Mining Publication: Rock Mechanics Investigations at the Lucky Friday Mine (In Three Parts): 1. Instrumentation of an Experimental Underhand Longwall Stope

Researchers monitored rock mass response to mining of an experimental underhand longwall stope in Hecla Mining Company's Lucky Friday Mine, Mullan, Idaho. This stope design, the Lucky Friday underhand longwall (LFUL) was proposed as a means of controlling rock bursting while also allowing increased mechanization of mining operations. This study and mining experience suggest that underhand longwall mining could be considered a feasible mining method for rock-burst-prone ground.