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A new insert drawing technique for controlling ore loss and dilution during sublevel caving
Xiaojing Meng1, Tao Long1, Xinyu Shi1
1School of Resource and Environment and Safety Engineering, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
The new insert drawing method (IDM) significantly reduces ore loss and dilution in sublevel caving (SLC) mining. This technique improves ore recovery rates by controlling ore-rock interaction and waste rock funnel movement during extraction.
Area of Science:
- Mining Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Mineral Processing
Background:
- Sublevel caving (SLC) is a cost-effective underground mining method with high production rates.
- Existing SLC research focuses on draw body shape and stope parameters, neglecting waste rock flow and ore-rock contact control.
- High ore loss and dilution remain significant challenges in SLC operations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the causes of ore loss and dilution in SLC.
- To investigate the formation mechanism of waste rock funnels.
- To propose and validate a novel method, the insert drawing method (IDM), for reducing ore loss and dilution.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of waste rock funnel formation and ore-rock contact dynamics.
- Development of the insert drawing method (IDM) to actively control ore-rock interaction near drawpoints.
- Comparative experimental validation of IDM against the traditional cut-off grade drawing method (COGDM).
Main Results:
- IDM effectively controls ore-rock contact, enhancing ore flow velocity and recovery.
- IDM delays waste rock dilution entry by managing the waste rock funnel, reducing dilution.
- IDM achieved a 10.96% higher ore recovery for massive orebodies and 15.68-30.88% for steeply inclined orebodies compared to COGDM.
Conclusions:
- The insert drawing method (IDM) is a viable technique for mitigating ore loss and dilution in sublevel caving.
- IDM offers significant improvements in ore recovery rates across different orebody types.
- IDM shows potential for widespread adoption in SLC mines to enhance operational efficiency and resource utilization.
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