Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

Underhand cut-and-fill mining is an underground extraction method where ore is removed in horizontal slices, progressing from the top downward. After each slice is mined, the resulting void is filled, typically with waste material from mineral processing. This fill material then serves as a stable roof for the subsequent slice. To ensure structural integrity for working beneath the fill, cement is added to it. This method offers flexibility and can be adapted to various ore body shapes and ground conditions.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

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.