ABSTRACT
The development of the cable support method in cut and fill and open stope mining in Australia has been reviewed. Various phases of the development are outlined and cable system design concepts at each stage of development have been discussed. The method has been very successful in controlling back stability in cut and fill stopes but a direct transfer of this technology to open stopes did not prevent wall and crown failure. Recent trials with modified cable systems have shown significant improvement in open stope hangingwall and crown stability and some tentative guidelines for cable design in open stopes are suggested.
