Innovative tools offer guidance in effective ground support design for improved safety and reduced costs in underground mining.
Optimal ground support systems are key to mining safely and economically, however as underground mines operate at greater depth, ground support design becomes more challenging.
A research team led by Professor Yves Potvin at the Australian Centre for Geomechanics has developed a suite of new tools to optimise ground support strategies in industry.
The project successfully developed a series of guidelines and software applications to better understand and provide recommendations on ground support design in conditions prone to rockburst, strainburst and squeezing ground.
The design tools were developed using innovative numerical modelling techniques, empirical correlations based on extensive and high quality site data on ground support failures, and state-of-the art probabilistic methods. The tools have been coded in software enabling immediate implementation by mining engineers to assess and design ground support strategy in response to site specific conditions.
A suite of user-friendly apps are now available via the widely used mXrap platform to conduct the complete ground support design process, starting with geotechnical data collection which feeds into different design analyses. This provides a practical means to develop more effective and lower cost design strategies.
New specifications for shotcrete application also emerged as a key outcome of the research. Advancing previous work in this area, results showed a cavity filling strategy for mine drives demonstrated significantly better results than the uniform thickness approach commonly applied by industry, with the potential to significantly reduce shotcrete consumption and bolt density.
Expected benefits from the combined approaches include improved safety outcomes from reduced risk of rock damage events, and more effective, lower cost ground support which can account for 30 to 40 per cent of the development costs for some underground mines.
MRIWA CEO Nicole Roocke said “as ore grades continue to deplete and increasing demand requires us to mine in more challenging conditions, ensuring the safety of our mine workers is paramount.
“Practical tools such as these are a critical enabler for our industry to maintain its world class reputation as a leading mining jurisdiction, improving safety, costs and efficiency.
“Through MRIWA, the Western Australian Government will continue to support important research such as this that fosters better outcomes for the entire Western Australian community.
Industry participation is strongly encouraged to continue development of these important tools, with data from rockburst events and mines using shotcrete invited to support enhanced design outcomes and further recommendations.
The technical report summarising the research findings can be located here