14 Stability prediction for the Zinkgruvan Mine, Central Sweden

The geomechanics of the Zinkgruvan Mine are presented. A new approach for performing rock stress measurements in open stopes and drifts was tested. An elastic FEM model and strain failure criteria were applied to predict the future condition of the mine. Limits of the strain failure criteria were based on strain values obtained from the model, observations of rock falls, and major failures in the mine. These limits were used to assess suitable panel height, sill pillar dimensions, and sequence delays for mining parallel ore bodies.

• INTRODUCTION

• CUT AND FILL MINING IN ZINKGRUVAN

• GEOMECHANICS OF THE ZINKGRUVAN MINE

• METHOD OF PREDICTION OF FUTURE MINING

• FINITE ELEMENT MODELS OF THE ZINKGRUVAN MINE

• PREDICTION OF MINE STABILITY

• DISCUSSION

• CONCLUSIONS

• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

• REFERENCES