken rock mass, columns in the pit and stope and due to the extraction strategy employed. Thus, surface subsidence may occur at a later stage and the amount of space may be smaller. Therefore, the influence on the environment can be reduced.

Therefore, another advantage of the raise caving mining method according to the present invention is that the amount of space for surface deformation can be reduced.

At least one of these or said objects is stated by a courtyard caving mining infrastructure configured for mining ore from ore bodies according to claim 53, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.

Thus, according to one aspect, the present invention relates to a raise caving mining infrastructure comprising: at least two slots located in the rock mass; a column of rock mass for separating adjacent slots to create a favorable stress environment in the rock mass to provide protection for the mining infrastructure; at least one production patio located within a rock mass providing a favorable stress environment; at least one production stope that is propelled upwardly by production from at least one production raise; and a transport device configured to remove ore from the production stope.

Alternatively, the slot is associated with a stress-shadow at some location adjacent to the slot, wherein the stress-shadow de-stresses the rock mass, thereby forming the favorable stress environment.

Alternatively, at least one slot courtyard is developed in the rock mass from a horizontal roadway arranged on a slot entry layer up to a horizontal roadway arranged on a layer arranged above the slot entry layer.

Alternatively, at least one of the slots is developed in the rock mass from the at least one slot courtyard by blasting up from a horizontal tunnel disposed on a slot entry layer to a horizontal tunnel disposed on a layer disposed above the slot entry layer.

Alternatively, at least one starter tank is developed from the tank inlet layer to a predetermined vertical extent, wherein the starter tank creates a stress-shadow S to provide protection for the production infrastructure located above the tank inlet layer. Alternatively, a continuous starter groove is developed by engaging at least two starter grooves. Alternatively, at least one of the grooves is developed from a top plate of one of the starting grooves, wherein the area of the groove top plate is smaller than the area of the starting groove top plate. Alternatively, extraction layers have been developed in rock masses that are located in a favorable stress environment. Alternatively, the extraction level includes extraction infrastructure, such as a pit extraction point, a stope extraction point, and a horizontal roadway, wherein the extraction point is configured to be long-term and stationary.

Alternatively, the upper tray collapses to fill at least a portion of at least one production stope that is empty. Alternatively, the column or columns are mined. Alternatively, the column is extracted to encourage upper disc collapse. Alternatively, intermediate take-out layers have been developed to facilitate the extraction of ore from a stope.

At least one of these or said objects is achieved by a monitoring system configured for monitoring a courtyard caving mining infrastructure configured to mine ore from ore bodies according to claim 66, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.

Thus, according to one aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a monitoring system configured for monitoring a raise caving mining infrastructure configured to mine ore from ore bodies, the monitoring system comprising: monitoring means for monitoring development of at least two grooves in the rock mass leaving a column of rock mass to separate adjacent grooves; monitoring means for monitoring the creation of an advantageous stress environment in the rock mass to provide protection for the mining infrastructure; and/or monitoring means for monitoring the development of at least one production raise (6 a,6 b) in a rock mass providing a favorable stress environment; and/or monitoring means for monitoring upward production advancement of the at least one production yard from the at least one production raise; and/or monitoring means for monitoring the at least one column; and/or monitoring means for monitoring the removal of ore from the production stope.

Alternatively, the monitoring system is configured for monitoring seismic activity and/or stress and/or deformation in the rock mass in which the raise caving mining infrastructure is located.

Alternatively, the monitoring system is configured for monitoring seismic activity and/or stress and/or deformation in an active mining area. Alternatively, the monitoring system is configured for monitoring interaction of the production stope and a column positioned adjacent to the production stope. Alternatively, the monitoring system is configured for monitoring the shape of the excavation, such as the shape of at least one courtyard, pit, and at least one pit. Alternatively, the monitoring system is configured for monitoring the status of the excavation, such as monitoring the stability and/or instability of the excavation. Alternatively, the monitoring system is configured for monitoring the condition of the column, such as monitoring the fracture zone. Alternatively, the monitoring system is configured for monitoring the flow of ore and/or broken rock mass inside the stope. Alternatively, the monitoring system is configured for monitoring the production stope via the production raise. Alternatively, the monitoring system is configured for monitoring e.g. stability/instability/shape/ore flow/broken rock mass in connection with the trough.

At least one of these stated objects or said objects is achieved by a machine comprising a drilling and/or loading device according to claim 76, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.

Thus, according to one aspect, the present invention relates to a machine configured for: developing at least two grooves in the rock mass; and/or developing columns of rock mass to separate adjacent slots to create a favorable stress environment in the rock mass to provide protection for the mining infrastructure; and/or developing at least one production raise within the rock mass providing a favorable stress environment; and/or developing the at least one production yard in an upward-propelled manner by production from the at least one production courtyard, and/or retrieving ore from the production yard by means of a conveyor configured to retrieve ore from the production yard.

Alternatively, the machine is configured for drilling and/or loading rock mass from the interior of the patio. Alternatively, the drilling and/or loading apparatus comprises a drilling and/or blasting loading device configured to develop the at least one production stope in an upward-propelled manner by production from the at least one production raise. Alternatively, the machine is mounted on a platform configured to be moved within the patio by a shaft lift system. Alternatively, the machine is configured for hydraulic fracturing from within the patio. Alternatively, the machine is configured for pretreatment and/or pre-crushing from inside the patio. Alternatively, the machine is configured for mounting supports and/or reinforcements from within the patio. Alternatively, the machine is configured for loading and transporting ore from a production stope by a loader and/or a conveyor car loader and/or a continuous take-out machine with a conveyor. Alternatively, the raise caving mining infrastructure comprises a monitoring system according to any one of claims 66 to 75.

Alternatively, the raise caving mining infrastructure comprises a machine according to any one of claims 76 to 82.

At least one of these or said objects is achieved by an automated or semi-automated control system as claimed in claim 85, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.

Thus, according to an aspect, the present invention relates to an automated or semi-automated control system of a courtyard caving mining infrastructure according to any one of claims 53 to 65, wherein the automated or semi-automated control system is electrically coupled to a control circuit configured for controlling the method according to any one of claims 1 to 52.

Alternatively, an automated or semi-automated control system is configured for take-out control. Alternatively, an automated or semi-automated control system is configured for implementing the mining sequence. Alternatively, an automated or semi-automated control system is configured for implementing the mining layout. Alternatively, an automated or semi-automated control system is configured for enforcing the fetch strategy.

Alternatively, an automated or semi-automated control system is configured to control: the steps of the method according to claims 1 to 52 are repeated for a larger area in the rock mass.

Alternatively, an automated or semi-automated control system comprises a machine according to any one of claims 76 to 82, wherein the machine is configured to be operated by the automated or semi-automated control system in a remote control mode and/or an automated control mode and/or a semi-automated control mode and/or a manual control mode.

Alternatively, an automated or semi-automated control system comprising a monitoring system according to any one of claims 66 to 75, wherein the monitoring system is configured to communicate with and be operated by the automated or semi-automated control system in a remote control mode and/or an automated control mode and/or a semi-automated control mode and/or a manual control mode.

Alternatively, the raise caving mining infrastructure comprises an automated or semi-automated control system according to any one of claims 85 to 92.

At least one of these stated objects or said objects is achieved by a data medium as claimed in claim 94.

Thus, according to an aspect, the invention relates to a data medium configured for storing a data program configured for controlling an automated or semi-automated control system according to any one of claims 85 to 92 and/or configured for controlling a machine according to any one of claims 76 to 82 and/or configured for controlling a monitoring system according to any one of claims 66 to 75, the data medium comprising program code readable by a control circuit for performing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 52 when it is run on the control circuit.

One or more technical advantages outlined above achieved by the raise caving mining method, the raise caving mining infrastructure, the monitoring system, the mechanical, automated or semi-automated control system of the raise caving mining infrastructure, and the data medium according to the present invention may realize some or all of the following overall improvements compared to prior art caving methods.

Security improvement:

less workplaces need to be ensured

The automation degree is high

Less infrastructure in high stress and seismic active rock mass

The v miner is less exposed to high rock stresses and thus to hazardous areas

Standardized workplace and regulations (underground rock works)

Accessibility of stope (risk of air impact, caving stall, etc. is reduced)

Significantly reduce mining costs:

the automation degree is high

V providing better burst and less abort

The required infrastructure development is significantly reduced by about 50%

Early infrastructure development that does not require a large amount of space

Allowing faster rise times

Allowing most of the infrastructure to be placed in the stress-relieved rock mass

Less support and repair requirements

V delaying and reducing the need for (if necessary) ground infrastructure relocation

Allowing an increase in production capacity due to less weakening

Production is more predictable and stable

Providing better sustainability of mining operations:

achieving resource utilization at greater depths

Reducing consumption of consumables and loss of nitrogen

Device for enabling the use of a fixed power cord support

V enables the use of motorised devices

There is a need for a smaller waste dump due to less weakening

Less amount of surface subsidence space

In this specification, the following terms and expressions are defined as follows and used accordingly.

The term "ore" refers to mineral aggregates of sufficient value in terms of mass and quantity to be mined for profit. The general definition of ore includes not only metallic ores but also any other mineral aggregate, such as industrial minerals and the like.

The term "ore body" refers to a volume of rock mass containing ore. In this specification, the term "deposit" is used synonymously with ore body.

"upper tray" is a term describing the upper or depending wall of a deposit, ore body, excavation, stope, inclined vein, fault or other structure. The term "upper disc stability" is mainly used to describe the rock condition of the upper wall and the depending wall of the excavation from the point of view of stability. In open stopes, a stable upper tray is required. In caving stopes, the upper tray should fall. The key parameters that determine the conditions of the upper tray are the strength and structure of the upper tray rock mass and the size and shape of the excavation. The expression "upper disc breakout" refers to the gradual breaking or breakout of upper disc rock.

The term "downhill" refers to the portion of the rock mass facing the lower disc, and the term "supine" refers to the portion of the rock mass facing the upper disc.

The term "groove" refers to an elongated flat plate-like excavated portion having a length and width several times greater than its height. The extension of the slot along its length is referred to as the long axis and may be horizontal, vertical or inclined. A slot is a discontinuity in a rock mass that is unable to transmit stresses acting vertically on the slot surface. Thus, a volume of rock in the vicinity of the groove is relieved in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the groove. The stress relief in the rock mass decreases with distance from the slot. The stress relief is greatest in a volume of rock behind the trough area defined by the length and width of the trough.

Further, a "column" is a portion of the rock mass that remains unexplored to prevent rock deflection between opposing walls in the excavation. The horizontal column is called the bottom column. Other columns are named for their function, which can be used for supporting excavators (supporting columns) or for protecting other mining infrastructure (protection columns). Depending on the characteristics, a distinction can be made between boundary columns, yield columns or squeeze columns. Thus, a "boundary column" refers to a large, heavy column capable of withstanding considerable loads, a "yield column" refers to a column designed to deform continually under a load, and an "squeeze column" refers to a column designed to lose stability and reliability under a load.

The expression "favourable stress environment" refers to a controllable stress state and which does not require extensive and expensive supporting measures for subsequent operations in the respective mining area. The advantageous stress environment may be a stress relief zone in the rock mass, or may be an abutment zone where the abutment stress is limited or limited to a controllable size. The favorable stress environment helps create a favorable environment for the subsequent creation of trench manholes and trenches in the mining area. The favorable stress environment also facilitates the creation of production patios and subsequent operations in production stopes. The combination of the stress relief slots and the production stopes creates an advantageous environment for the infrastructure in the vicinity of the production area.

The term "favorable stress situation" is used synonymously. In summary, the term "stress relief" refers to the process of creating a stress-relieved environment, i.e. stress-shadow, in a rock mass.

The term "stress-shadow" refers to the following parts of a rock mass: in this portion, the stress is reduced in the respective direction compared to the pre-production rock stress in at least one direction in the same portion of the rock mass.

The term "patio" refers to a vertical or inclined mining infrastructure opening.

The term "rock access" refers to a steeply inclined access for transferring material in an underground mining operation. The rock passages are designed to take advantage of the gravitational potential between the layers in order to minimize transportation distance and to facilitate a more convenient material handling system. The term "ore passageway" refers to a rock passageway used only for transporting ore. In deep mines, it is common practice to move the ore by gravity to the deepest level in the mine from which the ore is lifted to the surface. The terms "aisle" and "horizontal roadway" are used synonymously herein and refer to the same type of infrastructure.

The term "stope" refers to a portion of ore bodies from which ore is currently mined or broken up by stoping.

The term "extraction" includes all operations after development to break up rock or minerals, for example by drilling and blasting and/or caving, and to remove rock or minerals in a stope.

"active mining area" refers to an area where significant and sustained changes in stress occur as a result of mining activity. These zones are primary, but are not limited to mining (recovery) zones. The head of the channel being developed is also the active area, but of local scale. Active mining areas require constant supervision, monitoring of ground conditions and attention to the excavated support. As mining advances, the active area becomes a passive area that requires reduced levels of supervision and monitoring in addition to the primary transportation and often used infrastructure excavation.

The expression "mining sequence" refers to the sequence of mining activities that should be followed in order to achieve the overall objective of extracting ore bodies as completely as possible, safety and economy of the mining operation, taking into account operational factors, rock mechanical constraints and other factors.

The expression "extraction point" refers to the following excavation: the caving or crushed ore is loaded and removed from the trough or stope by the excavating structure.

The term "extraction bell" refers to an excavating structure that directs a rock mass that is caving or broken into at least one extraction point.

The term "stress reduction infrastructure" refers to the infrastructure required in the stress reduction phase. The stress relief infrastructure includes, among other things, channels, slopes and/or downhill slopes with respect to the tank and/or the starting tank, tank courtyard or tank take-out points. The stress relief infrastructure is located on several layers, for example on the patio layer or the main extraction layer.

The term "production infrastructure" refers to the infrastructure required to remove ore bodies during the production phase. The production infrastructure includes, among other things, take-out layers, stope take-out points, channels, crosscuts, production raise, ore access, and/or rock access. The production infrastructure may be located on several layers, for example on a take-off layer or an intermediate take-off layer.

The term "mining infrastructure" includes stress relief infrastructure and production infrastructure. The term "primary infrastructure" refers to the long-term infrastructure required to gain access to the ore body throughout the life of the mine. The main infrastructure comprises, among other things, a main shaft, a main ramp, a service excavation, a main transport path from the take-out area to the main shaft or the main ramp or the ventilation patio.

In the present specification, the term "channel entry layer" is to be understood as a layer in a rock mass suitable for use as the starting layer: the initiation layer is used to develop initiation trenches and/or trenches in a raise caving mining process.

The term "pretreatment" refers to a technique used to increase the in situ fracture extent of a rock mass so that the rock mass will more easily collapse or fracture.

The term "pre-breaking" refers to a technique that can be used exclusively in difficult to handle areas to resume caving to advance through the area in a stope fashion.

Further, in the specification, the expressions "development" and "development" should be regarded as broad terms, and the term "development" should have the same meaning as the word "arrangement/disposition" and the word "development" should have the same meaning as the word "arrangement/disposition".

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and by practicing the invention. Although examples of the invention are described below, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the specific details described.

Drawings

For a fuller understanding of the present invention, as well as further objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify similar objects in the various figures, and in which:

fig. 1 (a) to 1 (c) schematically illustrate the basic principle of stope development according to the present invention.

Figure 1 (a) illustrates a platform lowered into a patio for drilling and loading activities,

figure 1 (b) illustrates a platform stored at the top of a lifting frame for blasting,

fig. 1 (c) illustrates the excavation after blasting, wherein the void is filled up due to expansion.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates one form of the raise collapse method according to the invention, showing a view of a horizontal cross section of a trough developed in a rock mass and the associated stress environment.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates one form of the raise caving method according to the invention, showing a view of the horizontal cross section of the slots, columns and production stopes developed in the rock mass and the associated stress environment.

Fig. 4a schematically illustrates an isometric view of one example of a flat plate-like trough and a corresponding trough patio according to the invention.

Fig. 4b schematically illustrates an isometric view of one example of two flat plate-like slots, corresponding slot patios and columns separating the slots according to the invention.

Fig. 4c schematically illustrates an isometric view of one example of a stress relief layout according to the present invention, wherein the plate-like slots are vertical and oriented in the same direction.

Fig. 4d schematically illustrates an isometric view of an example according to the invention, wherein the stress relief layout is such that the plate-like grooves are inclined.

Fig. 4e schematically illustrates an isometric view of an example according to the invention, wherein the slots 401, 402, 403 are vertical and oriented in different directions.

Fig. 4f schematically illustrates an isometric view of an example according to the invention, wherein each of the grooves is slanted and oriented in a different direction.

Fig. 4g schematically illustrates an isometric view of an example of a trough according to the invention, wherein the trough is gradually changing in an upward direction.

Fig. 4h schematically illustrates a horizontal cross section of one example of a trough according to the invention, wherein the trough is located inside the ore body.

Fig. 4i schematically illustrates a horizontal cross section of one example of a trough according to the invention, wherein the trough is located outside the ore body but inside the upper disc.

Fig. 4j schematically illustrates a view of a horizontal cross section of one example of a trough according to the invention, wherein the trough is partly inside the ore body and partly inside the upper disc.

Fig. 4k schematically illustrates a view of a vertical cross section of one form of the raise collapse method according to the invention.

Fig. 4l schematically illustrates a horizontal cross section of one form of the raise caving method according to the invention.

Fig. 5a schematically illustrates an example of a stress relief groove according to the present invention.

Fig. 5b schematically illustrates another example of a stress relief groove according to the present invention.

Fig. 5c schematically illustrates an example of a stress relief groove according to the present invention.

Fig. 6a schematically illustrates a view of one form of the method according to the invention.

Fig. 6b schematically illustrates a further improved line drawing of the form of the method as shown in fig. 6 a:

fig. 7a schematically illustrates a vertical cross-section of the lower part of the tank 3a and the starting tank 4a illustrated in fig. 6 a;

FIG. 7b schematically illustrates a side view of a form of the method shown in FIG. 6 b;

fig. 8a schematically illustrates a view of another form of the method according to the invention, showing a further development of stress relief of the rock mass and an initial preparation of the production phase.

Fig. 8b schematically illustrates a line drawing in the form of the method as shown in fig. 8 a.

Fig. 9a schematically illustrates a vertical cross-section of the lower part of the tank 3a and the starting tank 4a illustrated in fig. 8 b;

fig. 9b schematically illustrates a vertical cross section of the slot 3a shown in fig. 9 a.

Fig. 10a schematically illustrates a view of the steps of one form of the raise caving method according to the invention.

Fig. 10b schematically illustrates a further improved line drawing in the form of a raise caving method according to the invention as shown in fig. 10 a.

Fig. 11a schematically illustrates a lower part of a vertical side view through stope 13a in the form of the raise caving method illustrated in fig. 10 a.

Fig. 11b schematically illustrates a lower part of a side view of the stope 13a of the view as illustrated in fig. 10 b.

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a mining infrastructure according to one example;

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart showing an exemplary raise caving method;

FIG. 14 illustrates a flow chart showing another example of a raise caving method; and

fig. 15 illustrates a control circuit suitable for operating an automated or semi-automated control system of a raise caving mining infrastructure configured to perform any of the exemplary raise caving mining methods disclosed herein.

Detailed Description

The patio caving mining method, mining layout and mining sequence, the patio caving mining infrastructure, machinery, monitoring systems, automated or semi-automated control systems, and data media will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Patio is a central element of the patio caving mining method according to the present invention. Patio is used to develop production stopes in stress-relieved rock mass and to mine ores in the stopes. The patio is developed by means of conventional techniques. Preferably, patios are also used for the development of the tanks. However, the slots may also be developed by conventional techniques, such as drilling and blasting out of the slots from horizontal channels.

Fig. 1a, 1b and 1c illustrate in vertical cross-section the basic principle of stope development and stope blasting from a raise by means of a mining apparatus located in the raise. Fig. 1a schematically illustrates the development of a stope 100 by drilling and blasting by a mining apparatus positioned on a platform 102, the platform 102 being moved inside a raise 106 by a shaft hoist 104. The same method can also be used in developing the tank.

As shown in fig. 1a, patio 106 has been developed by conventional techniques. Platform 102 and lift system 104 are installed after the development of patio 106 is completed. The stope 100 is blasted during subsequent cutting in the upward direction. However, in another form of the invention, the stope may also be operated in a caving mode. As a result, the rock mass above the roof of the stope breaks due to the prevailing stress and forces, and thus the rock mass breaks away from the stope roof and falls into the stope.

Fig. 1a and 1b schematically illustrate blastholes 107 drilled at a distance from the current stope roof. The blast holes 107 may be horizontal as shown in fig. 1a and 1b, or may be inclined to achieve better tip breakage. After the blast holes 107 are drilled and filled with explosive, the lifting platform 102 is retrieved to the top and stored in a safe position so that damage to the platform 102 due to the blast is avoided.

Fig. 1c schematically illustrates that the blasted rock mass 108 falls into the stope 100 and that there must be enough free space to absorb the expansion of the broken rock due to the blasting. Before the next blasthole can be fired, a sufficient quantity of blasted rock mass must be removed from the stope accordingly. However, only the expansion is taken out of the stope so that the formation of air gaps is avoided.

However, if the stope is operating in a caving mode, the caving rate determines the retrieval rate. That is, the withdrawal rate must not exceed the breakout rate. However, even in the caving mode, access to the stope via the patio 106 is possible so that cavity withdrawal and tapping can be monitored. In addition, patio 106 and machinery mounted on platform 102 may be used to perform pre-adaptation and pre-crushing techniques.

Routine work on the platform 106 inside the patio 106 may be performed in a remotely controlled or automated manner. When the platform 102 is retracted, the mechanical repair and maintenance may be performed at the top of the patio. Thus, the presence of miners in the patio may be kept to a minimum, such as by performing routine patio inspections or handling special sporadic tasks that cannot be performed by the machinery mounted on the platform or by other separate machinery operating on the platform in a remote controlled or automated manner. Since mining personnel may need to be present in the patio 106 and since machinery in the patio must be protected from potential rock drops, the patio must be kept stable. If rock mechanics conditions require patio support, the support may be installed from the platform 102. The platform construction itself provides additional protection for miners and machinery. Patio 106 preferably has a circular cross-section that is smooth and in the shape of a simple excavation. The platform 102 may be positioned in a vertical direction via the lift system 104. Preferably, the circular cross section and the vertical positioning achieved via the lifting system enable easier borehole detection and identification than the shape of an irregular horizontal roadway in the case of conventional mining. Such borehole detection is critical to automation. Furthermore, the platform 102 may have several platforms on top of each other, on which different types of machines may be mounted. For the purpose of quick insertion and replacement or maintenance of machines, these platforms should be modular, stackable and interchangeable. This configuration also provides the possibility of parallelizing the work in the patio.

The raise caving mining method according to the invention relies on stressing the rock mass by applying stress-reducing grooves. Stress relief slots are developed with a minimum of pre-built infrastructure.

The infrastructure, in particular the production infrastructure, is developed in a rock mass that is stress-relieved by means of slots, so that ore bodies inside the rock mass can be extracted. Furthermore, by employing an advantageous mining sequence, an advantageous stress environment may be provided in the active mining area.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a horizontal cross section of one form of the raise caving method according to the invention, wherein grooves 201, 202 are developed gradually upwards in the vertical direction in the rock mass 60 and in particular in the stress-relieved rock mass according to the invention. The first slot 201 and the second slot 202 are separated by a post 211 that is left between the slots 201, 202 to separate them. The grooves 201 and 202 are filled with disintegrated rock mass.

Each slot 201, 202 creates a stress-shadow S at some location adjacent to the slot, illustrated with a dashed line on each side of the slot. Stress-shadow S stress the rock mass, creating a favorable stress environment.

Thus, the stress-shadow S provides reduced stress in the rock mass compared to the stress that would be prevailing without the stress-reducing grooves. However, the rock mass also has an increased stress T at each end of the grooves 201, 202. In addition, the post 211 provides control over the amount of stress in the rock mass at the location of the next slot (either to the left or right of slots 201, 202) and near the slot roof of slots 201 and 202, thereby creating an advantageous stress environment to enable development of the next slot (either to the left or right of slots 201, 202) and further development of slots 201 and 202.

The actual distribution of stress-shadow S and favorable stress environments also depends on prevailing rock mass conditions, principal stress magnitude, direction, mining layout and mining sequence. Stress-shadow S creates an advantageous stress environment in the rock mass that provides protection for the mining infrastructure. The development of infrastructure, in particular production infrastructure, in a rock mass that is stress-relieved by means of slots enables ore bodies to be extracted from the stress-relieved rock mass.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a horizontal cross section of a trough 301, 302, 303, 304, stope 351, 352, 353 developed gradually upwards in a vertical direction in a mineral body 61 according to one form of the invention and in particular illustrates a stress-relieved rock mass in a later stage in which the stope 351, 352, 353 has been mined. The grooves 301, 302, 303, 304 and stopes 351, 352, 353 are filled with disintegrated rock mass. The slots 301, 302, 303, 304 and stopes 351, 352, 353 were developed from slot and production patios, respectively. Fig. 3 schematically shows the stress-shadow S in the rock mass and the range of advantageous stress environments generated by the grooves 301, 302, 303, 304 and the stopes 351, 352, 353. The actual distribution of stress-shadow S and favorable stress environments also depends on prevailing rock mass conditions, principal stress magnitude, direction, mining layout and mining sequence.

Fig. 3 illustrates that as the recovery proceeds and production from production stopes 351, 352, 353 continues, a substantial portion of the columns 311, 312 between the slots 301, 302, 303 are weakened and subsequently removed in the production stopes. Since the stopes 351, 353 have been mined, the column 311 has been mined as a step of the raise caving method. The remainder of the split post 312 is located between the slots 302, 303. The column 312 is partially extracted at the left side 312a and partially broken and crushed at the right side 312 b. Thus, the right side 312b of the post 312 is relieved of stress. The post 313 separates the slots 303 and 304 in the ore body 61. Thus, the posts 313 provide control over the amount of stress near the channel top plates of the channels 303 and 304, thereby creating a favorable stress environment. Further, the post 313 enables the next tank to be developed from the tank courtyard 321 on the right side of the tank 304 by controlling the amount of stress at the location of the tank courtyard 321.

The extent of the stress shadow S may vary throughout the mining process. To illustrate this, stress-shading S is indicated as the area bounded by the dashed lines surrounding the slot, column and stope. Mining the stopes 351, 352, 353, mining the pillar 311, and mining (left side 312 a) and weakening (right side 312 b) the pillar 312 both increase the size of the stress shadow S near the slots 301, 302, 303. In contrast, stress shadows S near the slots 304 remain significantly smaller. The stress shadow S thus extends continuously throughout the production process, thereby creating a regionally advantageous stress environment. Thereby, the production stope also provides protection for other mining infrastructure located in said stress shadow S. The stress-shadow S creates an advantageous stress environment in the rock mass that protects the mining infrastructure, such as, for example, a slot courtyard, production courtyard, ore passage, rock passage, or stope extraction point, from high stress and mining-induced seismic activity. The progressive progress of the stoping advancement in fig. 3 and the exploitation of production stopes and the development of other slots illustrates an example implementation of a mining sequence that provides a favorable, good stress environment in an active mining area.

Fig. 4a to 4l schematically illustrate various examples of arrangements of stress relief slots that may be developed and used in the method according to the invention to achieve an advantageous stress environment for a mining infrastructure. Fig. 4a to 4l depict the flexibility and adaptability of the stress relief slots in terms of rock mass environment, rock stress conditions, ore body shape and size, and mining sequence. Furthermore, combinations of these examples may also be used in the method according to the invention.

Fig. 4a schematically illustrates an isometric view of one example of a flat plate-like trough 401 and a corresponding trough patio 421 according to the present invention. The slot has a main central longitudinal axis A1 and a transverse axis A2 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cross section of the groove has two perpendicular axes A2 and A3, where A2 is longer than A3, see fig. 4a. The slot may have a substantially rectangular cross-section or an elliptical cross-section. For example, the dimensions of the slot shown in fig. 4a are about 50m×10m in the direction of its axes A2 and A3. Reference numerals A1, A2, A3 for axes are used for further description of the groove. The slot may have a flat plate-like shape or other shape.

Fig. 4b schematically illustrates an isometric view of one example of two flat plate- like slots 401, 402, corresponding slot courtyards 421, 422, and a column 411 separating the slots 401, 402, according to the present invention. The post has a main central longitudinal axis P1 and a transverse axis P2 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cross section of the column has two perpendicular axes P2 and P3, see fig. 4b. As an example, the dimensions of the column shown in fig. 4b are about 50m x 10m in the direction of its axes P2 and P3. Reference numerals directed to the axis of the column are used for further description of the column. The extension of the post in the direction of the axis P1 is referred to as the length of the post. The extension of the post in the direction of the transverse axis P2 is referred to as the width of the post and the extension of the post in the direction of the axis P3 is referred to as the height of the post.

Fig. 4c schematically illustrates an isometric view of one example of a stress-reducing layout comprising three planar slots 401, 402, 403 developed from three slot patios 421, 422, 423 according to the present invention. The central longitudinal axis A1 of each of the slots 401, 402, 403 is oriented in a vertical direction, and the slot manholes 421, 422, 423 are vertical. Furthermore, the axis A2 of each of the slots 401, 402, 403 is oriented in the same direction, and the longitudinal axis A1 of each of the slots 401, 402, 403 is on the same plane. Posts 411, 412 separate adjacent slots.

Fig. 4d schematically illustrates an isometric view of another example according to the invention, wherein the stress relief layout is such that the plate- like grooves 401, 402, 403 are inclined. Thus, the longitudinal axis A1 of the slot is directed at least 40 degrees from the horizontal plane. The slots 401, 402, 403 are developed from inclined slot ceilings 421, 422, 423 and the posts 411, 412 separate adjacent slots. The axes A2 of the grooves 401, 402, 403 are oriented in the same direction, and the longitudinal axes A1 of each of the grooves 401, 402, 403 are on the same plane.

Fig. 4e schematically illustrates an isometric view of another example according to the invention, wherein the stress relief layout comprises three flat plate- like slots 401, 402, 403 oriented in a vertical direction developed from vertical slot manholes 421, 422, 423, wherein in this case the axis A2 of each of the slots 401, 402, 403 is oriented in a different direction. Posts 411, 412 separate adjacent slots. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis A1 of each of the slots 401, 402, 403 is not on the same plane.

Fig. 4f schematically illustrates an isometric view of another example according to the invention, wherein the stress relief layout comprises three flat plate- like slots 401, 402, 403 oriented in an oblique direction developed from oblique slot manholes 421, 422, 423, whereby in this case the axis A2 of each of the slots 401, 402, 403 is oriented in a different direction. Posts 411, 412 separate adjacent slots. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis A1 of each of the slots 401, 402, 403 is not on the same plane.

Fig. 4g schematically illustrates an isometric view of another example according to the invention, wherein the slot 409 has been developed from a slot courtyard 429. In this example, as the slot is developed in an upward direction, the orientation of the axis A2 of the slot gradually changes. Thus, the groove has a "spiral shape".

Fig. 4h schematically illustrates a horizontal cross section of an example according to the invention, wherein the grooves 401, 402, 403 are developed gradually upwards in the vertical direction. The slots 401, 402, 403 are located inside the ore body 61. Stress shadows S and high stress regions T are also indicated. The figures indicate that the grooves 401, 402, 403 are filled with broken rock mass as described above.

Fig. 4i schematically illustrates a horizontal cross section according to another example of the invention, wherein the grooves 401, 402, 403 are developed gradually upwards in the vertical direction. In this example, the slots 401, 402, 403 are located outside the ore body 61, but inside the upper tray 62. Stress shadows S and high stress regions T are also indicated.

Fig. 4j schematically illustrates a view of a horizontal cross section according to another example of the invention, wherein the slots 401, 402, 403 are developed gradually upwards in the vertical direction. In this example, the slots 401, 402, 403 are located partially inside the ore body 61 and partially inside the upper tray 62. Stress shadows S and high stress regions T are also indicated.

Fig. 4k schematically illustrates a view of a vertical cross section of one form of the raise caving method according to the invention provided with raise layers 441, 442, 443, trough raise 421 and troughs 401, 402. The slot 401 is developed between the patio layer 441 and the patio layer 442. The trench 402 is under development by means of drilling and blasting in an upward direction from the trench courtyard 421 between courtyard layer 442 and courtyard layer 443. The grooves 401, 402 are adapted to the boundary of the local upper disc 62. Thus, the slots 401 and 402 are offset in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the grooves 401 and 402 have different inclinations. In addition, it is also shown that the vertical distance between the raise layer 441 and the raise layer 442 and the vertical distance between the raise layer 442 and the raise layer 443 are different. Fig. 4k depicts the adaptability and flexibility of the raise caving mining layout to local conditions.

Fig. 4l schematically illustrates a horizontal cross section of one form of the raise caving method according to the invention. The figures provide an overview of the raise collapse at a point in time after the slots 401, 402, 403, 404 have been developed and the stopes 451, 452, 453 have been mined. The figures show that the slots 401, 402, 403, 404 and stopes 451, 452, 453 are filled with broken rock mass as described above. The figure shows the raise caving method in production phase. In this example, the slots 401, 402, 403, 404 are developed in contact with the ore body 61 and the upper tray 62. The slots are located in the ore body 61 and/or the upper tray 62. Columns 411, 412, 413 separate adjacent slots. The slot 401 provides a stress shadow S1 for the production patio 431. The stress shadow S1 adjacent to the slot 401 is relatively small compared to the stress shadow S2 adjacent to the slots 402, 403, 404 and the stopes 451, 452, 453. Thus, production patio 431 must be close to tank 401.

The figure shows that the pit 453 is mined adjacent to the pit 404, and the pit 404 provides a stress shadow for the mining of the pit 453 and thus a favorable stress environment. The pit 451 is mined adjacent to the pit 403, and the pit 403 provides stress shadows for the mining of the pit 451 and thus provides a favorable stress environment. In addition, stope 452 is mined after stope 451 is mined and adjacent to stope 451, stope 451 provides stress shadows for the mining of stope 452 and thus provides an advantageous stress environment. The shape of the stopes 451, 452, 453 is variable and may be adapted to local conditions and needs. For example, the stope shape is adapted such that the stope ends up in contact with the ore body 61 and the bottom wall 63. Thus, the shape of the stope is adapted to the shape of the ore body.

In addition, one or several production courts may be used to develop a stope. As the stopes 451, 453 are mined, the posts 412, 413 between the slots 402, 403, 404 break and are relieved of stress. Thus, regional ranges of stress shadows are generated near the slots 402, 403, 404 and near the stopes 451, 452, 453. Such regional stress shadows also extend significantly into upper and lower disks 62 and 63. Production patios 432, 433 are developed inside the regional stress shadows.

The production courtyard 431 is located at the center of the production stope. However, the production raise may alternatively be located off-center from the production stope, as illustrated by production raise 432, 433. The location of the production patio may be freely selected if the patio is positioned in a stress relieved rock mass located in a favorable stress environment created by at least one of the stress relief slots 401, 402, 403, 404 and/or the adjacent stopes 451, 452, 453. Furthermore, the production manholes 431, 432, 433 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, however, the production manholes may alternatively be arranged vertically.

The production of the stope is from production patios 432 and 433, but as shown the stope has not yet been produced to the horizontal cross section shown in figure 4 l.

In general, the form of the method as shown in fig. 4l summarizes the flexibility and adaptability of the raise caving mining method according to the invention. The skilled person realizes that the method enables the position, orientation, shape and dimensions of the elements of the method, the slot court, the slot, the column, the production court, the stope and the mining order to be flexibly adapted to the ore body geometry, the stress situation and the rock mass conditions, if the advantageous effects achieved by the advantageous stress conditions enable problems related to the rock mass mechanics to be reduced and enable to manage the overall rock pressure situation. In addition, the adjustment of these elements can be performed in a short time.

Fig. 5a to 5c schematically illustrate different arrangements of the development of stress relief grooves according to the invention.

Fig. 5a provides a schematic isometric view of a tank 501 developed in an upward direction from a tank ceiling 521 by means of drilling and blasting. A pod ceiling 521 is positioned in the center of the pod 501. First, a trench courtyard 521 is developed between courtyard layers 541, 542, 543.

The development of the tank 501 is started at the patio layer 541. The patio layer 541 includes horizontal roadways 571 arranged in different directions and tank take-out points 561. The horizontal tunnel 571 provides access to a trough extraction point 561, which trough extraction point 561 is used to extract crushed rock from the trough 501. The tank 501 is developed above another patio layer 542, the patio layer 542 including horizontal lanes 571 and tank take-out points. The tank 501 will be further developed up to the patio layer 543 and a horizontal roadway 571 arranged at the patio layer 543 provides access to the tank patio 521, the platform 102 and the shaft hoist system 104 (not shown in the figures).

In fig. 5a, it is illustrated that the tank is developed from a patio 521 positioned along the central longitudinal axis A1 of the tank 501. However, depending on the circumstances, the trough may alternatively be developed from a patio offset relative to the central longitudinal axis of the trough.

Fig. 5b provides a schematic isometric view of another arrangement of the development of the slots, wherein the slots 501 are developed from bottom to top between the sublayers 581, 582, 583, 584, 585 in a receding manner by means of a round of drilling and blasting upwards.

The development of the tank 501 starts between the sublayers 581 and 582 and then proceeds upward. The sub-layers include horizontal lanes 571 in different directions. After the development of the trough has passed the sub-layer, a trough extraction point 561 is developed for extracting broken rock mass from the trough. In addition, the sub-layer includes horizontal roadways 572 prior to blasting the tank 501. The horizontal gallery 572 is oriented along the axis A2 of the tank 501 and is used to drill and blast the tank 501.

Alternatively, the tank 501 may be developed from bottom to top, for example, starting from a horizontal tunnel 572 on the sub-layer 582 to a horizontal tunnel below the sub-layer 581, by a round of drilling down and blasting. Thereafter, drilling down from layer 583 continues to layer 582. Development may be performed by annular blasting back or funnel blasting techniques to simulate stratified continuous blasting. (not shown in the figures).

Alternatively, the tank 501 may be developed from top to bottom by: for example, from horizontal roadway 572 on sub-layer 584 up to horizontal roadway above sub-layer 585 and thereafter through continued drilling from layer 583 to layer 584.

Fig. 5c schematically illustrates an example of a stress relief groove according to the present invention, showing the development of the groove 501. First, a trench courtyard 521 is developed between courtyard layers 541, 542, 543. The development of the tank 501 is then started at the patio layer 541. The patio layer 541 includes horizontal roadways 571 arranged in different directions and tank take-out points 561. The horizontal tunnel 571 provides access to a trough extraction point 561, which trough extraction point 561 is used to extract crushed rock from the trough 501. The tank 501 has been developed above another raise layer 542, which raise layer 542 includes horizontal lanes 571 and tank take-out points.

Fig. 5c shows that the tank 501 cannot be further developed in an upward direction from the tank ceiling 521 for various reasons. Therefore, since the development of the groove cannot be performed, the groove top plate 501R stops at a certain position. To begin further development of the groove, another groove raise 522 is developed between raise layer 542 and raise layer 543. A borehole 591 is drilled from the gutter ceiling 522 above the gutter top plate 501R and filled with explosive. The borehole is then ignited to continue the development of the slot. After the problem is resolved, further development of the tank 501 may be performed from either the tank ceiling 521 or the tank ceiling 522.

In another form of the invention, blast holes are drilled in the trench using trench ceiling 522, which are then blasted. This is particularly advantageous when obstructions are created in the tank 501 due to stuck broken rock or ore. In this case, drilling and blasting may be performed from a trench courtyard 522 located outside the trench.

Fig. 6a to 11b schematically illustrate the general concept of the raise caving method according to the invention and thus show the application of the raise caving method in a schematic ore body.

The raise caving method includes different types of infrastructure, elements and layers for the stress relief and production phases. It should be noted that the figures show for illustration purposes a stress-reducing infrastructure and a production infrastructure arranged in a rock mass, such as a patio, a trough, a channel, a take-out point, a rock or ore access, a stope and a layer. However, for purposes of illustration, some elements such as rock mass, ore body, or pillar are indicated by numerals only in some of the figures, such as in fig. 4 c-4 g, 4k, 6 a-6 b, 7 a-7 b, 8 a-8 b, 9 a-9 b, 10 a-10 b, 11 a-11 b.

The raise caving method can be divided into two phases, namely a stress relieving phase and a production phase. Preferably, the mining method comprises: a stress relief phase for creating and expanding an advantageous stress environment in the rock mass in order to protect mining infrastructure and in particular infrastructure in a production area; and a production stage for extracting ore from the ore body, and wherein the stress relief stage and the production stage are combined such that in certain production areas the production stage benefits from the stress relief stage. The stress reduction stage and the production stage may be performed in parallel.

Fig. 6a schematically illustrates a view of one form of the method according to the invention, showing the initial steps of the method. Fig. 6b schematically illustrates a line drawing of a further development of the form of the method as shown in fig. 6 a. Fig. 7a schematically illustrates a vertical cross-section of the lower part of the view illustrated in fig. 6a, and fig. 7b schematically illustrates a side view of the form of the method illustrated in fig. 6 b.

Fig. 6b shows a tank entrance layer 2, tank patios 1a, 1b, 1c, tank 3a, starting tanks 4a, 4b and patios 5.1, 5.2. Fig. 6b shows that a slot entry layer 2 is developed in the rock mass. The tank entry layer 2 comprises a horizontal tunnel 28, which horizontal tunnel 28 provides access to the ore body 61 and in particular prepares for the development of the starting tanks 4a, 4b and tank 3 a. In this form of the invention, the slot entry layer 2 is the lowermost layer. A first trench courtyard 1a is developed in the rock mass from a horizontal tunnel D1 arranged on the trench intake layer 2, for example by means of a conventional courtyard drilling method, and the first trench courtyard 1a is developed up to a horizontal tunnel D2 arranged on a first courtyard layer 5.1, the first courtyard layer 5.1 being arranged above the trench intake layer 2. Thereafter, the first trench courtyard 1a is further developed in the rock mass to a horizontal roadway D3 arranged on a second courtyard layer 5.2, the second courtyard layer 5.2 being located above the first courtyard layer 5.1. The slouch courtyard 1a and the further slouch courtyards 1b, 1c are developed in the same way and can extend upwards for hundreds of meters. As shown in the figure, the development proceeds in a stepwise manner.

In one form of the invention, the method includes: the starting tank 4a and the tank 3a are developed by drilling and blasting performed by a platform 102 (see fig. 1) operating inside the tank courtyard 1 a. Blasting of the starting tank 4a and the tank 3a is completed in an upward direction from the bottom of the starting tank 4 a. The starting tank 4a is developed in an upward direction from the tank courtyard 1a by drilling and blasting from a horizontal roadway D1 at the tank entrance floor 2 to a predetermined vertical extent above the entrance floor 2. The starting slot 4a creates a stress shadow S in the vicinity of the starting slot 4a, which creates a favourable stress environment in the rock mass to provide protection for the production infrastructure located above the slot entry layer 2 and adjacent to the starting slot 4 a.

The vertical extent of the starting tank 4a is adapted such that the rock mass above the tank inlet layer 2, which will later develop the production infrastructure, will be adequately and sufficiently stress relieved. The production infrastructure will be developed near the starting slot 4a on another layer in the rock mass above the slot entry layer 2, preferably will be developed on the extraction layer: the extraction layer is developed in a rock mass located in an advantageous stress environment created by the starter trough and/or the stress relief trough.

In one form of the invention, the take-out layer coincides with a main transport layer on which the main transport system is installed. In this case, the tank inlet layer may also be referred to as the main transport layer-1, since the tank inlet layer is arranged below the main transport layer.

As illustrated in fig. 6b, the trough courtyard 1a extends further upwards from the starting trough 4 a. The tank 3a is developed upward from the tank courtyard 1a by drilling and blasting. The trough 3a starts at the roof 4R of the starting trough 4a and extends to a horizontal tunnel on a first manhole layer 5.1, which first manhole layer 5.1 is arranged above the trough inlet layer 2. The tank 3a has a tank ceiling 3R. The cross-sectional area of the groove 3a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1 of the groove is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the starting groove 4a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1 of the starting groove. In particular, the width of the slot 3a is smaller than the width of the starting slot 4 a. The width of the groove 3a or the starting groove 4a is the extension of the groove 3a or the starting groove 4a, respectively, in the direction of the axis A2. By way of example, the starting slot described in the present method is about 100m wide and the slot is about 50m wide. However, the dimensions of the tank and the starting tank, respectively, depend on a number of parameters, such as the environment at the location, the shape of the ore body or the stress situation. Furthermore, a trough withdrawal point 21 is arranged on the trough inlet layer 2 and is developed into the starting trough 4a to withdraw broken rock mass from the starting trough 4a and trough 3 a.

Typically, the starter tank is located below the tank, however, in another form of the invention, a first stress relief tank having a width is first developed from the tank ceiling by drilling and blasting in an upward direction from a horizontal roadway disposed on the tank access floor to a first predetermined vertical extent, after which the width of the tank is increased such that the starter tank is developed from the tank ceiling by drilling and blasting in an upward direction from a roof (not shown) of the tank to a second predetermined vertical extent. Thereafter, a second stress relief trough is developed from the trough patio by drilling and blasting from the roof of the starting trough in an upward direction toward a horizontal tunnel on the patio floor above the starting trough.

In yet another form of the invention, the starter tank begins at a take-off layer disposed above the tank inlet layer and extends upwardly to a predetermined vertical extent. Thereafter, a tank (not shown in the figure) is developed from the ceiling 4R of the starting tank toward the patio layer.

Fig. 6b further shows that a second trench courtyard 1b is developed from a horizontal tunnel arranged on the trench entrance layer 2 and up to a horizontal tunnel D2 arranged on the courtyard layer 5.1. The second slot courtyard 1b is developed at a distance from the first slot courtyard 1 a. The distance is determined by environmental conditions such as ore body shape, rock mass conditions, stress conditions and direction of mining. Further, the second starting tank 4b is under development from the second tank patio 1b by drilling and blasting in an upward direction toward the horizontal roadway D2 on the patio layer 5.1. The development of the slot take-off point 21 continues at the slot entry layer 2.

Fig. 6b further shows that a continuous starting groove 20 is created by connecting two adjacent starting grooves 4a and 4 b. The starting slots 4a and 4b thus form a continuous starting slot 20 in order to create a stress shadow S that provides protection for the production infrastructure to be developed above the slot entry layer 2 and in the vicinity of the continuous starting slot 20 by creating a favorable stress environment in the rock mass. For example, the vertical extent of the continuous starter trough 20 is approximately 100m.

In another form of the invention, adjacent starter grooves may be separated by a suitably sized extrusion column. The compression column is compressively deformed by the main stress. As a result of this compressive deformation, the compression column is stress relieved. Therefore, stress shadows are also present near the stress-relieved crush columns. Thereby, a continuous stress shadow is created near the starting slot.

Fig. 6b shows that the raise caving method comprises developing one or more raise layers 5.1, 5.2 in the rock mass arranged above the trench entrance layer. As illustrated in the figures, the second patio layer 5.2 is arranged above the first patio layer 5.1. The vertical distance between the first patio layer 5.1 and the second patio layer 5.2 is adapted to local demands and technical possibilities and can reach 200m to 300m.

It should be noted that references to "first raise layer" and "second raise layer" merely indicate the sequence of raise layers to which the trough and trough raise were developed and the position of each raise layer relative to the trough inlet layer. These patio layers do not preclude the placement of additional horizontal lanes and/or layers between the trough entrance layer and the patio layer.

Fig. 6b also shows that the slot 3a and the starting slots 4a, 4b are inclined. By oblique is meant that the longitudinal axes A1 of the slot and the starting slot are directed at least 40 degrees from the horizontal plane. It should be noted that the axes A2 of the trough and the starting trough need not be oriented in the direction of the run of the ore body. The axis A2 of the trough and the starting trough can thus also be oriented offset from the direction of the ore body.

The slot 3a and the starting slots 4a, 4b create stress shadows S in the rock mass at certain locations adjacent to the slot and the starting slots to form an advantageous stress environment to provide protection for the mining infrastructure. Thereby protecting the production infrastructure, which is later developed in the advantageous stress environment provided by the tank and the starting tank, from high stresses and release of seismic energy. The stress relief slots 3a and the starting slots 4a, 4b thus greatly reduce or even prevent the effects of high stresses and/or release of seismic energy in a part of the rock mass (not shown in this figure) that creates the stress shadow S.

Fig. 8a schematically illustrates a view of one form of the method according to the invention, showing a further progression of the stress reduction of the rock mass and an initial preparation of the production phase. Fig. 8b schematically illustrates a line drawing in the form of the method as shown in fig. 8 a. Fig. 9a schematically illustrates a vertical cross-section of a lower portion of the view of the slot 3a and the starting slot 4a illustrated in fig. 8a, and fig. 9b schematically illustrates a vertical cross-section of the slot 3a illustrated in fig. 9 a. Fig. 6b illustrates the stress reduction phase at an early stage of the raise caving method according to the invention, while fig. 8b illustrates a further later stage of the stress reduction phase, wherein parts of the production infrastructure have also been developed.

A raise caving method for mining ore from a ore body 61 includes developing at least two slots 3a and 3b in the rock body. In fig. 8b, the grooves 3a, 3b are immediately adjacent to the upper disc 62. Fig. 8b shows that the grooves 3a to 3b are developed from the groove courtyard 1a to the groove courtyard 1 b. The posts 9a separate adjacent slots 3a, 3b. Each trench patio is developed step by step, in a first step, the patio is developed from the trench entry layer 2 to the patio layer 5.1, and then the patio is further developed to the patio layer 5.2. The grooves 3a, 3b are also developed stepwise. The trench 3a is developed in an upward direction from the first trench patio by drilling and blasting from the roof 4R of the starting trench to the patio layer 5.1 and then further developed upward towards the patio layer 5.2 to ensure that the rock mass is stress relieved in the vicinity of the trench 3a and to ensure that a favorable stress environment is provided for the subsequent development of the production infrastructure adjacent to the trench 3 a.

Leaving post 9a between slots 3a and 3b. The column 9a provides control of the amount of stress at the location of the trench courtyard 1c in the rock mass for subsequent development of the next trench. In addition, the post 9a provides control over the amount of stress near the channel roof of the channels 3a and 3b. Thereby, the column 9a generates an advantageous stress environment enabling further development of the tank 3a and the tank 3b and enabling development of the next tank from the tank ceiling 1c as well as vertical extension of the tank ceiling 1 c.

Fig. 8b further illustrates that after the roof 3R of the stress-reducing trough 3a has progressed beyond one layer, e.g. beyond the patio layer 5.1, the patio layer 5.1 may be used to create further trough extraction points 21 into the trough 3a, thereby stimulating and promoting rock flow in the trough.

Fig. 9b shows a vertical cross section of the tank 3a and the starting tank 4a and the extraction layer 8 with production infrastructure in the rock mass 61. The figure shows that the trough 3a is developed in the contact area between the ore body 61 and the upper disc 62.

As illustrated in fig. 8b, starting slots 4a to 4c are developed from the slot entry layer 2 to extend to a predetermined vertical extent above the take-out layer 8, which take-out layer 8 is located above the slot entry layer 2.

Fig. 8b shows that the extraction layer 8 has been developed and that the extraction layer 8 is located in an advantageous stress environment in a rock mass that is stress relieved by the starting slots and grooves. The extraction layer 8 is developed in a stress-relieved rock mass above the trough inlet layer 2, which is advantageous because most of the long-term production infrastructure is located at the extraction layer 8. The distance between the trough inlet layer 2 and the withdrawal layer 8 depends on several factors, such as the prevailing ore body shape, stress conditions and rock mass conditions.

As shown in fig. 8b and 9b, the mining infrastructure at the slot entry layer 2 includes horizontal lanes 28 and slot take-out points 21 for taking out expansion during development of the starting slot and slot. The extraction points 21 and 22 are the following excavated structures: the caving or broken rock mass is loaded through the excavated structure and removed from the pit or stope. After the development of the slot has advanced upwards from the slot entry layer 2, and after the take-out layer 8 has been developed, the slot take-out point 21 may also be developed at the take-out layer 8. After this, the slot entry layer 2 is no longer needed and can therefore be discarded.

At the take-out layer 8, a slot take-out point 21 is developed into the starting slots 4a, 4b, 4 c. In addition, a trough extraction point 21 is developed into the trough 3a, 3b from a horizontal tunnel 28 on the patio level 5.1 to extract rock mass from the trough. However, in another form of the method according to the invention, the tank take-off point is not developed in the tank or the starting tank.

The retrieval layer 8 is developed and positioned to be directly connected to the area of the production stope to be mined later. The take-out layer 8 is used for ore production from a production stope. The extraction level 8 includes extraction infrastructure, such as a pit extraction point 21, a pit extraction point 22, and a horizontal roadway 28, wherein the pit extraction point 22 may be long term and stationary. The extraction layer layout can be comparable to that used in the prior art block collapse method, however, the extraction layer 8 developed in the present method provides greater flexibility in constructing an extraction bell shape and extraction point arrangement (not shown in the figures).

The stope mined by the patio can also replace the bottom pulling in traditional block and plate caving. In this case the stope roof will increase in size until caving begins. Thus, patios equipped with suitable machinery above the active cavern further offer the possibility of pretreatment, breakout propulsion monitoring, promotion of breakout propulsion and diversion of the front of the breakout.

Fig. 8b illustrates that the raise caving method further comprises the step of developing a production raise 6a in the ore body 61 in an advantageous stress environment created adjacent to the trough 3a and the starting trough 4 a. The production patio is developed between a horizontal tunnel located on the take-out level 8 and a horizontal tunnel located on the patio level 5.1 by conventional methods, such as by patio drilling. The patio layer 5.1 and the patio layer 5.2 then serve as top layers for the trench patios 1a, 1b, 1c and the production patios 6a, respectively. At the top level of the tank and production patio is installed a lifting system 104 (see fig. 1). A pit take-out point 22 is developed on the take-out layer 8 adjacent to the continuous starter trough 20.

Fig. 10a schematically illustrates a view of one form of the steps of the raise caving method according to the invention showing further stress relief to create a favorable stress environment and the later extraction of ore in the production stage, and fig. 10b schematically illustrates a line drawing of a further development of the form illustrated in fig. 10 a. Fig. 11a schematically illustrates a lower part of a vertical side view through stope 13a in the form of the raise caving method illustrated in fig. 10a, and fig. 11b schematically illustrates a lower part of a side view of stope 13a of the view as illustrated in fig. 10 b.

As illustrated in fig. 10b, the patio caving method includes leaving posts 9a, 9b, 9c between adjacent slots 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d to separate the adjacent slots. Each column is a piece of rock mass that controls the surrounding rock mass during the stress relief phase and the production phase. In the figures, for illustration purposes, the columns are indicated as gaps between the grooves 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and the grooves 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, respectively. Each column 9a, 9b, 9c controls the stress magnitude and seismic activity around the stress-relieving slot and provides control of the stress magnitude in the rock mass at the location of the next slot, thereby creating a favorable stress environment to enable development of the next slot. Thus, the post creates an advantageous stress environment for the development of patios and slots for the next stress relief slot according to the mining sequence. For example, the distance between the centers of two adjacently arranged groove courtyards 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d may be about 100m, thus leaving pillars 9a, 9b, 9c about 50m wide and 10m high between adjacent grooves, thereby spacing the grooves apart and providing a favorable stress environment for the development of the next stress relief groove. The width of the post is the extension of the post in the direction of axis P2 and the height of the post is the extension of the post in the direction of axis P3.

An advantage of the raise caving method is that the amount of infrastructure required for the stress reduction stage is limited and relatively small compared to the production stage.

Fig. 10b shows that the raise caving method comprises a step of mining by pushing up the production stope 13a from the production raise 6a, and a step of extracting ore from the production stope 13a by means of a stope extraction point 22. Production is performed by drilling and blasting from a production patio. In addition, the production stope 13b and the production stope 13c are mined in the upward direction by drilling and blasting in the production raise 6b, 6 c. Furthermore, fig. 10b shows that the mining is advanced progressively upwards in the following sections of the ore body: these parts of the ore body are stress relieved by the slots 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, thereby providing an advantageous stress environment for protecting the production infrastructure. Each production courtyard 6a, 6b, 6c is developed step by step between a horizontal tunnel arranged on the take-out level 8 and a courtyard level 5.1, 5.2 arranged above the take-out level 8.

The actual exploitation of the production stopes 13a, 13b, 13c is usually carried out by drilling and blasting, wherein a borehole is drilled from the respective production courtyard 6a, 6b, 6c and blasted. This is very advantageous because a safe and efficient extraction can be achieved and the extraction can be performed in a remotely controlled or automated manner. The blast holes 107 may be horizontal as shown in fig. 1b, or may be inclined in order to achieve a better breaking in the blast.

In another form of the method, the step of mining the production stopes 13a to 13c is performed by caving. Stopes are typically operated in drilling and blasting modes. However, stopes can also be excavated by means of caving.

Fig. 10b shows that the slots 3a, 3b, 3c have been developed above the stope roof of the respective production stope 13a, 13b, 13 c. Specifically, the pit roof plate 3R of the pit 3a has been developed above the stope roof plate 13R. The slots 3a, 3b, 3c thus provide an advantageous stress environment for at least the production courts 6a, 6b, 6c and the production stopes 13a, 13b, 13 c.

Fig. 10b shows that the production stope 13a has been mined above the patio level 5.2. To facilitate ore flow in the stope, intermediate take-out layers 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.2.1 may be developed. Furthermore, if the flow of ore to the take-out layer 8 cannot be guaranteed due to the shape of the ore body or the inclination of the ore body, it may be necessary to install one or more intermediate take-out layers 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.2.1.

In the form of the raise caving method shown in fig. 10b, the previously described raise layers 5.1 and 5.2 have been partly converted into intermediate extraction layers 5.1 and 5.2 in the area where the stopes 13a, 13b have been developed above the extraction layers 5.1, 5.2. Furthermore, additional intermediate take-off layers 5.1.1 and 5.2.1 have been developed. Each intermediate extraction level 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.2.1 is provided with at least one pit extraction point 22. The production stope 13a creates a stress shadow S in the vicinity of the stope. Thus, an advantageous stress environment is created, which is advantageous in that it provides protection for other production infrastructures, such as for the intermediate withdrawal layers 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.2.1 and the ore passage 11 a. Preferably, after the stope roof 13R has been advanced above the planned positions of the respective intermediate retrieval levels 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.2.1, the intermediate retrieval levels 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.2.1 are developed such that abutment stresses are prevented from damaging the intermediate retrieval levels 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.2.1 and the stope retrieval point 22.

Fig. 10b also illustrates a rock passage 11a and a rock passage 11b. The rock path 11a is developed between the extraction level 8 and the intermediate extraction level 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.2.1 in order to transport rock mass extracted from the stope 13a to the extraction level 8 below at a stope extraction point 22 arranged on the intermediate extraction level 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.2.1. The rock passages are vertical or inclined cut-outs for transporting ore by gravity. The rock passages 11a, 11b may be developed by means of, for example, patio drilling and used for transporting ore from the intermediate withdrawal layer 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.2.1 to the withdrawal layer 8. The rock passages 11a, 11b are developed in a favorable stress environment created by the adjacent production stopes 13a, 13b at a later stage of the production phase. Preferably, the rock passages are developed step by step with an intermediate take-off layer.

In another form of the invention, at least one rock path 11a, 11b is delayed in development between the intermediate extraction layer 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.2.1 and another receiving layer arranged below said intermediate extraction layer 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.2.1 in an advantageous stress environment created by at least one production stope 13a, 13 b. By delayed development is meant that the rock path is developed after production stope development.

The posts provide initial support for the upper tray. Thus, extraction of at least one of the posts 9a, 9b, 9c removes support for the upper tray 62, which can result in collapse of the upper tray 62. Thus, the caving upper tray material fills the stope. During the extraction of a fully advanced stope, the caving material fills the stope completely. Fig. 10b shows that as the recovery step proceeds, as part of the recovery process, the columns 9a, 9b, 9c are also extracted, thereby removing the temporary support provided by the columns 9a, 9b, 9c from the upper tray 62. Preferably, the columns 9a, 9b, 9c are produced by actively weakening each column by drilling and blasting from at least one production raise. In another form of the invention, the columns 9a, 9b, 9c are produced by: the strength of the column is reduced by virtue of the aspect ratio of the column being reduced by mining from nearby stopes, causing the column to yield and self-destruct. The width of the post is the extension of the post in the direction of axis P2 and the height of the post is the extension of the post in the direction of axis P3. In one form of the invention, production of the column is achieved by disposing production patios in or near the stress-relieved columns. In another form of the invention, the columns 9a, 9b, 9c may be extracted by means of drilling and blasting, or by means of caving.

In one form of the invention, only the portion of upper tray 62 adjacent the mined out column is allowed to collapse for subsequent filling of the mined out production stope adjacent the mined out column.

In one form of the invention, the method includes the steps of: due to the presence of broken rock mass in at least one tank 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and/or at least one production stope 13a, 13b, 13c and/or the presence of at least one column 9a, 9b, 9c and/or due to the extraction strategy implemented, upper disc breakout is delayed. Thus, broken rock inside the production stopes 13a, 13b, 13c serves as temporary upper disc support and thus slows down the collapse and weakening of the upper disc 62.

In another form of the invention, the stope is connected to previously caving material which begins to flow into the stope as ore is removed from the stope proceeds.

It should be noted that in fig. 10b, there is no post left between the stope and the tank, so that the stopes 13a, 13b, 13c are developed adjacent to the respective tanks 3a, 3b, 3 c. In yet another form of the invention, the method includes leaving temporary columns disposed between the production stope and corresponding slots located adjacent to the production stope.

In fig. 10b, there is no post left between the stope 13a and the stope 13 b. In yet another form of the invention, the method includes leaving temporary columns between adjacent production sites.

In another form of the invention, the trough may be positioned inside the ore body such that a portion of the ore body remains between the trough and the upper tray. Thus, at least one of the extraction columns may result in ore body collapse between the trough and the upper tray.

The raise caving method is flexible and adaptable to a variety of ore body shapes and sizes. For simplicity, the main infrastructure, such as an elevator, a main transportation level tunnel or a shop floor, is not shown in the figures. The outlined excavated size and geometry is based on a preliminary analysis and only provides a rough estimate of the size and geometry in the raise caving mining method according to the invention. For the purpose of describing the present invention, the dimensions mentioned herein are given by way of example only and not to limit the invention. It is envisioned that the raise caving method may be applied to a much larger scale than the given example. The geometry of the trough, starter trough, stope, extraction points and extraction levels may be different because they are compatible with the prevailing mining environment, including rock conditions, ore body shape and stress conditions, etc.

For example, it is illustrated in the figures that the stress relief slots 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, the starting slots 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and the production stopes 13a, 13b, 13c have rectangular cross sections. However, in another form of the invention, the stress relief grooves 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and the starting grooves 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d may also have an oval or at least an elongated cross section. In one form of the invention, at least one of the production stopes 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d may have an oval, circular or other irregular cross-section. Furthermore, as shown in fig. 4c to 4g and 4k, the inclination of the starting tank, tank and stope may be different for adaptation purposes.

Fig. 6a, 6b illustrate a stress reduction phase at an early stage of the raise caving method according to the invention, and fig. 8a, 8b illustrate a further later stage of the stress reduction phase. Fig. 10a, 10b mainly illustrate the production phase and the extraction of ore from ore bodies. The figures are simplified to facilitate an understanding of the method; accordingly, the figures only show a small portion of the rock mass and raise caving method.

Fig. 10a, 10b illustrate the progressive development of stress relief infrastructure such as trench manholes 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, trench entrance layer 2, manholes 5.1, 5.2 and trench take-out points 21, and the progressive development of production infrastructure such as take-out layers 8, stope take-out points 22, intermediate take-out layers 5.1, 5.1.1, 5.2, 5.2.1, rock passages 11a, 11b and production manholes 6a, 6b, 6 c. Fig. 10a, 10b furthermore illustrate the development of the tanks 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and the starting tanks 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and the exploitation of the stopes 13a, 13b, 13c according to the invention. Importantly, the development of the trough must be sufficiently advanced so that a favorable stress environment is created in the rock mass to ensure safe development and advancement of production infrastructure and stope mining.

Specifically, the raise caving mining method further comprises performing the following mining sequence: the mining sequence is used to provide a favorable stress environment and to control mining-induced seismic activity in an active mining area. The term "mining sequence" refers to the sequence of mining activities that should be followed in order to achieve the overall goal of producing ore bodies as completely as possible, the safety and economy of mining operations, considerations, rock mechanics constraints, and other factors. Preferably, the mining sequence is adapted to and determined by the aforementioned production and/or ore body geometry and/or rock mechanics considerations, thereby controlling the mining induced seismic activity and high stresses.

Preferably, the mining sequence comprises developing the slots 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d before developing the production stopes 13a, 13b, 13c, respectively, wherein the roof 3R of the slots is at a predetermined vertical distance in front of the roof 13R of the production stopes in order to ensure that the production stopes 13a, 13b, 13c are mined in the stress-reduced rock mass. It should be noted that the slots do not have to be developed to full length before the production stope is developed adjacent to the corresponding slot.

Several production stopes 13a, 13b, 13c may be produced simultaneously, however, it is recommended that there be a vertical distance between the roof of adjacent production stopes 13a, 13b, 13c to avoid negative interrelations. Currently, production stopes exceed 1000m ² Should be feasible.

Fig. 3, 4l and 6 to 10, 11 schematically show different examples of mining sequences according to a stress relief phase and a production phase of a raise caving method for providing an advantageous stress environment. By implementing a mining sequence, mining induced seismic activity and high stresses may be controlled in an active mining area.

The raise caving method as illustrated in the figures illustrates only a limited active mining area. However, the mining method can be further extended vertically and horizontally, which is not shown in the figures. Preferably, the steps of the method are repeated for a larger area until the desired portion of the ore body has been mined.

The raise caving mining method according to the invention is a flexible method that allows changing the mining layout and mining order in a short time and according to the needs, production, ore body geometry, prevailing rock conditions, prevailing stress conditions, etc.

Mining layouts such as the locations of the slots, stopes and courtyards, the inclination of the courtyard, the inter-layer spacing, the shape of the slots, starting slots and stopes, etc. and other infrastructure may be adapted to the local ore body shape, stress conditions, rock mass properties, etc. Preferably, the mining layout is adapted to and determined by production, ore body geometry, rock mass conditions, stress conditions, etc.

Preferably, the mining layout and mining sequence can be adjusted in a short time and flexibly in view of unforeseen circumstances. For example, location-specific drilling and blasting patterns, changeable stopes and trough cross sections, changeable trough orientations, changeable extraction strategies, etc. may be implemented. Furthermore, the cross section of the stope can be adjusted by the orientation and length of the individual boreholes in accordance with the ore body boundaries.

Furthermore, since the raise caving method requires development of a minimum amount of infrastructure in advance, the mining layout and mining order can be changed in a short-to-medium-term time. This provides a strong possibility for mining designs with dynamically obtained experience. However, in such flexible mining designs, rock mechanics considerations must be considered. For example, a production patio must be placed in a stress-relieved rock mass or a rock mass with a favorable stress environment. Overall, the flexibility of the raise caving method is greatly improved compared to prior art caving methods. The prior art breakout methods are very inflexible and do not allow for variation at all, or the possibility of tuning after the onset of infrastructure development or onset of breakout is very limited or expensive.

Certain elements of the raise caving method may also be applied in other ways. Preferably, at least one stress relief slot is implemented in another mining method, such as block and slab caving methods, to create stress shadows and create a favorable stress environment to provide protection for critical infrastructure in such mining methods.

In another form of the invention, at least one production stope is connected to a previously caving area, thereby allowing previously caving material to fill the at least one production stope. For example, a stope roof may be connected by a stoping process to an area above the stope, where the area has been previously caving.

Furthermore, in another form of the invention, portions of the stope are backfilled. This backfilling provides support for the surrounding rock mass. Furthermore, the stope may be used as a waste store, rather than transporting the waste to other locations.

Furthermore, in one form of the invention, the method includes the step of monitoring the production stopes 13a, 13b, 13c via the production courts 6a, 6b, 6 c. Thereby an efficient and reliable control of the recovery process is achieved. The risk of caving stall and associated air impingement is preferably also controlled via the production patios 6a, 6b, 6c using the monitoring method.

Fig. 12 schematically illustrates a raise caving mining infrastructure 902 according to an example. The mining infrastructure 902 includes an automated or semi-automated control system 901 electrically coupled to the control circuit 900.

The raise caving mining infrastructure 902 is configured to mine ore from ore bodies 61. The mining infrastructure 902 comprises at least two slots 3a, 3b in the rock mass RM, and further comprises a column 9a of rock mass RM separating adjacent slots 3a, 3b, in order to create an advantageous stress environment in the rock mass to provide protection for the mining infrastructure 902. The mining infrastructure 902 further comprises at least one production raise 6a located within the rock mass RM providing a favorable stress environment, and at least one production stope 13a propelled upwardly by production from the at least one production raise 6 a. The mining infrastructure 902 also includes a conveyor 904 configured to remove ore from the production stope 13a.

Alternatively, the respective grooves 3a, 3b are associated with stress-shadows S at certain locations adjacent to the grooves 3a, 3b, wherein the stress-shadows S stress the rock mass RM, thereby creating the advantageous stress environment. Alternatively, at least one trench courtyard 1a, 1b may be developed in the rock mass from a horizontal tunnel arranged on the trench entrance layer 2 upwards to a horizontal tunnel arranged on a layer 5.1 arranged above the trench entrance layer 2. Alternatively, at least one of the slots 3a, 3b may be developed from the at least one slot courtyard 1a, 1b by blasting up in the rock mass from a horizontal tunnel arranged on the slot entrance layer 2 to a horizontal tunnel arranged on a layer 5.1 arranged above the slot entrance layer 2. Alternatively, at least one starting slot 4a, 4b, 4c may be developed from the slot entrance layer 2 to a predetermined vertical distance, wherein the starting slot generates a stress-shadow S providing protection for the production infrastructure located above the slot entrance layer 2. Alternatively, a continuous starting groove 20 may be developed by bringing at least two starting grooves 4a, 4b together. Alternatively, at least one of the grooves 3a, 3b may be developed from the top plate 4R of one of the starting grooves 4a, 4b, wherein the area of the groove top plate 3R is smaller than the area of the starting groove top plate 4R. Alternatively, the retrieval layer 8 may be developed in a rock mass located in a favorable stress environment. Alternatively, the extraction level 8 may comprise extraction infrastructure, such as a pit extraction point 21, a pit extraction point 22 and a horizontal tunnel, wherein the extraction points 21, 22 are configured to be long-term and fixed. Alternatively, the upper tray 62 may collapse to fill at least a portion of at least one production stope that is empty. Alternatively, the column may be extracted. Alternatively, the posts 9a, 9b, 9c may be extracted to encourage collapse of the upper wall. Alternatively, an intermediate take-out layer may be developed to facilitate ore extraction from the stope.

The raise caving mining infrastructure 902 may also include a machine 910, which machine 910 may include drilling and/or packing equipment (not shown) configured for developing the tanks 3a, 3b and/or the columns 9a and/or the production stopes 13a and/or the production raise 6 a. The machine 910 may be coupled to a conveyor 904 configured to remove ore from the production stope 13 a. The transport 904 may include a loader and/or a conveyor car configured for extracting, loading and transporting ore from a production stope and/or a continuous take-out machine with a conveyor.

The machine 910 may be configured for drilling and/or loading a rock mass RM from inside a raise by means of a drilling and/or loading device (not shown). The drilling and/or loading apparatus may include a drilling and/or blasting loading device configured for developing at least one production raise 13a, the at least one production raise 13a being propelled upwardly by production from at least one production raise 6 a. The machine 910 may be mounted on a platform (not shown) configured to be moved within the patio by a shaft hoist system (not shown). The machine 910 may be configured for hydraulic fracturing from within a raise. The machine 910 may be configured for pretreatment and/or pre-crushing from inside the patio. The machine 910 may be configured for installing supports and/or reinforcements for rock mass from inside the patio. The machine 910 may be configured to operate by remote control. The machine 910 may be configured to be semi-automated or fully automated. The machine 910 may be configured to be manually operated. The machine 910 may be configured to be operated in a remote control mode and/or an automated control mode and/or a semi-automated control mode and/or a manual mode by an automated or semi-automated control system 901.

The raise caving mining infrastructure 902 illustrated in fig. 12 may also include a monitoring system 920, the monitoring system 920 configured to monitor the raise caving mining infrastructure 902 configured to mine ore from the ore body 61.

The monitoring system 920 includes a monitoring device 921 configured to monitor: at least two grooves 3a, 3b are developed in the rock mass and a column 9a of rock mass is left to separate adjacent grooves 3a, 3 b. The monitoring system 920 comprises monitoring means 922 for monitoring: an advantageous stress environment is created in the rock mass that provides protection for the mining infrastructure. The monitoring system 920 comprises a monitoring device 923 for monitoring: at least one production raise 6a, 6b is developed in the rock mass providing a favorable stress environment. The monitoring system 920 comprises monitoring means for monitoring the upward production progress of the at least one production yard 13a from the at least one production courtyard 6 a. The monitoring system 920 comprises monitoring means 924 for monitoring at least one column 9 a. The monitoring system 920 may include a monitoring device 925 for monitoring ore extracted from the production stope 13a.

The monitoring system 920 may be configured to monitor seismic activity and/or stress and/or deformation in the rock mass in which the raise caving mining infrastructure (902) is located. The monitoring system 920 may be configured to monitor seismic activity and/or stress and/or deformation in an active mining area. The monitoring system 920 may be configured to monitor the interaction of a production stope and a column positioned adjacent to the production stope. The monitoring system 920 may be configured to monitor the shape of excavators such as patios, stopes, and tanks. The monitoring system 920 may be configured to monitor a condition of the excavation, such as stability and/or instability of the excavation. The monitoring system 920 may be configured to monitor the condition of the column, such as monitoring a fracture zone. The monitoring system 920 may be configured to monitor ore flow and/or broken rock mass inside a stope. The monitoring system 920 may be configured to monitor the production stope 13a via a production raise. The monitoring system 920 may be configured to monitor, for example, stability, shape, ore flow, or broken rock mass associated with the trough.

The monitoring system 920 may be configured to communicate with the automated or semi-automated control system 901 and be operated by the automated or semi-automated control system 901 in a remote control mode and/or an automated control mode and/or a semi-automated control mode and/or a manual control mode.

The monitoring system 920 includes a plurality of monitoring devices, a central monitoring unit, a data collection unit, a data storage device, a communication device, and/or a data analysis tool, etc. The monitoring system 920 may be configured to communicate with an automated or semi-automated control system 901 and to communicate data and information generated by the monitoring system to the automated or semi-automated control system 901. Monitoring devices include, for example, seismic monitoring systems, time domain reflectometry techniques, inspection through open boreholes, cavity scanners, sensors, markers, or geophones.

The raise caving mining infrastructure 902 illustrated in fig. 12 may also include an automated or semi-automated control system 901 electrically coupled to the control circuit 900, the control circuit 900 configured to control the raise caving mining infrastructure 902 and/or the exemplary raise caving mining method disclosed herein configured for mining ore from the ore body 61.

Further, an automated or semi-automated control system 901 may be configured for take-out control. The automated or semi-automated control system 901 may be configured to implement a mining sequence. The automated or semi-automated control system 901 may be configured for implementing a mining layout. The automated or semi-automated control system 901 may be configured to implement a fetch policy. The automated or semi-automated control system 901 enables wherein the automated or semi-automated control system 901 may be configured to control: the raise mining method steps are repeated for a larger area in the rock mass.

Fig. 13 illustrates a flow chart showing an exemplary raise caving method. The method comprises a first step 701: the method is started. A second step 702 includes performing the exemplary method. A third step 703 includes stopping the method. The second step 702 may include the steps of: developing at least two slots in the rock mass and leaving a column of rock mass to separate adjacent slots to create an advantageous stress environment in the rock mass to provide protection for the mining infrastructure; developing at least one production raise within the rock mass providing a favorable stress environment, the advancing being by exploiting at least one production stope from the at least one production raise; and withdrawing ore from the production stope.

Fig. 14 illustrates a flow chart showing another example of a raise caving method. The method steps indicated in the examples may be performed in any order. The method comprises a first step 801: the method is started. The second step 802 may include: developing at least two slots in the rock mass and leaving a column of rock mass to separate adjacent slots to create an advantageous stress environment in the rock mass to provide protection for the mining infrastructure; developing at least one production raise within the rock mass providing a favorable stress environment; advancing upward by mining at least one production stope from the at least one production raise; and withdrawing ore from the production stope. A third step 803 includes stress relieving the rock mass by developing each slot to create a stress-shadow at some location adjacent to the slot to thereby create an advantageous stress environment, wherein the stress-shadow stress relieving the rock mass to thereby create the advantageous stress environment. The fourth step 804 may include: at least one slot is developed in the rock mass by means of a round of drilling and loading, said round of blasting and loading being performed in a retrograde manner, from a horizontal tunnel arranged on a first sub-layer upwards to a horizontal tunnel arranged on a second sub-layer arranged above the first sub-layer.

Fifth step 805 may include: at least one slot is developed in the rock mass from a horizontal roadway disposed on a slot entry layer up to a horizontal roadway disposed on a layer disposed above the slot entry layer.

The sixth step 806 includes: at least one of the slots is developed in the rock mass from the at least one slot courtyard by drilling and blasting up from a horizontal tunnel disposed on a slot entry level to a horizontal tunnel disposed on a level disposed above the slot entry level.

A seventh step 807 includes developing the production raise in a favorable stress environment at some location created adjacent to the trough. An eighth step 808 comprises controlling the magnitude of the stress in the rock mass at the location where the next slot will be subsequently developed in the rock mass by means of the column, thereby generating an advantageous stress environment enabling the development of the next slot.

The ninth step 809 comprises: a mining sequence is implemented for providing a favorable stress environment in an active mining area. Tenth step 810 comprises: seismic activity due to mining in an active mining area is controlled by implementing the mining sequence. The eleventh step 811 may include: at least one starting tank is developed from the tank inlet layer to a predetermined vertical range to create a stress-shadow that provides protection for the production infrastructure located above the tank inlet layer. The twelfth step 812 includes: the steps of the raise caving method are repeated for a larger area in the rock mass to mine the ore body. Thirteenth step 813 includes stopping the method.

Fig. 15 illustrates a control circuit 900 (such as a central control processor or other computer device) adapted to operate an automated or semi-automated control system 901 of a mining infrastructure 902 configured to perform any of the example raise caving mining methods disclosed herein.

The control circuit 900 is configured to control any of the example raise caving methods or methods disclosed herein. The control circuit 900 comprises a data medium configured for storing a data program P. The data program P is configured (programmed) for controlling the automated or semi-automated control system 901 and/or the machine shown in fig. 12. The data medium includes program code readable by the control circuit 900 for performing any of the exemplary methods described herein when such data medium is run on the control circuit 900.

The control circuit 900 is electrically coupled to a machine (not shown) that includes a drilling and/or blasting apparatus (not shown). The control circuit 900 is also configured to communicate with the monitoring system 920 via a wired and/or wireless communication system to send and/or receive monitoring data. The control circuit 900 is configured to cause the automated or semi-automated control system 901 and/or the machine to each perform the following methods: developing at least two slots in the rock mass and leaving a column of rock mass to separate adjacent slots to create an advantageous stress environment in the rock mass to provide protection for the mining infrastructure; developing at least one production raise within the rock mass providing a favorable stress environment; advancing upward by mining at least one production stope from the at least one production raise; and withdrawing ore from the production stope.

Thus, the control circuit 900 may also be configured to operate a conveyor, such as a remotely controlled mining conveyor (not shown), for retrieving ore from a production stope.

The control circuit 900 includes a computer and a nonvolatile memory NVM 1320, the nonvolatile memory NVM 1320 being computer memory that can retain stored information even when the computer is not powered.

The control circuit 900 also includes a processing unit 1310 and a read/write memory 1350.NVM 1320 includes a first memory cell 1330. In the first memory unit 1330 is stored a computer program (which may be any type of computer program suitable for any operation data) for controlling the functions of the control circuit 900. Further, the control circuit 900 includes a bus controller (not shown), a serial communication unit (not shown) that provides a physical interface, whereby information is separately transmitted in both directions.

The control circuit 900 may include any suitable type of I/O module (not shown) providing input/output signaling, an a/D converter (not shown) for converting continuously varying signals from a sensor device (not shown) of the control circuit 900, the control circuit 900 being configured to determine the actual state of the mechanical and/or automated or semi-automated control system 901. The control circuit 900 is configured to determine the position of the machine in relation to the drilling and loading operations of the explosive material from the received signals and to convert it into a binary code suitable for use in a computer from other operational data.

The control circuit 900 further comprises an input/output unit (not shown) for adapting to the time and date. The control circuit 900 includes an event counter (not shown) for counting event multiples of individual event occurrences in the operation of the mechanical and/or automated or semi-automated control system 901.

In addition, the control circuit 900 includes an interrupt unit (not shown) associated with the computer for providing multi-tasking performance and real-time computing. The NVM 1320 also includes a second memory unit 1340 for external sensor inspection of the sensor device.

The data medium for storing the program P may comprise a program routine for automatically adjusting the operation of the mechanical and/or automated or semi-automated control system 901 in accordance with operational data regarding, for example, the development of the courtyard breakout mining infrastructure and the actual status of the courtyard breakout mining method.

The data medium for storing the program P comprises program code stored on the medium, which is computer readable for causing the control circuit 900 to perform the methods and/or method steps described herein.

Program P may also be stored in a separate memory 1360 and/or read/write memory 1350. In this embodiment, the program P is stored in an executable or compressed data format.

It should be appreciated that when processing unit 1310 is described as performing a particular function, it is intended that processing unit 1310 may execute a particular portion of a program stored in separate memory 1360 or a particular portion of a program stored in read/write memory 1350.

The processing unit 1310 is associated with a data port 1399 adapted for electrical data signal communication via a first data bus 1315, the first data bus 1315 being arranged to be coupled to the mechanical and/or automated or semi-automated control system 901 for performing any of the exemplary method steps described herein.

The non-volatile memory NVM 1320 is adapted to communicate with the processing unit 1310 via the second data bus 1312. A separate memory 1360 is adapted to communicate with the processing unit 610 via the third data bus 1311. The read/write memory 1350 is adapted to communicate with the processing unit 1310 via the fourth data bus 1314. After the received data is temporarily stored, the processing unit 1310 will be ready to execute the program code according to the method described above.

Preferably, the signal (received by the data port 1399) includes information regarding the operational status of the mechanical and/or automated or semi-automated control system 901.

The information and data may be manually fed to the control circuit 900 by an operator via a suitable communication device, such as a computer display or touch screen. The exemplary methods described herein may also be performed in part by the control circuit 900 by means of a processing unit 1310, the processing unit 1310 executing a program P stored in a separate memory 1360 or read/write memory 1350. When the control circuit 900 runs the program P, any of the example methods disclosed herein will be performed.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the described variants. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and the practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Of course, the invention is not in any way limited to the examples described above, but many possibilities to modifications and combinations of the described embodiments of the invention will be apparent to a person with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the basic idea of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (94)

1. A raise caving method for mining ore from ore bodies (61), the method comprising the steps of:

developing at least two slots (3 a,3b;301, 302;402, 403) in the rock mass and leaving pillars (9 a;311; 412) made of the rock mass to separate adjacent slots (3 a,3b;301, 302;402, 403) to create a favorable stress environment in the rock mass to provide protection for the mining infrastructure,

developing at least one production raise (6 a,6 b) within said rock mass providing said favourable stress environment,

-advancing upwards by mining at least one production stope (13 a,13b;351, 353;451, 453) from the at least one production court (6 a,6 b), and withdrawing ore from the production stope (13 a,13b;351, 353;451, 453).

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein each slot (3 a,3b;301, 302;402, 403) creates a stress-shadow (S) at certain positions adjacent to the slot (3 a,3b;301, 302;402, 403), wherein the stress-shadow (S) stress-reduces the rock mass, thereby forming the advantageous stress environment.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the production patio (6 a,6 b) is developed in the favourable stress environment formed at certain locations adjacent to the slots (3 a,3 b).

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the post (9 a;311; 412) provides control of the amount of stress in the rock mass at the location where a next slot (3 b;353; 453) will subsequently be developed in the rock mass, thereby creating an advantageous stress environment enabling the development of the next slot (3 b;353; 453).

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: a mining sequence is implemented for providing the favorable stress environment in an active mining area.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the mining sequence is a means for controlling mining-induced seismic activity in the active mining area.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: -developing at least one slot (501) in the rock mass from a horizontal tunnel (571) arranged on a first sub-layer (581) to a horizontal tunnel (572) arranged on a second sub-layer (582), said second sub-layer (582) being arranged above said first sub-layer (581), by means of a round of upward drilling and blasting in a retracted manner.

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: at least one slot courtyard (1 a,1b,1 c) is developed in the rock mass from a horizontal tunnel arranged on a slot entry layer (2) up to a horizontal tunnel arranged on a layer (5.1), the layer (5.1) being arranged above the slot entry layer (2).

9. The method of claim 8, comprising the steps of: -developing at least one of the slots (3 a,3b,3 c) in the rock mass from the at least one slot courtyard (1 a,1b,1 c) by blasting up from the horizontal tunnel arranged on the slot entrance layer (2) to the horizontal tunnel arranged on the layer (5.1) arranged above the slot entrance layer (2).

10. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: at least one starting tank (4 a,4b,4 c) is developed from the tank inlet layer (2) to a predetermined vertical extent to create stress-shadows S to provide protection for the production infrastructure located above the tank inlet layer (2).

11. Method according to claim 9, wherein the starting tank (4 a,4b,4 c) is developed from at least one tank yard (1 a,1b,1 c) by blasting up the tank yard from the horizontal tunnel arranged at the tank inlet layer (2) to the predetermined vertical extent.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, comprising the steps of: a continuous starter trough (20) is developed from at least two starter troughs (4 a,4b,4c,4 d) to create stress-shadows S to provide protection for production facilities located above the trough inlet layer and adjacent to the starter trough.

13. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: at least one of the grooves (3 a,3b,3 c) is developed from a top plate (4R) of one of the starting grooves (4 a,4b,4 c), wherein the area of the top plate (3R) of the groove is smaller than the area of the top plate (4R) of the starting groove.

14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the slots (3 a,3b,3 c) is vertical or inclined.

15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the slots (3 a,3b,3 c) is arranged in a contact area between the ore body (61) and surrounding rock mass formations.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the slots (3 a,3b,3 c) is arranged inside the ore body (61).

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the slots (3 a,3b,3 c) is arranged outside the ore body (61).

18. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: the extraction layer (8) is developed in a rock mass located in a favorable stress environment.

19. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the extraction layer (8) comprises extraction infrastructure, such as a pit extraction point (21), a stope extraction point (22) and horizontal roadways.

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the withdrawal layer (8) comprises long-term and fixed withdrawal points (21, 22).

21. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: a slot take-off point (21) is developed into the slot and/or the starting slot at the take-off layer (8).

22. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the production stope (13 a,13b,13 c) creates an advantageous stress environment protecting mining infrastructure in the vicinity of the production stope.

23. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the interaction of more than one production stope (13 a,13b,13 c) creates a regional favorable stress environment for a mining infrastructure.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the ongoing production increases the range of the regional beneficial stress environment.

25. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: the intermediate withdrawal layer (5.1,5.1.1,5.2,5.2.1) is developed to facilitate ore withdrawal from the stope.

26. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: -developing a slot take-off point (21) into the slot and/or the starting slot at the intermediate take-off layer (5.1,5.1.1,5.2,5.2.1).

27. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: -delaying the development of at least one rock path (11 a,11 b) between an intermediate extraction layer (5.1,5.1.1,5.2,5.2.1) and another receiving layer arranged below said intermediate extraction layer (5.1,5.1.1,5.2,5.2.1) in an advantageous stress environment formed by at least one production stope (13 a,13 b).

28. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: at least one horizontal or inclined transport channel is developed between the intermediate extraction layer (5.1,5.1.1,5.2,5.2.1) and another layer located below the intermediate extraction layer (5.1,5.1.1,5.2,5.2.1) in an advantageous stress environment formed by at least one production stope (13 a,13 b).

29. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: -mining said production stope (13 a) by drilling and blasting.

30. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: -mining said production stope (13 a) by caving.

31. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: extraction columns (9 a,9b,9 c).

32. The method of claim 31, comprising the steps of: the column (9 a,9b,9 c) is produced in such a way that the column is actively weakened by blasting from at least one production courtyard (6 a,6b,6 c).

33. The method of claim 31, comprising the steps of: the columns (9 a,9b,9 c) are produced in such a way that the strength of the columns is reduced by the reduction of the aspect ratio of the columns due to the production of nearby stopes and the yielding and self-destruction of the columns are promoted.

34. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: the stress-relieved columns (9 a,9b,9 c) are produced by arranging production patios in or near the stress-relieved columns.

35. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: the columns (9 a,9b,9 c) are extracted by means of caving.

36. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: the string (9 a,9b,9 c) is produced by means of drilling and blasting.

37. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: at least one production stope (13 a,13b,13 c) is connected to the previously collapsed region, thereby allowing the previously collapsed material to fill the at least one production stope.

38. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: portions of the upper tray (62) are collapsed to fill at least a portion of at least one production stope that is empty.

39. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: collapse of the upper tray (62) is encouraged by extracting the columns (9 a,9b,9 c) to thereby remove the upper tray support provided by the columns.

40. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: -caving a mineral body (61) located between the upward side of the wall of the trough and the upper tray (62), wherein the caving is caused by extraction of the pillars (9 a,9b,9 c).

41. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: a tank (501) is developed from a patio (522), wherein the patio (522) is not located inside the tank (501).

42. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: the premature collapse of the upper disc is prevented by the presence of broken rock mass inside the trough and/or the stope.

43. A mining method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a stress relief phase for creating and expanding the favorable stress environment in a rock mass to protect mining infrastructure, in particular in a production area; and a production stage for extracting ore from the ore body (61), and wherein the stress reduction stage and the production stage are combined such that in certain mining areas the production stage benefits from the stress reduction stage.

44. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: at least one trough (3 a,3b,3 c) for stressing the rock mass and protecting the critical infrastructure is implemented in another mining method.

45. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mining geometry is adapted to and determined by the production and/or ore body geometry.

46. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mining order is adapted to and determined by production and/or ore body geometry and/or rock mass mechanics considerations, whereby mining induced seismic activity and high stresses are controlled.

47. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mining layout, infrastructure position and mining order can be adjusted in a short time to take into account unforeseen circumstances.

48. A mining method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mining sequence comprises: before developing the respective production stope (13 a,13b,13 c), the trough (3 a,3b,3 c) is developed, wherein the roof of the trough is located at a predetermined vertical distance in front of the roof of the production stope, such that the production stope is mined in a stress-friendly environment.

49. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: monitoring the production stope (13 a,13b,13 c) via the production courtyard.

50. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: the risk of air impingement and caving stall in the production stopes (13 a,13b,13 c) is controlled via the production courtyard.

51. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: the steps of the method are repeated for a larger area in the rock mass to mine the ore body.

52. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: backfilling portions of the production stope (13 a,13b,13 c).

53. A raise caving mining infrastructure (902) configured to mine ore from ore bodies (61), the raise caving mining infrastructure (902) comprising:

-at least two slots (3 a,3b;301, 302;402, 403), said at least two slots (3 a,3b;301, 302;402, 403) being located in a Rock Mass (RM);

-a column (9 a;311; 412) constituted by a Rock Mass (RM), the column (9 a;311; 412) being arranged to separate adjacent grooves (3 a,3b;301, 302;402, 403) to create a favorable stress environment in the rock mass to provide protection for the mining infrastructure;

-at least one production patio (6 a,6 b), said at least one production patio (6 a,6 b) being located within said Rock Mass (RM) providing said favourable stress environment;

-at least one production stope (13 a,13b;351, 353;451, 453), the at least one production stope (13 a,13b;351, 353;451, 453) being propelled upwards by production from the at least one production courtyard (6 a,6 b); and

-a conveyor (904), the conveyor (904) being configured to withdraw ore from the production stope (13 a,13b;351, 353;451, 453).

54. The courtyard caving mining infrastructure (902) according to claim 53, wherein slots (3 a,3b;301, 302;402, 403) are associated with stress-shadows (S) at certain locations adjacent to the slots (3 a,3b;301, 302;402, 403), wherein the stress-shadows (S) stress the rock mass, thereby forming the advantageous stress environment.

55. The courtyard caving mining infrastructure (902) according to claim 53 or 54, wherein at least one slot courtyard (1 a,1b,1 c) is developed in the rock mass from a horizontal tunnel arranged on a slot entrance layer (2) up to a horizontal tunnel arranged on a layer (5.1) arranged above the slot entrance layer (2).

56. The courtyard caving mining infrastructure (902) according to any of claims 53 to 55, wherein at least one of the slots (3 a,3b,3 c) is developed from the at least one slot courtyard (1 a,1b,1 c) by blasting up in the rock mass from a horizontal tunnel arranged on the slot entrance layer (2) to a horizontal tunnel arranged on the layer (5.1) provided above the slot entrance layer (2).

57. The courtyard breakout mining infrastructure (902) according to any of the claims 53-56, wherein at least one starting slot (4 a,4b,4 c) is developed from a slot entrance layer (2) to a predetermined vertical extent, wherein the starting slot creates a stress-shadow S to provide protection for the production infrastructure located above the slot entrance layer (2).

58. The courtyard breakout mining infrastructure (902) of any one of claims 53 to 57, wherein a continuous starter trough (20) is developed by joining at least two starter troughs (4 a,4b,4c,4 d).

59. The courtyard breakout mining infrastructure (902) according to any one of claims 53-58, wherein at least one of the slots (3 a,3b,3 c) is developed from a roof (4R) of one of the starter slots (4 a,4b,4 c), wherein the area of the roof (3R) of the slot is smaller than the area of the roof (4R) of the starter slot.

60. The courtyard caving mining infrastructure (902) according to any of claims 53 to 59, wherein the extraction layer (8) is developed in a rock mass located in a favorable stress environment.

61. The courtyard breakout mining infrastructure (902) according to any one of claims 53-60, wherein the extraction level (8) comprises an extraction infrastructure, such as a pit extraction point (21), a stope extraction point (22) and a horizontal roadway, wherein the extraction points (21, 22) are configured to be long-term and fixed.

62. The patio caving mining infrastructure (902) according to any of claims 53-61, wherein the upper tray (62) is caving to fill at least a portion of at least one mined out production stope.

63. The courtyard caving mining infrastructure (902) of any of claims 53 to 62, wherein the pillars are mined.

64. The courtyard breakout mining infrastructure (902) of any one of claims 53-63, wherein the columns (9 a,9b,9 c) are mined to promote upper disc breakout.

65. The courtyard caving mining infrastructure (902) of any of claims 53 to 64, wherein an intermediate retrieval layer (5.1,5.1.1,5.2,5.2.1) is developed to facilitate the extraction of ore from the stope.

66. A monitoring system (920) configured for monitoring a raise caving mining infrastructure (902) configured to mine ore from ore bodies (61), the monitoring system comprising:

-monitoring means (921) for monitoring the development of at least two slots (3 a,3b;301, 302;402, 403) in the rock mass and leaving a column (9 a;311; 412) of the rock mass to separate adjacent slots (3 a,3b;301, 302;402, 403); and

-monitoring means (922) for monitoring the creation of an advantageous stress environment in the rock mass to provide protection for the mining infrastructure; and/or

-monitoring means (923) for monitoring the development of at least one production raise (6 a,6 b) in a rock mass providing said favourable stress environment; and/or

-monitoring means (923) for monitoring upward production propulsion of at least one production stope (13 a,13b;351, 353;451, 453) from at least one production raise (6 a,6 b); and/or

-monitoring means (924) for monitoring at least one column (9 a;311; 412); and/or the number of the groups of groups,

-monitoring means (925) for monitoring the withdrawal of ore from the production stopes (13 a,13b;351, 352;451, 453).

67. The monitoring system (920) according to claim 66, wherein the monitoring system is configured for monitoring seismic activity and/or stress and/or deformation in a rock mass in which the raise caving mining infrastructure (902) is located.

68. The monitoring system (920) according to claim 66 or 67, wherein the monitoring system is configured for monitoring seismic activity and/or stress and/or deformation in an active mining area.

69. The monitoring system (920) according to any of claims 66-68, wherein the monitoring system is configured for monitoring an interaction of a production stope and a column located adjacent to the production stope.

70. The monitoring system (920) according to any one of claims 66-69, wherein the monitoring system is configured for monitoring the shape of an excavation, such as the shape of the at least one courtyard, the trough and the at least one pit.

71. The monitoring system (920) according to any one of claims 66-70, wherein the monitoring system is configured for monitoring a status of an excavation, such as monitoring stability and/or instability of the excavation.

72. The monitoring system (920) according to any one of claims 66-71, wherein the monitoring system is configured for monitoring a condition of the column, such as a rupture zone.

73. The monitoring system (920) according to any of claims 66-72, wherein the monitoring system is configured for monitoring an ore flow and/or a broken rock mass inside the stope.

74. The monitoring system (920) according to any one of claims 66-73, wherein the monitoring system is configured for monitoring the production stope (13 a,13b,13 c) via the production courtyard.

75. The monitoring system (920) according to any of claims 66-74, wherein the monitoring system is configured for monitoring stability, shape, ore flow or broken rock mass in relation to a trough.

76. A machine (910) comprising a drilling and/or loading device, the machine (910) configured for:

-developing at least two grooves (3 a,3b;301, 302;402, 403) in the Rock Mass (RM); and/or

-developing columns (9 a;311; 412) of rock mass to separate adjacent slots (3 a,3b;301, 302;402, 403) to create a favorable stress environment in the rock mass to provide protection for the mining infrastructure (902); and/or

-developing at least one production patio (6 a,6 b) in the rock mass providing the favourable stress environment; and/or

-developing at least one production stope (13 a,13b;351, 353;451, 453) in a manner that is advanced upwards by production from the at least one production courtyard (6 a,6 b); and/or

-withdrawing ore from the production stope (13 a,13b;351, 353;451, 453) by means of a transport device (904) configured to withdraw ore from the production stope (13 a,13b;351, 353;451, 453).

77. The machine (910) of claim 76, wherein the machine (910) is configured for drilling and/or loading the Rock Mass (RM) from inside the patio (102).

78. The machine (910) of claim 76 or 77, wherein the drilling and/or loading device includes a drilling and/or loading apparatus configured to develop the at least one production stope (13 a,13b;351, 353;451, 453) in an upward-propelled manner by production from the at least one production raise (6 a,6 b).

79. The machine (910) of any of claims 76 to 78, wherein the machine (910) is mounted on a platform (102), the platform (102) configured to move within the patio by a shaft lift system (104).

80. The machine (910) of any of claims 76 to 79, wherein the machine (910) is configured for hydraulic fracturing from an interior of the patio.

81. The machine (910) of any of claims 76 to 80, wherein the machine (910) is configured for pretreatment and/or pre-crushing from the interior of the patio.

82. The machine (910) of any of claims 76 to 81, wherein the machine (910) is configured for mounting a support and/or reinforcement from an interior of the patio.

83. The raise caving mining infrastructure (902) of any of claims 53-65, wherein the raise caving mining infrastructure comprises the machine (910) of any of claims 76-82.

84. The raise caving mining infrastructure (902) of any of claims 53-65, wherein the raise caving mining infrastructure comprises a monitoring system (920) according to any of claims 66-75.

85. An automated or semi-automated control system (901) of a mining infrastructure (902) according to claim 53 or 54, wherein the automated or semi-automated control system (901) is electrically coupled to a control circuit (900), the control circuit (900) being configured to control the method according to any one of claims 1 to 52.

86. The automated or semi-automated control system (901) of claim, wherein the automated or semi-automated control system (901) is configured for take-out control.

87. The automated or semi-automated control system (901) of claim, wherein the automated or semi-automated control system (901) is configured for implementing the mining sequence.

88. The automated or semi-automated control system (901) of claim, wherein the automated or semi-automated control system (901) is configured for implementing the mining layout.

89. The automated or semi-automated control system (901) of claim, wherein the automated or semi-automated control system (901) is configured for enforcing a retrieval strategy.

90. The automated or semi-automated control system (901) of claim, wherein the automated or semi-automated control system (901) is configured to control: the steps of the method according to claims 1 to 52 are repeated for a larger area in the rock mass.

91. The automated or semi-automated control system (901) of any one of claims 85 to 90, wherein the automated or semi-automated control system (901) comprises a machine (910) according to any one of claims 76 to 82, wherein the machine (910) is configured to be operated by the automated or semi-automated control system (901) in a remote control mode and/or an automated control mode and/or a semi-automated control mode and/or a manual control mode.

92. The automated or semi-automated control system (901) of any one of claims 85 to 91, wherein the automated or semi-automated control system (901) comprises a monitoring system (920) according to any one of claims 66 to 75, wherein the monitoring system (920) is configured to communicate with the automated or semi-automated control system (901) and to be operated by the automated or semi-automated control system (901) in a remote control mode and/or an automated control mode and/or a semi-automated control mode and/or a manual control mode.

93. The raise caving mining infrastructure (902) of any one of claims 53 or 65, wherein the raise caving mining infrastructure comprises an automated or semi-automated control system of any one of claims 85 to 92.

94. A data medium configured for storing a data program (P), the data program (P) being configured for controlling an automated or semi-automated control system (901) according to any one of claims 85 to 92 and/or for controlling a machine (910) according to any one of claims 76 to 82 and/or for controlling the monitoring system (920), the data medium comprising program code readable by the control circuit (900) for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 52 when the data medium is run on the control circuit (900).

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