Cut and Fill Stoping Mining Method

Cut and fill stoping is suited to irregular orebodies with wall rocks that cannot support loads over large stoping heights. Since backfilling adds a step to the mining of each slice of ore, the ore has to have a high enough grade to offset th added cost.

The stope is mined upward from below, in horizontal slices or cuts. Each slice is blasted on to the floor of the stope and the ore is mucked to the stope mill hole, which leads to the chutes in the haulageway below. The mill hole is a vertical opening and is usually lined with steel. Mining a slice leaves a space along the entire length and width of the stope.

Alter the mill hole and manway structures have been extended, the stope is backfilled, leaving enough work space above. Usually the top portion of each new layer of fill is a concrete mix that provides a solid work floor to support heavy equipment. The process is repeated until the level above is reached, or to some predetermined pillar line.

Cut and fill is very flexible. Ore production can be carried out in one part of the stope while the other part is being filled. It also allows miners to selectively mine ore and waste with little dilution. By identifying waste, it can be left behind in the stope as fill. With a competent ore rock and proper support, it is also quite safe.

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