Sublevel Shrinkage (SLSh) Mining—A State-of-the-art Review

Abstract Sublevel shrinkage (SLSh) is an underground mining method similar to sublevel caving (SLC) but with continuous backfilling from the top. It features a top-down sequence production drifts orientated in longitudinal or transverse way orebody. Fan drilling and blasting done drifts, where ore then drawn. While drawing, backfill introduced at top flows down by gravity, which supports walls prevents caving. In this contribution, state-of-the-art literature review performed using various sources. Four case studies show that SLSh could be viable alternative for stoping (e.g. open “SLOS” longhole “LHOS”) SLC steeply dipping, moderately thick, tabular deposits. can applied must prevented caveability of hangingwall rock mass not provided due properties geometry deposit. also proved SLOS LHOS when only small stope sizes would possible geotechnical constraints. Critical points are dilution handling infrastructure have high capacity. Stability very important monitored closely. Open application massive deposits supply mines production.