ABSTRACT
The approach of ore discharge from blocks simulation is described. It is proposed to simulate the sublevel caving operations of ore gravitational discharge from blocks using Discrete Element Method (DEM) numerical modelling. The two types of particles representing ore and waste ore of certain size distribution and friction interaction parameters are used. The calibration methodology of ore particles friction coefficients using real-scale and laboratory scale measurements is proposed. The shapes of the real ore particles are approximated to polygonal regular DEM particles. The ability of DEM numerical modeling software to visualize 3D ore flow in time is demonstrated. The ore dilution is simulated to predict the time when ore discharge has to be stopped.
