Abstract:
The aim of any mine design is to ensure that the excavations remain stable
for the period they will be in use. Various pillar systems are used to ensure
that underground stopes remain stable and that mining activities do not
affect the surface infrastructure through either surface subsidence or
seismicity.
Intermediate-depth platinum mines make use of in-stope pillars
designed to fail while the pillars are being cut at the mining face. The pillar
stress exceeds the loading capacity and the pillars crush as a result.
The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of in-stope crush
pillars. This will include the application, behaviour, function, mechanism,
impact, and design of a crush pillar system.
