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Abstract

Over the past few years, caving mining methods have generated increased interest as the number of new near-surface mineral deposits continues to decline. This has promoted an increase in the development of research, generating a better understanding of its processes. Thus, many companies have selected the Block Caving method to allow an open-pit transition to a large scale underground operation. Despite its high initial capital investment and reduced flexibility, caving mining is the only underground method that can offer low operating costs compared to open-pit operations and high production rates, allowing for long-term economies of scale.

 In general, Block Caving is a method that takes advantage of the force of gravity to fragment the rock mass into particles and subsequently mobilize it to the extraction points. Furthermore, a variety of factors such as gravity flow are important to ensure efficient mining production. However, each of these factors is intrinsically related to the geological and geotechnical characteristics of the mineral deposit. Hence, its application becomes a challenge that is not able to replicate without carrying out exhaustive and complex studies that fit into each project.