Numeric modelling of blasting and gravity flow in sublevel caving mines

Purpose and goal
The aim with this project is to develop a numerical model to assess both blast-induced fragmentation in a semi-confined situation and the gravity flow characteristics of fragments in sublevel caving (SLC) mines in one numerical model. The specific objectives are to evaluate the effects of blast design on the blast performance and the impact of blasting on gravity flow in SLC mines.

Structure and implementation
The project is subdivided into several parts: 1. Project coordination 2018-03-05 to 2018-09-04. 2. Establishing numerical models 2018-03-05 to 2018-05-04. 3. Selection of field test cases and data preparation 2018-03-05 to 2018-04-04. 4. Calibrating and verifying numerical models 2018-04-05 to 2018-08-04. 5. Proposal for a full-scale innovation project 2018-07-05 to 2018-09-04. 6. Reporting 2018-08-05 to 2018-09-04.

Expected results
The successful completion of this research results in an innovative methodology for assessing blast performance and gravity flow in SLC mines based on numerical models. The numerical model can be used to investigate the effects of different parameters such as the SLC layout, ring design and blast parameters et al. on the blast fragmentation and the gravity flow in SLC mines. The model and the knowledge gained from the project may be applied to optimize blast layout as ring design and blast parameters and ultimately improve SLC performance through a full-scale project.