Massive mining
Massive mining methods apply mechanised equipment and focus (mostly) on steep dipping (generally > 45 degrees) mineralised material but also cover massive, flat dipping ore bodies. These methods are probably the most widely-used group of underground methods worldwide.
Our clients that apply underground massive mining methods are situated in Southern Africa, Central Africa, Western Africa, Central Asia, Asia, Europe, and the Southern Americas. Depending on the ore body configuration, these mining methods could be applied for the expansion of an existing underground mine, for a greenfield project, or as part of the transition from open pit to underground mining. We specialise in the estimating and design of this point of transition. It is also not uncommon for more than one massive mining method to be applied on a mine, depending on the complexity and variability in the ore body and geotechnical analysis.
Access to the ore body is generally gained through declines, spirals, vertical shafts or a combination thereof. A large range of mining methods and mining method variants exist. This allows for sufficient alternatives to evaluate the most appropriate method(s) to achieve the operational and strategic objectives of each project and client. Some of the most prevalent mining methods include sublevel, longitudinal and transversal open stoping; AVOCA, room and pillar mining; cut and fill mining; and several variants thereof. These methods are further categorised into supported and unsupported methods. Geotechnical support could take the form of various types of backfill, conventional roof support or rock support.