Open Stope Mining Method

It is a method of ore mining that divides the ore block into an ore room and a pillar during the mining process. The stope is mined in two steps. It exists in an open way and mainly relies on the strength of ore and the pillar support capacity to maintain the stability of the stope, also called the natural support mining method. This method can also use other artificial supports (wood pillars, stone stacks, etc.) or mined ore to assist or temporarily support the surrounding rock on the roof of the mined-out area. After mining the ore room, the pillars should be recycled and the mined-out areas be treated in time. Generally, they can be operated at the same time.

The open stope mining method is the earliest and most widely used in China, and it is also the most technologically mature. With the development of deep-hole drilling and blasting technology and the use of trackless mining equipment, various high-efficiency deep-hole open stope mining methods have emerged. According to the...