Summary

This paper describes a multi-scale approach used to study the Cuiaba Mine in Brazil. In such approach, a three-dimensional mine-scale or global model is used to model the mine behaviour through its entire Life of Mine. Sub-models, with finer meshes sub-models used to target specific areas. The boundaries of the sub-models are controlled by the mine-scale model to ensure compatibility of displacements and stress between the different scales. The results illustrate how such an approach is capable of representing the observed mine behaviour, including falls of ground observed during operation. In addition, it is also discussed how the results of such an approach can be used in mine planning with significant potential savings arising from the avoidance of high stress zones or zones of significant rock damage.

Keywords:
displacement, assessment, mining sequence, compatibility, metals & mining, Simulation, mesh, pillar, element size, mine-scale model
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2014. CBMR/ABMS and the International Society for Rock Mechanics
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