Some of the major challenges of mining at great depths or under high extraction ratios are related to the high levels of ground stress brought about by these situations. These high-stress levels can, in turn, lead to the rupture and collapse of the rock mass surrounding the mining excavations. These collapses, when sudden and violent, can have severe consequences and probably represent the highest degree of geo-mechanical risk in terms of underground personnel exposure, erratic and unpredictable production, ground rehabilitation requirements, possible reserve losses and increased overall mining costs.
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