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By S. C. Sethi

The WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant) Project near Carlsbad, New Mexico, is a research and development project sponsored by U.S. Department of Energy, designed to demonstrate the safe containment for disposal of radioactive waste. A mine (repository) is currently being developed 2150 feet below the surface, in a thick salt bed which will serve as the disposal medium. Provision of a proper ventilation system at the WIPP Project is a major priority of those responsible for its design, management, and operations. As an ongoing effort towards this goal, it was decided to simulate the mine's ventilation system using Dravo's MINEVENT computer program. Specifically, the work included the development of the following simulation models: 1. Simulation of the current ventilation system 2. Simulation of the designed ventilation system for the following modes: o Mine Construction mode/shift o Waste storage mode/shift o Fire or exhaust filtration mode These computer models are useful in solving complex ventilation problems likely to be encountered in an R&D project, like WIPP. They are particularly helpful for the development of contingency plans to incorporate during emergency situations, such as fires, fan stop- pages, radiation leaks, etc. Also, they can be utilized when considering expanding certain underground areas to ensure the availability of adequate ventilation.

Jan 1, 1986

By E. V. Cilento, R. C. Laotz, K. A. DiGregorio

"PULMONARY ALVEOLAR macrophages (PAM) protect the lungs by providing a first line of defense against inhaled foreign debris and bacteria. In this role PAM phagocytize foreign matter, secrete enzymes that augment microbial killing and digestion, and produce reactive oxygen me-tabolites (2, 3, 18, 19, 22, 26). However, in addition to this antibacterial function, PAM participate in a diversity of functions, such as tissue repair, lipoprotein metabolism, and immunoregulatory activities (11, 22).Studies have suggested the existence of a heterogeneous population of PAM with respect to immunologic function, enzyme release, phagocytosis, morphological characteristics, expression of membrane receptors, ad-herence, and superoxide (O2•) release (4-7, 10, 16, 21, 23, 28). This heterogeneity has been observed by analyz¬ing subfractions of PAM separated by cell density frac-tionation. For example, using guinea pig PAM, Dauber et al. (7) showed heterogeneity in cell density and size, morphological characteristics, and cytochemical properties, whereas Holian and co-workers (16) reported variations in migration, chemotaxis, O2• release, and pinocytosis among subfractions collected. Similarly, O'Neill et al. (21) observed functional heterogeneity in rat PAM with regard to phagocytosis, O2 • release, and lysosomal enzyme activity.Several investigations have reported a correlation between PAM activity and cell volume. Most studies have shown that O2 release from PAM increased with decreasing cell size (15, 21, 25), although Bielefeldt Ohmann and Babiuk (4) reported a decreasing trend. However, Gallin (13) has suggested that significant variability may even exist within density-defined or cell-volume subfractions that could lead to misinterpretation of results concerning PAM heterogeneity.A better understanding of the heterogeneity in O2 production may be obtained by using single cell meas-urements to evaluate whether functionally distinct sub-populations actually do exist. As such, the present study was designed to examine heterogeneity in O2 • release from single PAM using a recently developed electrooptical technique (8). The initial oxygen metabolite, O2•, produced by NADPH oxidase at the surface of the plasma membrane, was measured by quantifying the reduction of nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT I to a diformazan precipitate. Measurements were made from video recordings of individual cells stimulated by their adherence to the bottom of a culture dish. The cell volume and degree of spreading also were determined directly from the same video recordings, and the data were correlated with the initial rate and maximum amount of diformazan produced by the same cell."

Mar 1, 1992

By C Killip

Working in Australia’s harsh climate can have a significant impact on the health, safety and productivity of our teams, but is our working environment expected to be more prone to heat stress in the future? Climate modelling suggests that we are likely to encounter more frequent heatwaves and higher apparent temperature. Does this mean that our teams will be at greater risk of heat stress, and are we prepared to deal with the changes in our future climate and the potential impacts on our working population? This paper will review the recent research on climate and projected changes to all meteorological parameters that are important in understanding the likelihood of heat stress. The paper will also describe the challenges encountered in the management of heat stress in a workforce, and then outline a systematic approach to heat stress management that will allow you to assess your own risk and manage your day-to-day operations into the future.CITATION:Killip, C, 2015. Future climate – is heat stress a real risk for the future and how can we better manage it?, in Proceedings Third International Future Mining Conference, pp 181–188 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Nov 4, 2015

By Tyler Luxner

Stillwater Mining Co. (SMC) is the largest primary producer of platinum and palladium in North America. SMC operates two underground mines in south central Montana, along the 45-km (28-mile) platinum/palladium J-M Reef in the Stillwater Complex. The Stillwater Mine exploits 9.6 km (6 miles) of deposit strike length and East Boulder Mine exploits 4 km (2.5 miles) of deposit length. The two mines are 20.4 km (12.7 miles) apart with SMC controlling a considerable length along the entire J-M Reef trace. Production at the Stillwater Mine began in 1986 and in 1988 the first tunnel boring machine (TBM) was commissioned, becoming an integral part of mine development at SMC. TBMs have been used for developing production footwall laterals (FWL) to access new mining blocks at the Stillwater Mine, as well as boring twin crosscut ac-cess tunnels at the East Boulder. Two TBM development expansion projects are currently in progress: the Graham Creek project at the East Boulder Mine, which will extend footwall lateral development 2,591 m (8,500 ft) to the west, and the Blitz project, where a TBM will be commissioned to extend east out of the Stillwater Mine to 3,658 m (12,000 ft) beyond the current production mining front. General strike and dip of the Reef is west to east and to the north, respectively.

Jan 1, 2012

By C. V. Sibbald

"This paper provides a description of the Highmont copper-molybdenum concentrator from primary crushing through grinding, flotation, tailings disposal and water reclamation. The unique features of the operation will be emphasized.IntroductionThe Highmont property is located in the southern portion of the Highland Valley adjacent to and east of Lornex and about 4 miles south of Bethlehem Copper. The plantsite is at an elevation of 5100 ft.Highmont acquired the property in 1966 and in 1969 Teck Corporation entered into an exploration agreement which contained the option to finance the property to production . A detailed feasibility study of the project was completed in 1971. A positive production decision was deferred at that time because of the prevailing soft copper market and relatively low molybdenum price. The development of a strong molybdenum market in late 1978 and early 1979 led to a re-examination of project economics, and a decision to proceed to production was made in April 1979.The Highmont ore zones occur adjacent to and on either side of an east-west-trending quartz porphyry dyke. The two major zones , the east and west pits, contain 122 million tons of ore assaying 0.27070 Cu and 0.029% Mo. Chalcopyrite, bornite and molybdenite are the minerals of economic interest. Chalcopyrite is the predominant copper mineral. Mineralization occurs primarily along fractures and is zoned according to fracture density. Some pyrite is present, but for the most part it is outside the ore zone. Surface oxidation is shallow throughout the orebody.Wright Engineers Limited were responsible for the major part of the engineering design. Site construction, which began in the spring of 1979, is under the direction of Commonwealth Construction. The first concentrator line is scheduled for completion late in 1980, the other for early in 1981."

Jan 1, 1981

By L. C. IlsLey

The Burrell methane indicator developed by Col. G. A. Burrell in 1915 was modified during 1918 to the " insulated type " Burrell indicator . Though this instrument has been used in mines since its first introduction , it was not formally approved as safe and efficient for use in gaseous mines until March , 1922. The indicator is built by the Mine Safety Appliances Co. , Pittsburgh , Pa . Approval No. 800 has been assigned to this company covering the device in the form approved . The principle of the Burrell indicator is fairly well known . It works on the same principle as the Haldane apparatus - measuring by means of a graduated scale , the contraction resulting from burning the methane content of an air and gas sample . A given aniount of the mine atmosphere to be tested for methane is taken into the indicator . This sample is then thoroughly shaken with the water in the indicator for one minute . The methane in the sample is now burned for two minutes by a heated platinum coil , which is energized by a small storage battery containing two Edison cells connected in series . After the glower or coil has burned for two minutes , it is disconnected from the battery , and the indicator is again shaken for The amount of contraction observed by reading the height the water rises in the U- tube of the indicator , which is calibrated to register the percentage of gas in the sample . The indicator as approved by the Bureau of Mines is equipped with an Edison M- 8 mine- lamp battery , and with a glass and scale graduated from zerɔ tɔ four per cent methane . The approval of a corbination service that is , an attachment for giving illumination from the same battery from which the platinum glower is operated has been withheld pending the development of a battery with larger capacity . - Under laboratory operating conditions , a single glower was capable of making at least 20 determinations if proper precautions were observed with respect to the use of freshly charged batteries . A battery should be allowed to stand off charge several hours before using in an indicator , as the peak voltage of a freshly charged Edison cell is abnormally high and is likely to send enough current through the glower to melt the platinum wire . Fifty-seven satisfactory operations were obtained from a completely charged battery . The point where the voltage of the cell fell below 2.3 volts with the glower attached was taken as the lower limit of successful operation . A voltage less than 2.3 does not permit the lower to burn at a temperature that will completely burn the gas in the air , thus giving a false indication .

Jun 1, 1922

By A. Chieregati

"A heterogeneity study was conducted at Erdenet Copper Mine in Erdenet, Mongolia, to determine the fundamental sampling error associated with blasthole sampling. Using a custom designed sector sampler, six large blasthole samples were collected to perform the test that was developed by Pierre Gy, to estimate the constitutional heterogeneity factor for several types of ore. The study investigated the entire sampling protocol, from mine site to analytical laboratory, and quantified the contributions to fundamental sampling error (FSE) of the various stages of sampling and sample preparation. The total relative standard deviation (RSD) of sampling error was determined to be ±32% and ±49.4% for copper and molybdenum respectively. A classical statistics analysis conducted on the data confirmed the level of RSD. About 95% of the sampling error was produced from only one step in the sampling protocol: when the 1 kg sample was reduced to 50 g sample for chemical analysis. Therefore, it is recommended that the 1 kg sample be reduced to 50g using a slightly different protocol to minimize the FSE. The 1 kg sample should be first crushed to 0.2cm size. A 250g split should then be taken and fine ground. A 50g split should then be taken from the 250g fine ground split. These two simple steps will reduce the FSE to ±7.9% and ±17% for copper and molybdenum respectively. The modified sampling protocol effectively reduces the probability of misclassification of low grade ore to zero. INTRODUCTION The Erdenet copper-molybdenum open pit mine is located in Erdenet, in Orkhon province, Mongolia. The Erdenetiin-Ovoo copper-molybdenum deposit is between 1.5 and 3 km wide, and about 25 km in length (Erdenet Mining Corporation, 2016). Chalcopyrite, bornite covellite and chalcocite are among the major minerals found in the deposit. The mine processes approximately 26 million tons of ore annually. A study was conducted to evaluate the fundamental error associated with the blasthole cuttings and sampling protocol at the mine. The open pit mine uses 215mm diameter Russian drills to drill 17.5m holes for 15m benches. The total weight of blasthole cuttings for a 215mm diameter hole and 15m bench height is between 1.5 and 2 tonnes. This amount of sample is difficult and time consuming to collect and analyze. Therefore, a sector sampler was designed for the Russian drills to collect large samples that were representative of the blasthole cuttings (Ganguli et al., 2016). In order to eliminate the delimitation and the extraction errors, researchers consider sector samplers to be ideal for sampling blastholes (Pitard, 2008; Chieregati and Pitard, 2009). This method was intentionally more rigorous than the blasthole sampling protocol at the mine to ensure that the blasthole cuttings were properly sampled. This study was part of a broader study that also looked at the relationship between particle size and grade. The samples collected by the custom designed sector sampler were very large (195 kg on average), and therefore, sufficient for both studies. The relationship between particle size and grade has been reported in Ganguli et al. (2016)."

Jan 1, 2017

By K Johnson, G Morrison, N Lisowiec

The Mount Wright gold deposit is located near the town of Ravenswood, ~90 km south of Townsville, in north Queensland. The deposit has been mined by underground methods since 2006. It produced approximately 138 koz Au in the 2011 - 2012 financial year and has a total endowment of approximately 1 Moz Au. To facilitate near mine exploration, a re-logging campaign of 600+ diamond and RC drill holes was recently conducted, resulting in a revised three-dimensional (3D) geological model and improved understanding of the ore controls and the mineralised system. The deposit is within a Permo-Carboniferous breccia complex approximately 350 m diameter and more than 1200 m deep. It consists of early peripheral granite-rich breccia, polymict breccia, a rhyolite spine and a late tuffisite (fine-grained milled breccia) pipe. The rhyolite spine is approximately 60 m + 250 m + at least 1200 m deep and is zoned with massive, flow-banded and breccia phases that are in part gradational with the other breccias. There is extensive sericitic alteration centred on the tuffisite and rhyolite units and fading out into the shallower and peripheral polymict and granite-rich breccias. There is also a broad pattern of metal zoning with elevated Pb-Zn ¦ Ag in the upper 400 m, Au-Cu-Bi below 400 m fading out below ~850 m, and a poorly defined deep Mo-W-Te-Sb anomaly. The majority of the Au ore is between 400 and 850 m below the surface in the rhyolite spine. Below this, Au mineralisation is less coherent, and more localised in the margins of the rhyolite and in the adjacent tuffisite. The developing model is that the ore is not confined to or necessarily directly genetically related to the rhyolite spine, but is driven by other phases of intrusion that also generated the tuffisite pipe. This model is being used to generate additional drill targets away from the present mine development.CITATION:Johnson, K, Morrison, G and Lisowiec, N, 2013. Advancing near-mine exploration with an updated geological model for the Mount Wright gold deposit, Queensland, in Proceedings World Gold 2013 , pp 469-478 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Sep 26, 2013

By J P. Evert

Didipio gold-copper mine operation is situated in the island of Luzon, approximately 270 km north of Manila in the Philippines, in an area of high seasonal rainfall. The hydrogeological water flow model implied that there would be high connectivity between regional structures and underground operations. This model predicted that underground mine groundwater inflows were expected to quickly rise as the decline progressed to a peak of 510 L/s. Designing a capital pump station to deal with 510 L/s has its own challenges, however developing the decline down to the required level, always dealing with 300 L/s of water and constructing the pump station is extremely challenging and required a robust water management plan and mine design. When dealing with expected high volumes of water, underground mine design and scheduling plays a key role in protecting electrical infrastructure, equipment, secondary pumps, and the decline from flooding. A good drainage system and controlled dewatering plan is essential for safety and progress. This paper details the dewatering techniques and mine designs required to accomplish decline development with high water inflows as used in the Didipio project. It will describe the learnings and outcomes that are achievable with a flexible design, as new structures are mapped, and water intersections are increased. It also highlights the potential for adaptability in mine planning to provide evolving improvements or to evade problems that are expected from the constant reconciliation of data recorded during development.

Mar 29, 2023

By AIME AIME

SHORTLY after he started his professional career, the subject of this sketch acquired the sobriquet "Moose" Allen. At the time he was engaged in geological exploration it1 the Canadian wilds. The nickname was given .him because of the wide, straight trail that he broke with unusual speed when going through the bush. Like a moose he was strong, energetic, and determined. To a considerable degree, Rolland Craten Allen today displays the same characteristics in larger affairs-business, civic, and professional. It is his habit to study a problem thoroughly, to decide u11on the best course of action, and then to pursue that course with vigor and

Jan 1, 1936

By Y G. Anoman

This paper discusses the operating model within Endeavour Mining Corporation regarding the options of owner mining against contract mining. It’s based on the concept of ‘are we carrying out the most efficient mining’ regarding cost and performance. This question can only be answered through an extensive contract mining tender process and conducting a comprehensive comparison to evaluate the transition viability. Karma mine, located in Burkina Faso, is the subject of this paper. The Tender model included sales of equipment, parts and tooling associated with the traditional Load and Haul Schedule of Rates (SOR). The methodology focused on the structure of the tender process, which consists in the development of a SOR based on haulage profiles and mining schedule. This is a new Endeavour framework that allowed the bidders to compete on an even level. This was performed using a systemic analysis which encompassed all the elements involved in a transition such as the Human Resources (HR), taxes and customs implications, directs and non-direct costs (Finance and interest on assets, depreciation, insurance), contractor risk profiling. It was assessed against the normalised internal pricing tender-based. This paper gives an insight into how a West African mining operation addressed the sensitivities of the HR functions against the commercial aspects. This was one of the most successful transitions in West Africa and was carried out during the COVID crisis. The outcome of this project has created value by detailing a lesson learned model for both commercial and HR aspects. This discusses the commercial comparisons along with the internal model with the underlying HR functions as a risk factor that could have jeopardised the continuation of the operation. This resulted in a smooth transition with the additional cash flow generated by the sale of the parts and equipment turned Karma into a viable operation.

Jun 22, 2022

By Stéphane Robert

This document presents estimates of future "total cash cost per ounce" and "minesite cost per tonne" that are not recognized measures under United States generally accepted accounting principles ("US GAAP"). This data may not be comparable to data presented by other gold producers. These future estimates are based upon the total cash costs per ounce and minesite costs per tonne that the Company expects to incur to mine gold at the applicable projects and do not include production costs attributable to accretion expense and other asset retirement costs, which will vary over time as each project is developed and mined. It is therefore not practicable to reconcile these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measure. A reconciliation of the Company's total cash cost per ounce and minesite cost per tonne to the most comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with US GAAP for the Company's historical results of operations is set forth in the notes to the financial statements included in the Company's Annual Information Form and Annual Report on Form 20-F, for the year ended December 31, 2009, as well as the Company's other filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators and the SEC.

May 1, 2011

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is traditionally used in plant operation to separate feldspars from quartz. It acts during the conditioning step as a pH regulator and an activating agent providing an excellent selectivity. However, a corrosive chemical environment and the ecological impacts from the potential fluoride ion contamination are limiting factors to use this chemical agent at an industrial scale. Investigations of the amine-feldspar interactions in the absence and presence of non-linear long-chain alcohols were carried out on two ore samples. The presence of alcohol molecules led to form a closed packed layer only on the surface of feldspars. The highest order and packing at the feldspar surface were observed with a particular alkyl chain structure as Guerbert alcohols. A new flotation process was developed and tested at both lab and pilot scales on different feldspar ores. The Guerbert alcohols allow to perform a feldspar concentrate with very low content in quartz (2.3-3.5 %) and feldspars recovery from 78 to 81 % while the aliphatic isoalcohols show a more higher recovery level (88-89 %). New HF-free process is strongly dependent on the pH range (1.7-2.5) and sulphuric acid consumption during conditioning steps. Optimal amine/alcohol weight ratio is ranged between 0.8 and 1.0. The values below 0.8 decrease strongly the flotation selectivity and the quartz recovery within the feldspar concentrates is higher than that occurs with HF.

Sep 1, 2012

By Han Zhao, FENGLIANG WU, Tong Wang

Calibrating an entire mine ventilation network model from survey data has long been considered a challenging and sometimes impractical task. This paper proposes a solution to this issue with the development of a quadratic programming optimization model. The optimization model takes the minimum modification of input resistances as the objective function, uses the mesh pressure equations as equality constraints, and incorporates the lower limits of airway resistances as inequality constraints. A two-step method is developed to solve the model, which includes finding an initial feasible solution and iteratively solving the final solution using the active set method. A computer program has been developed to implement the optimization model. To demonstrate its practicality, a study case using a 35-branch ventilation network is presented, which indicates that the solution process converges after only 57 iterations, a significant improvement over the times of trial and error, which could reach 3.4 × 1010 for the worst-case scenario. Additionally, it is shown that considering only the equality constraints results in negative resistances, while incorporating the lower limits of resistance ensures that the corrected resistances are within a reasonable range. Using the resistance corrected by the optimal model to simulate the ventilation system via traditional methods generates quantities and fan pressures that perfectly match the measured values, eliminating the tedious process of manually adjusting airway resistances repeatedly.

Jan 13, 2024

By Mark Sheppard

This paper is the third of a series recording the results of tests made at various quarries throughout the United States to determine (1) the relation between the size gradation of feed to, and product from, primary crushers, (2) the particle shape of the crushed. product, (3) the differences in gradation and particle shape produced by different types of primary crushers, and (4) the differences in gradation and particle shape caused by crushing different kinds of stone. Progress reports 1 and 2 dealt with comparisons of different types of crushers crushing the same type of stone. This report deals with relation¬ship between feed and product of two different limestones, as to size distribution and particle shape, when crashed in the same crusher.

Jan 1, 1938

By Alfredo Valencia-Toledo

This study delves into the satisfaction levels of indigenous communities in Apurimac-Cusco, Peru, concerning mining activities in their region. Our primary objective is to elucidate the interrelationships among observable variables, which are conceived as linear combinations of multiple factors. Employing the statistical methodology of exploratory factor analysis, we aim to pinpoint the pivotal factors influencing the progress of mining activities in Apurimac-Cusco. Through our analysis, we have identified eight key factors that exert a significant impact on mining’s sustainable development in the area. These factors encompass diverse facets, ranging from the support offered by mining company to communities, environmental considerations, education, economic factors, provision of basic services, transportation and communication, support for social organizations, and social-health-related aspects. This research endeavors to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding mining activity satisfaction among the indigenous population, offering a basis for further exploration and policy development.

Feb 17, 2024

By A. M. Evans

"INTRODUCTION Exploration of the Iron Mountain and Bader iron-ore deposits in Llano County and the Gamble deposit in Mason County, Texas, was begun by the Bureau of Mines in January and completed in May 1944. The deposits had been examined by A. B. Needham, district engineer of the Bureau, in November 1942. Detailed geophysical studies by the gravity method as well as with a dip needle were made by the Bureau of Economic Geology 3/ of the University of Texas and the Federal Geological Survey. 4/ACKNOWLEDGMENTSIn the program of exploration of mineral deposits, the Bureau of Mines has as its primary objective the more effective utilization of our mineral resources to the end that they make the greatest possible contribution to national security and economy., It is the policy of the Bureau to publish the facts developed by each exploration project as soon as practicable after its completion. The Mining Branch, Lowell B. Moon, chief, conducts preliminary examinations, performs the actual exploratory work, and prepares the final report. The Metallurgical Branch, R. G. Knickerbocker, chief, analyzes samples and performs beneficiation tests."

Apr 1, 1947

By H. Y. Sohn

Considering the two most important issues the ironmaking industry faces today, i.e., energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, it would be advantageous to utilize the concentrate-size raw materials directly without pelletizing or sintering, especially without the use of coke. This plenary lecture describes two such processes developed at the University of Utah. One is the Flash Ironmaking Technology (FIT) and the other is a moving-bed process for continuous ironmaking with gaseous reduction of iron ore concentrate (MBIT). These technologies are designed to produce iron directly from iron concentrate without requiring pelletization/sintering and cokemaking in two significantly different temperature ranges. They take advantage of the high reactivity of the concentrate particles and will considerably reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions compared with the current processes. The process of the development from the conception of the idea, to kinetic feasibility establishment, to laboratory flash furnace, and finally to the operation of a prototype facility for the development of the FIT is discussed. The development of the MBIT also started with the formulation of the process concept, followed by kinetics feasibility establishment, and the design of a potential industrial reactor. The results of economic analyses on the FIT are briefly described.

May 12, 2023

By Jack Mantel

The goal of this 42-month contract was to increase safety in low-seam underground coal mines through development and in-mine evaluation of a temporary roof support system for roof drills and floor-riding operator compartments for a loader and shuttle car. The program was performed in three phases. During Phase I, state-of-the-art canopy technology was investigated, and preliminary design and mock-up evaluations were performed for temporary roof supports for single-and dual-boom bolters and for transverse-mounted floor-riding canopies for a shuttle car and coal loading machine. The shuttle car and loader canopies were approved for further development, and the design, fabrication, testing, and certification were completed in Phase II. In Phase III, the Bureau of Mines furnished an FMC 6L shuttle car fur use in the evaluation of the canopy for 45 shifts. The shuttle car canopy was evaluated at Virginia Crews Coal Company in West Virginia. Efforts to secure an evaluation site for the loader canopy were unsuccessful. The loader canopy was shipped to Bruceton for possible future evaluation.

Jan 1, 1985

By J Jardine

An improved ground support method for development intersections, wide spans and stope brows was implemented at Kanmantoo mine. The method uses a jumbo to simultaneously drill and install self-drilling anchors (SDAs) to depths from 4.5 m to 7.0 m. Resin is subsequently pumped into each SDA using a specially designed integrated tool carrier basket, with plating occurring within 10 mins due to rapid resin cure. This methodology means that SDAs can be installed rapidly due to reduced process steps and wait times with reduced hazards to personnel. Cablebolts are used extensively in underground mines to reinforce the ground in wide spans, such as at intersections and stope brows. The flexible cablebolt tendon allows for a long, continuous and high-capacity reinforcing element to be inserted into the rock. A common cablebolt installation practice at Australian underground mines that do not utilise a mechanised cable bolter, is for cablebolt holes to be drilled by a jumbo or longhole rig, hand installation and grouting by a service crew, then plate tensioning following a grout curing wait time of typically 12 to 24 hours. This process involves multiple separate labour-intensive work processes and results in reduced availability of priority headings. This paper discusses the development history of vertical SDA use in wide spans at Kanmantoo mine. The installation process is fully described, including aspects such as reliable in-hole coupling of SDAs, resin selection and pumping aspects. A cost benefit assessment, and a case for ground stability are presented to compare cablebolt use to SDAs in development intersections.

Mar 29, 2023