A Rock Mechanics Mine Closure Stope Stability Case Study

Автор Alida Hartzenberg, Olga Gibbons, Tim Coleman, Adrienne Joaquim

A Rock Mechanics Mine Closure Stope Stability Case Study | SRK Consulting

Авторы

Alida HartzenbergOlga GibbonsTim Coleman

Adrienne Joaquim

The Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth? A Case Study Comparing Analytical and Empirical Assessments Against Site Observations

Abstract: 

Canadian mining operations have been key contributors to economic vitality for a long time. The closure of historic mines can be challenging as often the level of information available is much less than for active mines preparing to close. This paper uses a case study of a closed mine site to evaluate industry standard design methods against observed site conditions to assess the most suitable method to be applied for mine closure. This comparison is of importance as analytical methods and empirical assessment methods are becoming more advanced and are commonly used in the mining industry. It stresses the importance of evaluating results against site observations to assess the validity of results.

This study focuses on rock mechanics and discusses the industry standard analytical methods used to assess the stability of the hanging wall and foot wall of the underground stope void, as well as the empirical method used to assess the stability of the crown pillar. The results from these methods are then compared to stability observations using bathymetric and three-dimensional sonar surveys collected from the historic mine workings. The information attained from the assessments is compared to the stability observations to confirm if evidence of the expected potential failure mechanisms exists at this historic mine site.

See paper in the conference proceedings

Авторы

Alida Hartzenberg | Senior Consultant, Rock Mechanics | Vancouver, Canada

Alida Hartzenberg

Senior Consultant, Rock Mechanics

Alida has 11 years of experience in the mining industry that includes geotechnical site investigations, rock mass characterization, underground mining and operational support, QA of ground support installations and mine closure projects.

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Olga Gibbons | Senior Consultant, Mining Rock Mechanics | Vancouver, Canada

Olga Gibbons

Senior Engineer, Mining Rock Mechanics

Olga is a professional engineer with over 10 years' of experience in the mining industry, 6 of which have been in underground operations.

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Tim Coleman | Principal Engineer, Mining Rock Mechanics | Vancouver, Canada

Tim Coleman

Principal Engineer, Mining Rock Mechanics

Tim Coleman is a Principal Consultant with over 23 years of experience in the mining industry with strong operational experience in underground mining.

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