This stoping method, along with its variations of sublevel stoping, vertical crater retreat (VCR) or end slicing, is especially suitable for ore bodies with the following characteristics:
- The rock in the ore bodies and in the host ground is reasonably competent.
- The ore zones have relatively large horizontal and vertical dimensions.
- The number and size of barren or waste zones within the ore body is minimal.
When conditions are favourable for blasthole stoping, this method will produce reasonably low mining costs because it can be highly mechanised and result in good productivity per employee.
Large diameter blastholes combined with modern diesel-powered load hauldump (LHD) equipment can usually be used to good advantage when this stoping method is employed. However, close supervision is required and an effective preventative maintenance programme must be enforced.
