Evaluation of Stoping Parameters through Instrumentation and Numerical Modelling in Manganese Mine in India: A Case Study

This paper deals with the study of stoping parameters vis-à-vis rock mass behavior in an underground manganese mine situated in central India. Strain bars are installed at various locations in the mine as part of rock mechanics instrumentation programme to monitor rock mass movement. The effect of change in stope height from 30 to 45 m with varying stope widths up to 20 m is evaluated through empirical approaches and numerical modeling. The instrumentation monitoring data is analyzed and results are corroborated with those from empirical and numerical modeling approaches. It is observed that an increase in stope height from 30 to 45 m do not adversely affect the stability of stope, cross-cuts and haulage roadway at this mine.