Mining Publication: In Situ Stress at the Lucky Friday Mine (In Four Parts): 3. Reanalysis of Overcore Measurements from the Star Mine

U.S. Bureau of Mines researchers reviewed an in situ stress estimate developed from measurements of overcore strain taken at test sites on the 7300 and 7500 levels of the Star Mine near Mullan, Idaho. Although the field measurements of overcoring strain were found to be useful, significant deficiencies were found in the stress estimation procedure. A new stress estimate was developed incorporating statistical methods and an improved understanding of stress concentration factors for interpreting overcore strains recorded by doorstopper cells. Spatial variability of overcore strains and the implications for stress field variability were explored.