Industry Survey on the Current State of Stope Design Methods in the Underground Mining Sector

Stope design is a core discipline within mining engineering. This study analyzes the current state-of-the-art of stope through survey addressed to industry professionals. In research dominance empirical methods has slowly shifted towards numerical methods. Recent advancements have mostly focused on development optimization algorithms. The consisted 19 questions and was distributed experts via email, LinkedIn messages, Mining Industry Professionals network forum. total, 36 responses satisfying quality from 20 countries were received analyzed. No single method recognized. Empirical personal expertise are still used widely. However, readiness for change in practice indicated 87% responses. needs stoping-based underground sector increase amount geotechnical data, automate implement related software, integrate these into general mine planning. According 70% participants, acquired data should be available three days employed practice. ready more efficient if they offer results proven case studies.