Transition from surface to underground mining: integrated characterization, monitoring and modeling of rock mass response and its impact on surface structures

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With ever-increasing global demand for mineral resources, resource-rich countries like Canada are moving towards developing and mining deeper, more complex and lower grade ore bodies. As a result, numerous Canadian mining operations are considering switching from surface to mass underground mining methods in order to mine these deeper resources once pit lives come to an end. However, the body of practical knowledge related to the impacts these mass mining methods have on the surface environment in terms of induced differential strains, surface subsidence, triggering of slope failures, etc., is limited, imposing both economic risks to the mine and safety risks to mine personnel. Given the ecological sensitivity of the northern regions of Canada, sustainable mining practices are a key priority - i.e. maximizing mining of the resources, while reducing adverse effects. To address such issues, industry funding has been obtained to investigate the use of advanced numerical modelling methods in helping to predict mining-induced surface subsidence. The objective is to rigorously test these methods and develop a working strategy through studies of existing mining operations in preparation for future moves underground. Building on this, matching NSERC-CRD funds will be used to work towards integrating sophisticated numerical methods with advanced geotechnical instrumentation systems and rock mass characterization databases to improve our knowledge of surface responses to underground mass mining processes and its contribution to safe and economic mining. The key objectives of the CRD will focus on mining-induced differential strains, and in particular the effects of small strain (<1 %), on the destabilization of open pit, engineered and natural slopes. Recent research findings highlight the relevance, importance and necessity for further work on this subject.