A copper ore body is located at a depth of and occurs as a vein with a steep dip. Which mining method is most appropriate for extracting this ore?
Answer
Cut‑and‑fill stoping
The correct answer is Cut‑and‑fill stoping — Select "Cut‑and‑fill stoping" as the most appropriate method.
Step-by-step solution
- Note that the ore is at a considerable depth (800 m) and is steeply dipping, making surface methods unsuitable.
- Recognize that block caving is best for massive, relatively flat ore bodies, not for steep veins.
- Identify cut‑and‑fill stoping as an underground method suitable for steeply dipping, high‑grade vein deposits where selective extraction is required.
- Select "Cut‑and‑fill stoping" as the most appropriate method.
Common mistake: Choosing block caving because of the depth, ignoring the vein geometry that requires a more selective method.
Concept tested: Selection of underground mining method for steep veins
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