Question

A low-grade steep-seated ore body dipping at \(70^\circ\) has a strike length of \(2\ \text{km}\) and width \(100\ \text{m}\). The ore body and wall rocks are weak and fractured. The preferred method of mining is

• A. Shrinkage stoping
• B. Cut-and-fill stoping
• C. Block caving
• D. Room and pillar stoping

Hint:

Block caving is preferred for \[ \boxed{ \text{Large, low-grade, steeply dipping, weak and fractured ore bodies.} } \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Recall the conditions suitable for block caving. Block caving is most suitable for ore bodies that are: \[ \begin{aligned} &\bullet\ \text{Large and massive,} &\bullet\ \text{Steeply dipping,} &\bullet\ \text{Low grade,} &\bullet\ \text{Weak, fractured ore and wall rocks.} \end{aligned} \]

Step 2: Compare with the given data. The given ore body is: \[ 70^\circ \text{ dip},\quad 2\ \text{km strike length},\quad 100\ \text{m width}, \] with weak and fractured ore and wall rocks. These conditions are ideal for \[ \boxed{\text{Block caving}.} \] Therefore, \[ \boxed{(C)} \] is the correct answer.