This paper presents an optimisation loop that looked to improve how Newmont's Tanami Operations (NTO) determines its required stable stope strengths. In order to do this, a comparison exercise was completed, in which NTO's current stability assessment method was compared to other popular assessment methods ranging from analytical to numerical methods. From this comparison, it was decided to proceed with a different stability assessment method that uses shear stress reduction. The paper then presents how the use of this method was implemented and presents three case studies on how the new stability assessment method has benefited NTO.
The use of cemented paste backfill (CPB) is becoming increasingly more common at underground mines worldwide. Part of any CPB design includes the specification of the (typically) shotcrete barricades that retain the CPB within the stope during filling. Newmont's Tanami Operations (NTO) has started an in situ barricade stress monitoring program. The data from this program will provide a basis for comparison of several models that can be used to model the capacity of these barricades. These models vary in complexity from analytical solutions to 3D numerical models. Part of the comparison will include a discussion detailing the required material inputs and how these inputs were obtained. Analysis of this comparison will provide additional understanding on what parameters affect the ultimate capacity of a shotcrete barricade.
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