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Underground mine stability

Life-of-mine simulations were performed with 3DEC for the Pyhäsalmi underground mine. The bulk open stoping mine is located in central Finland approximately 450km north of Helsinki. The mine extends to a depth of ca. 1.4km and is a copper, zinc and pyrite mine. The simulations studied the rock mechanical effects of planned stoping sequences with models calibrated at intervals to reflect observations. Simulations were strain-softening friction-hardening continuum models, although the ore-waste rock contact was modelled as a discontinuity. High horizontal stresses dominate with the maximum horizontal stress exceeding 65 MPa at a depth of ca. 1.1km.