Evaluation of mining-induced energy and rockburst prediction at a diamond mine in Canada using a full 3D elastoplastic finite element model

Rockburst occurs when a volume of rock is strained beyond its elastic limit. This type of failure is violent and instantaneous. Its occurrence is a major concern for the safety of underground personnel. This paper reviews the current methods of rockburst prediction; then, a methodology is proposed to assess the extent and magnitude of the mining-induced strain energy and its accumulation in a rock mass to predict the rockburst potentials in an underground mine. Both conventional and numerical methods have been combined to estimate the rockburst potentials in a real case study mine. A case study of Canadian diamond mine has been used to implement the proposed methodology. Site investigations have been conducted by traveling several times to the mine site and gathering essential data such as in-situ stress states, mining methods, the geometry of underground openings, mining and stoping sequences and rock mass classification. Kimberlite samples from both pipes have been collected for rock mechanics laboratory tests. Finally, using the results of the numerical model, two rockburst criteria (T, and BPI) have been used to assess the rockburst tendency in the understudy domain. Utilizing the proposed methodology, potentially hazardous areas can be identified.