Determination of induced stress condition inside Pilar Norte sector

Abstract

Pilar Norte is a new productive sector situated between the Esmeralda and Reservas Norte sectors, forming a pillar between the undercut fronts of these two adjacent mining sectors. Undercutting of the Pilar Norte panel cave started in August 2009 and production commenced in June 2010. A large stress variation is expected due to the pillar geometry; three‐dimensional elastic models are being used to understand the stress conditions throughout the pillar and to assist in forecasting possible geotechnical scenarios during production. This paper provides a methodology to calibrate and validate the model in comparison with measured stresses and observations made in the field. In addition, an application of the model to compare with seismicity experienced is presented.