Sublevel Stoping
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Vicencio Ibañez ZamudioSublevel Stoping
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Vicencio Ibañez ZamudioCommon questions
Con tecnología de IAThe independence of drilling and blasting in sublevel stoping allows for greater flexibility and efficiency within the production cycle . This independence enables the advancement of drilling ahead of the blasting schedule, effectively smoothing out production bottlenecks and decreasing idle time . Consequently, this can lead to reduced labor costs and improved resource allocation, making the stoping process more cost-effective overall . Such efficiency can significantly enhance the economic viability of mining operations, especially in high-demand production environments.
Drilling and blasting in sublevel stoping are conducted using radial fan-shaped drills from sublevels prepared for these processes. Long holes (up to 30 m) are drilled with a diameter of 2 to 3 inches using electro-hydraulic radial jumbos and extension rods . Blasting operations can be managed independently and continuously, which allows advance drilling of numerous fans to be burned later according to the production schedule . This independence increases mining efficiency by permitting simultaneous drilling and blasting operations, thereby shortened cycle times and enabling higher throughput .
Sublevel stoping employs mechanical equipment to enhance efficiency, including electro-hydraulic radial jumbos for drilling, scooptrams for material transport, and cabolts for support . These tools allow for consistent long-hole drilling and provide the capacity to handle large volumes of mined rock efficiently . The use of such mechanized equipment is instrumental in achieving the method's high productivity and recovery rates, as production and material handling can be conducted continuously and independently .
Sublevel stoping facilitates high recovery rates exceeding 90% due to its capability to recover pillars, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the mining operation . The method’s production process ensures that mineral extraction is controlled and precise, aiding in minimizing dilution below 20% . This control is achieved by targeting geometrically well-defined tabular bodies, which reduces the intrusion of waste materials into the ore stream .
Well-defined geometrical shapes of mineralized bodies are crucial in sublevel stoping because they allow for efficient ore extraction with minimal dilution . Such bodies enable precise control over the stoping process, reducing the risk of waste rock mixing with ore, thereby optimizing the quality and quantity of recoverable material . Additionally, clear geometrical boundaries facilitate the systematic layout of drilling patterns, which is essential for managing blasting operations and ensuring the stability of the mining structure .
Backfilling in sublevel stoping is conducted for environmental reasons, as it helps manage subsidence and stabilize the surrounding rock . The materials used for backfilling include non-cemented rock, sand, and cemented rock, which provide different levels of support and environmental mitigation benefits . Backfilling also enables the recovery of pillars, contributing to higher overall ore recovery .
Sublevel stoping, while efficient and favorable for mechanization, involves significant initial development costs, making it less cost-effective at the start compared to methods with lower setup costs . It is particularly efficient in ore bodies with regular mineralization and stable rock conditions, allowing for mechanized operations and high throughput . Compared to other methods, such as room and pillar or cut-and-fill mining, sublevel stoping offers higher production rates and efficiency but at the cost of higher upfront investments, necessitating careful economic planning and analysis.
Sublevel stoping offers several advantages, including its suitability for mechanization, high efficiency with production rates up to 110 tons per man shift, moderate to high production levels (25,000 tons per month), and safety benefits, such as ease of ventilation and recovery rates over 90% with low dilution rates under 20% . However, it also has disadvantages, including non-selectivity, inefficiency at low inclinations, and high initial development costs required to begin production .
Structural stability is crucial in sublevel stoping because the method demands good stability of both mineralized and surrounding rocks . Typically, systematic or intensive reinforcement is not needed due to these stability requirements . However, the production galleries at the base of stopes are generally reinforced with cemented bolts or steel mesh bolts, according to local rock conditions . Temporary reinforcement might be used in the drilling sublevels if local rock conditions dictate such measures . This approach ensures the safe operation of the sublevel stoping method while minimizing reinforcement costs.
In sublevel stoping, ventilation involves the use of access galleries at the limits of the excavation, where air is injected through one and extracted through the other . These galleries help to ensure proper ventilation of the production level where diesel loader equipment (LHD) is used, vital for maintaining air quality and worker safety . Additionally, air flow is redirected towards chimneys or access ramps to ventilate the sublevels, ensuring sufficient air circulation throughout the work area .
