The Role of Major Geological Features in the Planning, Development, and Operation of Panel Cave Mines

Given their importance to resource and reserve estimation, major geological features are typically well-defined during the exploration stages of a project. While contact zones and regional to minescale fault systems commonly appear in planning studies, the appropriate integration of such features is more complex; particularly where safety, productivity, and capital allocation are impacted. At PT Freeport Indonesia, several large underground panel caves have experienced both positive and negative outcomes through planned and unplanned interactions with major geological features. Valuable lessons have been learned on characterization, empirical and numerical analyses, mine design, sequencing, preconditioning, and production themes. The role of major geological features in undercut front navigation and cave shaping represents areas of recent focus.