Abstract

Block/panel caving mining is a massive underground method, in which an ore column of broken rock is generate above the production level, as the cave propagates upwards through the ore body. ,As reserves deplete from near surface, the next generation of block caves will be carried out in deeper condition than currently known, with large column heights and therefore higher vertical stresses. There are unknowns related to the flow characteristics that deeper caves would face. The aim of this study is to quantify the impact of large vertical pressure on the flow-ability of fragmented rock. For this reason, experiments representing the stress and geometry conditions of deep caves were conducted under a range of vertical pressures, materials and humidity conditions. The results indicate that the flow-ability of caved rock depends on the vertical stresses, fines content and humidity conditions.