Investigating the underground mining method of Etibakir CO. Küre copper mine technically and economically

In mining, especially in underground mining the selection of production method is of great importance. The abundance of variables in underground mining necessitates that the decision-makers should be experienced and consider all factors together.The objective of this Ph.D. dissertation is to select the proper underground mining method, which is compatible with the exploitation conditions at Etibakır Inc. Küre Copper mine, keeping work safety at a high level and taking into account the technical and economical factors. For this purpose, information about the exploitation of the copper mine was given and then the most convenient production methods that would be applied at the minesite were determined. As a result of preliminary assessment, longhole stoping with post backfilling and sublevel stoping methods proved to be the leading methods.In this study, longhole stoping with post backfilling and sublevel stoping methods were compared with each other (development, drilling and blasting costs) in terms of technical and economical considerations. As a result of these comparisons, longhole stoping with post backfilling happened to be more suitable for the underground mine in Küre Aşıköy. The stability of the longhole stoping with post backfilling method from the aspect of rock mechanics was also analysed.The aim of the study is to make the selection of the underground mining method that would maximize the work safety, production efficiency and added value with the least possible investment. As a consequence of the studies, the most suitable production method at Etibakır Inc. Küre copper mine was found as the longhole stoping with post backfilling.