Which of the following methods involves artificially collapsing ore to extract it?

Solution (By Examveda Team)

Block Caving is the correct answer.

First, let's define Block Caving. Block caving is a bulk mining method used to extract large, relatively low-grade orebodies. It involves creating an undercut in the orebody, then intentionally inducing a controlled collapse of the ore to facilitate extraction from the bottom.

The process involves undercutting a large block of ore, usually from several levels, creating a void. The weight of the overlying ore then causes it to fracture and collapse into this void. The broken ore is then drawn off through draw points at the bottom of the caved block.

Now let's look at why the other options are incorrect:

Option A: Sublevel Stoping: Sublevel stoping involves mining ore in horizontal slices from multiple levels. The ore is broken using blasting and then removed. It does not involve artificially collapsing an entire orebody.

Option B: Cut and Fill: Cut and fill is a method where ore is extracted in slices. As each slice is mined, the void is filled with waste material (the "fill"). This is a controlled mining method that does not involve collapsing the ore.

Option D: Shrinkage Stoping: Shrinkage stoping is a method where ore is broken and then some of the broken ore is removed, leaving space for more ore to be broken. This space "shrinks" as more ore is removed. This also does not involve the artificial collapse of a large block of ore.

In summary, only block caving relies on the intentional and controlled collapse of a large orebody as the primary means of extraction.