The University of Western Australia’s new research is challenging the traditional understanding of rock characteristics and providing new insights into ground support failure in underground mining.
Researchers at UWA’s Australian Centre for Geomechanics, have developed a world-first approach – analysing rock properties in three dimensions – identifying for the first time attributes which indicate a greater proneness to bursting.
Unpredictable rockburst and strainburst events create significant safety hazards for mining personnel, however the factors leading to these events are often poorly understood.
The research also improves understanding of the response of traditional ground support to bursting events, such as the behaviour of bolts holding ground support in place.
Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister, Bill Johnston, said this research has significant potential for improved mine safety, hazard awareness and greater understanding of ground support behaviour.
“The safety of mining personnel is of paramount importance, and predictive capabilities that enable more effective design solutions are critical to ensure the Western Australian mining industry remains a safe and attractive place to work,” Mr Johnston said.
“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.”
The additional measurements can be taken from oriented drillcore obtained during exploration and integrated with regular 3D numerical modelling software to inform better targeted ground support and preventative solutions.
Together with a series of industry recommendations, the approach enables cost-effective development of new strategies to improve design and safety solutions for mining operations.
Launched at the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Underground Operators Conference in Brisbane, the report is available for download from here.
