A method of working an orebody from the top down in successive slices. Instead of taking the full height of the slices, only the lower part is taken and the upper part is caved. After removing this portion of the ore, the cover is caved. A timber mat is used in most cases to separate the broken cover from the ore and for safety. Also known as caving system subdrifting and caving; subslicing; slicing under ore with back cave; sublevel caving; sublevel slicing.