Understanding of rock fracture processes in deep gold mines using physical and numerical models

Considerable fracturing occurs around the deep mine stopes because of the mining induced stresses superimposed on the high overburden stresses encountered at these depths. The frequency and orientation of fracturing is largely affected by the presence of geological structures, as well as the stope layout and mining configurations. Being able to accurately predict the effect of these interfaces and mining configurations would greatly assist in designing less dangerous stoping layouts and support systems which could in turn drastically reduce the hazards associated with rock falls and rock bursts.