Abstract

The optimal dimensions of stopes for underground mining using the Sublevel Stoping method are determined to guarantee the stability of the excavation. The graphical stability method developed by Mathews, later modified by different authors, is used as an analysis tool to achieve this objective. The stability graph plots the hydraulic radius of the stope wall against its stability number N. In this context, the MineRoc® software is used to perform the back analysis of overbreak of stopes walls exploited through Sublevel Stoping in Chile. A database of over 600 cases is developed, including Chilean geological, geotechnical, and operational conditions. This Chilean database is compared with literature databases, such as those of Mawdesley and Clark. Based on the comparison of databases, the scope of applicability of literature curves as design guidelines for sublevel stoping in Chile is established. Possible improvements to the empirical method to better reflect the conditions of Chilean mines are discussed.