Breakthrough Research Reveals Drivers of Rock Breakage in Cave Mining

By Dr. Noopur JainReviewed by Laura ThomsonApr 17 2025

In a recent article published in Geosciences, researchers presented research on secondary fragmentation in cave mining environments. Fragmentation assessment is underscored as it directly influences operational efficiencies and economic outcomes.

In cave mining, the generation of coarse rock fragments can obstruct draw points, while the presence of fines may lead to dangerous conditions such as dry inrushes or mud rushes, significantly affecting production rates. The study recognizes the complexity of rock behavior under various stress conditions and aims to analyze critical parameters influencing fragmentation outcomes, enhancing understanding and decision-making for mining operations.​​​​​​​

​​​​Background

The research begins by delineating the three stages of fragmentation relevant to cave mining: in situ fragmentation, primary fragmentation, and secondary fragmentation.

In situ fragmentation describes the natural sizes of rock blocks, while primary fragmentation refers to the initial size reduction caused by stress in the caveback.

Secondary fragmentation entails further size reduction of blocks as they travel downwards toward drawpoints.

The scientific community has previously employed various methodologies, such as Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) modeling and numerical simulation techniques, to understand the mechanics at play during fragmentation events. However, the authors highlight a gap in understanding secondary fragmentation processes, particularly the intricate mechanisms involved in impact and compression-induced breakage.

In exploring how established comminution theories used in mineral processing apply to these phenomena, the authors seek to establish a more scientifically grounded framework for predicting fragmentation and fines generation.

The Current Study

The research utilizes the Discrete Element Method (DEM) to simulate secondary fragmentation characteristics under different conditions. The authors do not aim to create a predictive tool for drawing point fragmentation but strive to comprehend the underlying mechanisms that influence fragmentation outcomes.

The study examines critical parameters, including tensile strength, damping coefficients, and micro-defects, which have been identified as influential factors in fragmentation processes. By conducting simulations incorporating these parameters, the authors effectively bridge the gap between theoretical comminution models and real-world conditions in cave mining. The simulations focus on impact breakage and compression-induced breakage, allowing for the examination of how variations in material properties impact the extent of fragmentation.

Results and Discussion

Findings from the simulations reveal a concave-up exponential relationship between the percentage mass passing at 1/10th of the original size (t10) and kinetic energy, providing crucial insights into secondary fragmentation behavior.

The simulation results indicate that tensile failure is the predominant mechanism governing fragmentation, particularly under conditions of high energy input. The analysis demonstrates that reduced tensile strength and increased micro-defect density correlate with a higher degree of fragmentation during impact breakage, confirming the hypothesis regarding the significance of these parameters.

The authors also highlight that traditional models derived from laboratory studies often underestimate fragmentation in field conditions due to their reliance on concave-down t10-energy relationships.

In the case of compression-induced breakage, findings illustrate the critical role of vertical displacement in influencing fragmentation patterns.

Rock blocks exhibiting lower tensile strengths proved more susceptible to fragmentation under compressive forces, emphasizing the need for mining operations to consider material properties carefully.

The results of this study advocate for re-evaluating existing empirical models used in predicting secondary fragmentation, as they may not capture the complexities of rock behavior observed in the simulations. The research contributes valuable insights that could lead to refinements in assessment methodologies and improve operational strategies, aiming to reduce fragmentation-related risks and optimize economic outcomes in mining operations.

Conclusion

The study reiterates the importance of understanding secondary fragmentation characteristics in cave mining. The authors establish a robust foundation for further research in this domain through a comprehensive critical review of existing fragmentation assessment tools and the investigation of impact and compression-induced fragmentation processes via DEM simulations.

The research underscores the significance of material properties, particularly tensile strength and defect densities, in affecting fragmentation outcomes.

The study also provides a clear perspective on the limitations of traditional empirical methods that often fail to account for the complex interactions associated with rock behavior in mining environments.

The study opens the door for applying comminution theory, initially developed for mineral processing, to enhance fragmentation analysis in cave mining.

It calls for refining current empirical models and developing more scientifically grounded methodologies to address the complexities of mining operations.

Ultimately, the results of this investigation lay the groundwork for improved prediction and management of fines generation, advancing both safety and efficiency in cave mining practices.