Supported Methods- Square Set

Stoping
Transverse Section through a typical S.S. stope
 Square Set Stoping- Basic framework
• A method of stoping in which the walls and back of the excavation
are supported by a system of interlocking framed timbers (square
set).
• A square set of timber consists of a vertical post and two
horizontal members set at mutually right angles. The mining
process is slow and only enough ore is excavated to provide room
for installation of each successive set of timber.
• The stopes are usually mined out in floors or horizontal panels,
and the sets of each successive floor are framed into the top of
the preceding floor.
• A method of mine timbering in which heavy timbers are framed
together in rectangular sets, 6 to 7 ft (1.83 to 2.13 m) high, and 4
to 6 ft (1.22 to 1.83 m) square, so as to fill in as the orebody is
removed by overhand stoping.
 Square Set Stoping
• Probably the least used of all the mining methods. If no other method of
mining, under the most difficult of geo-mining conditions concerned with
ore as well as host rock, we than explore this most costly method.
• Small blocks of ore are systematically extracted and replaced by ‘Prismatic
skeleton of timber sets’ . These are framed into an integrated support
structure and backfilled floor by floor.
• The method can be operated overhand, underhand, or Breast stoping and
for any size of the ore body.
• For the most extreme od geo-mining conditions Square set, is the ‘method
of last resort’.
• The square sets are assembled in place in the stope area. These are cut to
size and framed on the surface.
• ‘Structural stability’ is ensured to the timber sets by periodic or total
backfilling.
Square Set Timbering
 Sequence of Development
• In view of the very poor ground conditions, we are forced to limit the
development work that is carried out.
• This obviously limits the amount of opening, which must be “held
Intact” during mining.
• Minimum requirements are for a Haulage drift, and crosscut to the
stoping area. Ventilation / supply raises are required for access of
men and material and provision of proper ventilation services.
• If the stope is mined overhand, development commences at the SILL
and progresses upward.
• Generally a floor is mined out before the next one is started.
• If underhand stoping is used, mining begins at the Crown Level.
• The sets are made and placed in such a way that the Axis of the main
members are oriented parallel to the three ( 3 ) Principal stresses in
the earths field.
• Movement / distortion is not tolerated, and Alignment must be
maintained with care and precision. A small failure of one member ,
may result in a catastrophic situation with multilier effect , on the
entire chain of cuboid members.
 Conditions of Applicability
1. Ore Strength: weak to very weak
2. Rock Strength : weak to very weak
3. Deposit Shape: Any shape if suitable ; regular to irregular
4. Deposit Dip: Any dip, preferably greater than 50degrees
5. Deposit Size: Any sizs, but generall of small size and areal extent
6. Ore Grade: High to very High
7. Ore Uniformity : Variable ; sorting of the ore inside the stope is
possible.
8. Depth: Moderate < 2.8km
 Advantages
• 1. It is flexible, versatile, and adaptive to a wide variety of conditions
• 2. It is eminently suitable for the worst of geo-mining conditions when
caving and subsidence are not permitted.
• 3. it is selective for irregular deposits; waste can be sorted and used
as fill or left as pillars.
• 4. Excellent recovery is possible ( almost 100% ) and very low dilution
• 5. Requires very little mechanization ; low capital cost
• 6. Low development cost
 Disadvantages
• 1. Very low productivity ( 0.5 – 2.5 tonnes per employee shift)
• 2. Very low production range ; It is a small scale method
• 3. Highest mining cost ( Relative cost index – 100% )
• 4. Most Labour intensive ; very slow process ;
• 5. requires highly trained labour.
• 6. very high timber requirement
• 7. Possibility of fire hazard - especially in sulphide ore bodies
• 8. very low safety records