This paper describes a focus of work presently being conducted at the Rock Mechanics Research Group at the University of British Columbia. The underhand method under consolidated fill ensures a high recovery under an engineered back that is comprised of cemented rock fill and/or cemented paste fill. This method of mining has been employed successfully in mines throughout North America as a method of mitigating exposure to the operator having to work under a seismically active back . This paper reviews design methodology in the placement and analysis of sill mats with reference to site observation coupled with on going numerical and analytically derived solutions.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health