A review of mining practices for surface support: an international survey

Abstract

This paper reviews mining practices for surface support and identifies four key areas that need attention. An international survey was conducted as part of the Mining Initiative on Ground Support Systems and Equipment III project from 2017 to 2018. The survey used a standardised, web-based questionnaire adapted for personal computers and smartphones. The survey was distributed globally, with data collected from 58 underground mines with different mining conditions and challenges. The results highlight the challenges with regard to safety and automation of surface support for different rock conditions and the advantages and disadvantages of various machines (face drills versus mechanised dedicated bolters versus semi-mechanised bolters) used to install surface support. The survey also shows the ambiguity in the mining community with regard to productivity of mine support. This paper presents an approach for collecting technical data through an online tool, which is inexpensive and effective.