ABSTRACT
Stope stability is a key factor for the success of a mining operation. To optimise ore
productivity while maintaining stope stability, the mining block/stope must be extracted
in stages. Ore dilution will occur if the stope is not properly excavated/blasted. This study
examines stope stability during mining in three stages, where the height of each stage
stope is 10 m. The paper also presents simulation analysis of a typical steeply dipping
tabular orebody at 1200 m depth below the surface, which is common in many Canadian
underground hard rock mines. Numerical modelling analysis was conducted using the finite
element program, RS2D, where the non-linear elasto-plastic Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion
was adopted. The rock reinforcement system (i.e. cable bolts) was modelled/installed in the
stope footwall after each mining stage to strengthen access drifts and stabilise the rock
mass around the stope that was disturbed by mining activity. Results are discussed in terms
of depth of failure zones, total deformation and axial forces in cable bolts with respect to
mining stage.