Underground Mine Backfilling Transition in Sukinda, Odisha: Present and Future

Mine back filling is an integral part of overall mining operation. This paper highlights the progress of underground mine back filling practices in Sukinda region, Odisha. Initially underground stope backfilling started with sand based cemented hydraulic backfilling. Slowly, the transition to other backfill material has also being done. Mine overburden, bottom ash and slag are few of the options of alternate backfill materials that can be used for underground stope filling. This study elaborates the results of strength development and water drainage characteristics of cemented hydraulic backfill prepared with sand /bottom ash. This study also highlights a future roadmap towards application of modern day paste backfill technology in underground mines of Sukinda region, Odisha.