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eISSN: 2083-5906
ISSN: 1230-1485
ISSN: 1230-1485
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Numerical Simulation and Prediction Study
of Surface Subsidence Induced by Underground
Mining at Pulang Copper Mine
1
Yunnan Diqing Nonferrous Metal Co., Ltd., Shangri-La 674400, Yunnan, China
2
China Nonferrous Metal Industry Kunming Exploration and Design Research Institute Co., Ltd,
Shangri-La 674400, Yunnan, China
3
School of Geosciences and Info-physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, China
Submission date: 2025-08-15
Final revision date: 2025-11-21
Acceptance date: 2025-12-29
Online publication date: 2026-05-14
Corresponding author
Guangyin Lu
School of Geosciences and Info-physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, China
School of Geosciences and Info-physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan, China
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Ground subsidence and surface collapse induced by underground mining have long been central
concerns in rock mechanics and mining engineering. Such failures disrupt stratigraphic integrity and
pose severe threats to local ecosystems and the lives and property of mine personnel. This study,
focusing on the Pulang Copper Mine in Yunnan Province, employs a three-dimensional numerical
modelling approach to investigate surface deformation resulting from block-caving operations.
A high-resolution 3D geological model was constructed to elucidate the mechanisms driving ground
movement, particularly emphasising the collapse evolution above the southern mining district following
extraction in the initial caving panel. Simulation results indicate that continued mining in the district’s
south progressively enlarges the overlying subsidence basin. Comparison of simulated displacements
and collapse extents with field measurements confirms the reliability of the calibrated model. Based on
this, we forecast potential surface collapse zones associated with future mining schedules, providing
quantitative guidance for mine safety management and environmental protection.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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| eISSN: | 2083-5906 |
| ISSN: | 1230-1485 |
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