Comparative analysis of discrete fracture network models derived from borehole versus shaft scale discontinuity data for improved mine optimization and risk minimization

随着对矿产资源的需求不断增加，加上近地表矿床的枯竭，许多采矿作业正在计划从地表过渡到地下大规模开采，以便开采更深的资源。正在考虑的方法（块/板崩落法）由于其有利的经济性、高吨位和安全性而得到推广。然而，这些方法需要大量的地下开发，因此在生产和收入产生之前需要大量的资本投资。鉴于从更深处获取数据的成本更高，挑战更大，这些项目的可行性将基于更有限的数据，在预期的岩体条件和采矿反应方面带来很大的不确定性和地质风险。这些将挑战行业的集体经验，提出问题，目前的知识和设计方法是否足够。 为了应对这些挑战，位于萨德伯里的采矿创新卓越中心（CEMI）提供了研究资金，以研究预测不同规模和深度开采岩石地质力学特征的改进方法。这项研究将检查岩石中存在的天然裂缝对岩体行为和深度强度的影响，以帮助矿山设计，矿山优化和风险最小化。鉴于加拿大许多大型矿藏所在的北方地区的生态敏感性，可持续采矿做法是一个关键的优先事项，即最大限度地和最佳地开采深层矿产资源，同时减少不利影响和尽量减少风险。这项研究的成果完成后，将大大提高加拿大在深部采矿和块体崩落方面的知识和专门知识。将提供给研究生的培训将使他们具备独特的学习经验和实用技能，这些技能在采矿业中需求很高，对加拿大未来的自然资源开发需求具有战略重要性。

With ever-increasing demand for mineral resources coupled with the depletion of near-surface deposits, numerous mining operations are making plans to transition from surface to underground mass mining in order to mine deeper resources. The methods being considered (block/panel caving), are being promoted due to their favourable economics, high tonnages and safety. However, these methods require significant underground development upfront, and therefore major capital investment before production and revenue can be generated. Given the higher costs and increased challenges of acquiring data from greater depths, the feasibility of these projects will be based on more limited data, introducing significant uncertainty and geo-risk with respect to the expected rock mass conditions and response to mining. These will challenge the industry's collective experience, raising questions as to whether present knowledge and design methodologies are sufficient. To address these challenges, the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI), based in Sudbury, have provided research funding to investigate improved means to forecast the geomechanical characteristics of the rock being mined across different scales and depths. This research will examine the influence of natural fractures present in the rock on rock mass behaviour and strength at depth to aid mine design, mine optimization and risk minimization. Given the ecological sensitivity of the northern regions where many of Canada's large mineral deposits are located, sustainable mining practices are a key priority - i.e. maximizing and optimizing the mining of deep mineral resources, while reducing adverse effects and minimizing risk. Upon completion, the results of this research will significantly enhance Canada's body of knowledge and expertise in deep mining and block caving. The training that will be provided to graduate students will equip them with unique learning experiences and practical skill sets that are in high demand in the mining industry and are of strategic importance for Canada's future natural resource development needs.