First Experience Gained in the Use of Longwall Caving for Copper Shale Mining.

Starting from a brief evaluation of the actual state of mechanization of stoping attained in the last few years, the necessary preconditions for the testing of longwall caving are pointed out. The experience gained in 6 longwall caving operations is related. After a brief consideration of caving parameters, equipment, organization, of work, etc. , an economic evaluation of this technique is made.