Caving Systems of Mining

THE caving system of mining is that method of removing the ore from an underground body in which the top is first attacked and mined out and the capping, or roof, as the case may be, is allowed to fall in or "cave" and fill the space formerly occupied by the mined ore. It is applicable, generally, to large orebodies where the ore is relatively soft. We may say, within moderate limits, that when ore is removed the surrounding ground either caves in or remains open. For example, in mines like the Lake Superior amygda-loid copper mines, when the lode is removed there is left a void which remains open for many years; on the con-trary, mining a Lake Superior soft hematite ore, however carefully it may be done, always produces a caving of the surrounding rocks. We may say, with propriety, therefore, that the caving system is applicable to that type of ore deposit in which the surrounding rock readily caves. Another factor which governs the use of the caving system is the value of the ore itself. Admittedly, any form of caving will not extract 100 per cent. of the ore, and in the case of a very rich orebody it is often desirable to get out every pound of the ore with as little dilution as possible. Under these conditions, some other method of mining, such as that by square sets and filling, is indicated and should be followed. We may say, however, that, looking at it broadly, in the United States the caving system of mining is generally used for the removal of soft hematite and for the so-called "porphyry" coppers. In both cases this method is used where open-pit mining is not possible.