Abstract: The invention relates to a new, generally applicable method for opening mineral deposits for prospection purposes and for subsequent mining, where necessary ramp systems, drifts or tunnels (developments), which previously were laid in dead rock, now entirely or substantially entirely are laid in the ore. The method further renders it possible, that the deposit can be pre-developed, i.e. that within the deposit different ore grades such as ore types and/or contents are exposed and made immediately and continuously accessible in such a manner, that the subsequent mining at every given occasion can be adjusted and controlled in the desired direction, whereby an adjustment to the market outlook can be made which is at optimum under the prevailing business situation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of underground mining mineral or preparation of rock cavities, in which method resulting hollow spaces can be refilled entirely or partially with temporarily stabilizing ice. The hollow space resulting from the mining is prepared in a first step for ice filling in that the geothermal heat content in the walls of the hollow space partially is removed, so that the walls assume a temperature below 0.degree. C. In a second step water is supplied, possibly together with a reinforcing additive, in layers and intermittently to the hollow space while the supplied water together with the possibly added reinforcing agent is being cooled and frozen. In a third step the frozen ice body is maintained by removing the constantly inflowing geothermal energy during a time period deemed necessary for achieving the object. The cooling preferably is effected by artificially cooled air.