Discrete element method study on the percolation process of fine particles in ore drawing by the block caving method

To explore the percolation regulation and inducement of waste fine particles in ore drawing by the block caving method, a simulation is undertaken by using discrete element method software EDEM. This simulation contains coarse-to-fine particle amount ratio, diameter ratio and moisture content, and sets marker particles in different regions to trace the migration of adjacent coarse and fine particles. The results indicate that the ore-drawing advance dilution rate decreases with increasing coarse-to-fine particle amount ratio. The percolation rate of waste fine particles increases with increasing diameter ratio and is significantly affected by moisture content. Moreover, the percolation rate of fine particles is greater than the decline rate of adjacent coarse particles. The results provide a theoretical support for further studying and discussing the ore loss and dilution, determining the stope structure parameters and optimizing the ore drawing management system.