Optimization of the parameters of sublevel caving method on the example of the Sasa Mine

The sublevel method of caving of the ore and wallrocks in the Sasa Mine has been used since the mine was put into operation. It is used mainly for excavation of ore bodies whose hanging wallrocks (schists) are prone to caving. Experimental studies were carried out on equivalent materials for the determination of optimal parameters of sublevel caving (Swedish variant). The experiments lasted for quite some time and demanded a good amount of funds. The paper suggests a method for optimization of geometric parameters in sublevel caving with mathematical modeling and computer application as a more efficient approach compared with the one mentioned before.