block caving
Quick Summary
Block caving is a mining method used for large, steep ore bodies. It involves undercutting sections of the ore body, causing it to cave in. The crushed ore is then recovered through underground tunnels. This method is suitable when the rock will break into manageable fragments and the surface allows for subsidence.12
The process typically involves establishing two development levels: a production level and an undercut level above it. Drifts are driven at the undercut level, and the rock between them is blasted to create a large slot. This removes support, allowing the overlying ore to cave. As ore is drawn from the bottom, the caving progresses upward.2
Sublevel caving is a variation where work occurs on multiple intermediate levels. Blastholes are drilled, and blasting begins at the uppermost sublevel. As ore is removed, material from above caves in, leading to an increase in waste mixed with the ore over time.3
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
