stope

Stope is an underground mine excavation from which ore has been removed, creating a void within the ore body. The term describes the hollow space left after extraction, as well as sometimes the ore that is mined during that interval. Stopes are developed between levels or along drifts and are bounded by surrounding rock and ore; they require ground support for stability during and after extraction.

Stopes may be left open or backfilled. Open stoping leaves the void to be stabilized by the surrounding rock and temporary supports, while backfilled stopes are filled with rock fill, cemented paste fill, or tailings to provide immediate or eventual stabilization and to control diluting material.

Common stoping approaches include open stoping (with or without backfill), shrinkage stoping, and caving methods such as sublevel open stoping and sublevel caving. Room-and-pillar mining is related, retaining pillars to support the roof while ore is removed in surrounding areas. Ground control measures—rock bolts, shotcrete, steel sets, or timbering—are employed to maintain stability both during extraction and after backfilling.

Stop geometry and sequencing are designed to maximize ore recovery, minimize dilution, and manage risks such as rockbursts or cave-ins. The term and practice form a core part of underground mining engineering.