Investigation of the Deformation Failure Occurring When Extracting Minerals via Underground Mining: A Case Study

Metal mines mined using the sublevel caving method often exhibit various environmental problems on ground surface. This can affect safety of production process in mining area. A numerical model Universal Distinct Element Code has been established to investigate deformation failure giving rise this underground mining. The calculations are combined with in-situ monitoring data collected over a period 10 years. results indicate that strata movement footwall be divided into two stages: an arch development stage and post stage. Mining disturbance is main cause overlying experience ‘caving–stability–caving’, leading formation ‘arch-shaped’ pattern. In stage, flexural-toppling occurs direction collapse pit due tectonic stress present high dip angles discontinuities. Through-going surface analyzed by studying plastic state displacement elements. through-going related concentration caused activities. Based different mechanisms, efficient partition proposed such stable zone, compression slipping-toppling shear-slipping zone. useful reference when applied Chengchao Iron Mine other similar metal mines.