instrumental in avoiding pitfalls (such as incompatible materials or scheduling conflicts) that could have undermined the effort. Inmaculada Mine now benefits from a cycle time reduction that can translate into reaching ore zones sooner and potentially extending the mine’s economic life through faster development of reserves. The safety improvements (immediate support, less exposure to unsupported ground) and reduced material waste further strengthen the case for ICS beyond just productivity. While each mine will have unique conditions, the lessons learned here are broadly applicable: early engagement with stakeholders, rigorous testing, and training, and a focus on compatibility and quality are keys to successfully deploying incycle shotcrete. Future work will continue to monitor the long-term performance of the shotcreted development headings (e.g., durability of the liner over years of service) and explore refinements like automation and smart controls to make the ICS process even more efficient. Overall, this case study contributes to the industry’s understanding of how to build faster, smarter, and more responsible mining operations, echoing the World Mining Congress 2026 theme. By pushing the boundaries of ground support timing and technology, mines like Inmaculada demonstrate that significant gains in efficiency are achievable. In-cycle shotcrete, when done in a technically sound manner, emerges as a valuable tool in the quest for safer and more productive underground mining. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors can express their appreciation or acknowledge the support and help they received for their work.
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