Cave control is of utmost importance in any block-caving underground operation, in order to maximize tonnage and grade extraction by the minimizing dilution and doing this as safely as possible.

In order to achieve the above the use of geochemical parameters are employed by Atlas todate. Rock competencies of the differing rock types involved in caving are studied and different draw rates are applied to certain areas -- 1) to prevent pipings, 2) decrease the incidence of boulders and hang ups in the draw points which would require secondary blasting.

Caving characteristics of the rock which composes the ore body differ from place to place. Based on previous experience certain precautions are instituted in the drawing of a new block with the aim of extracting as much ore from the block as possible.