A new University of Western Australia (UWA) study has challenged previous understandings of rock properties and provided new insights into the possibility of ground support failure in underground mining.
Unpredictable rockburst and strainburst occurrences pose substantial safety risks to mining operators, yet the elements that cause these events are frequently unknown.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston stated the study could significantly improve mine safety, hazard awareness, and knowledge of ground support behaviour.
“The safety of our mining personnel is of paramount importance, and predictive capabilities that enable more effective design solutions are critical to ensure our Western Australian mining industry remains a safe and attractive place to work,” Minister Johnston said.
Researchers at the UWA’s Australian Centre for Geomechanics have devised a world-first method for analysing rock qualities in three dimensions, identifying for the first time traits that signal a greater proneness to bursting.
The research also enhances the understanding of traditional ground support’s response to bursting events, such as the behaviour of bolts that keep ground support in place.
Further data can be gathered from orientated drillcore obtained during exploration and linked with standard 3D numerical modelling tools to inform more targeted ground support and preventative solutions.
Combined with a set of industry recommendations, the Western Australian Government said the approach enables the cost-effective development of new strategies to improve mining design and safety solutions.
The study, released today at the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Underground Operators Conference in Brisbane, can be downloaded from the Minerals Research Institute of WA website.
“Through the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia, the Western Australian Government continues to invest in research and development to support innovative solutions that benefit the Western Australian community as a whole,” Minister Johnston added.
