Geostatistical modelling of rock mass cavability based on laubscher approach in Sechahoon Mine

geomechanical properties of rock mass is a prerequisite for method selection in caving underground mining. Cavability index of rock mass is a key parameter in selecting those methods. , Some practical methods have been presented based on engineering rock mass classifications for the assessment of this index. Laubscher approach based on MRMR and Hydraulic Radius of undercut was one of acceptable methods in cavability assessment. In this study, geomechanical properties of rock mass which are influential on cavability were modeled by geostatistical tools based on surface and under surface data gained. Cavability of rock mass was estimated based on Laubscher approach by a model with 25×25×25 m blocks. Moreover, according to Laubscher Cavability Chart, the required equations were defined to assess this according to the classification of rock mass in mining projects and HR was obtained . in this study, Anomaly XII Sechahoon Mine data was investigated as case study and the associated cavability was estimated by geostatistical modelling. The results for HR=12.5 demonstrate that more than 80% of blocks adequately fall in thecavability condition while the rest of blocks fall in transition condition. Therefore this case study presents suitable cavability since the first step in mining method selection has been suggested for caving underground mining.