Additional resources have been found 1400 m below the surface at San Rafael mine, but deepening underground operations has become challenging. Engineers will have to work with high levels of rock mass stresses in unfavourable geomechanical conditions. The project undertaken by SRK considered the structural geological understanding, the rock mass characterisation and measurements of in-situ stresses to obtain modelling input parameters and calibration. The results include the stope design, rib, sill and crown pillars, the assessment of the mining sequence and recommended support systems for maintaining a safe and profitable operation during the LOM.
