Back-analysis of PC1 cave propagation and subsidence behaviour at the Cadia East mine

Based on the successful initiation and breakthrough to surface of the PC1 cave at Cadia East, a back-analysis of the performance was conducted to confirm design parameters to optimise the future draw strategy. A mine-scale numerical model was developed to calibrate the existing caving and subsidence behaviour associated with the initiation of PC1 and development of the crater. The successful calibration of historical conditions has provided significant confidence in the caving and subsidence predictions associated with future draw strategies. It has also validated a methodology to simulate the effects of preconditioning in large-scale models