Deep Mining: A Rock Engineering Challenge

Abstract

Increasing demand for metals caused by global economic growth and exploitation of shallow mineral deposits forces mineral extraction to go deeper. A direct consequence of this development is an increase in rock pressure-related mining problems. The role of rock engineering in the design and operation of deep mines is discussed in detail. Critical issues are the rock fracturing around mining excavations, the support and control of the fractured rock, and the rock mechanics design of mine infrastructure and extraction (stoping) systems. Progress of the science of rock mechanics in the areas related to these issues is highlighted and critically examined. Specific areas are the prediction and assessment of the mechanical properties of rock mass, the mechanics of controlling fractured rock around deep mining excavations and the resulting demands on support systems. Rock engineering aspects of stoping systems and the regional stress changes resulting from the extraction of large mineral bodies are discussed in detail. The progress in design concepts for open stopes and stopes with caving of the roof strata is illustrated. It is shown that the stress environment in deep mines does not favour the highly productive caving systems of stoping. The value of energy-based design concepts for very deep mines exploiting tabular mineral deposits is shown. Despite the considerable progress that has been made in the science of rock mechanics since the 1950s, progress in applying this knowledge to solve rock pressure problems in deep mines has been rather slow. The tools are available. What is needed is the development of robust design criteria for mine infrastructure, excavations and support systems for dynamic and changing stress environments. The second critical issue is the lack of highly qualified rock engineering personnel on the mines. This has been recognized by the European mining industry through supporting a continued education programme in rock engineering for deep mines. Keywords Rock mechanics principles • Rock engineering methods • Mine design • Design criteria • Support principles • Support methods List of Symbols Basic units m Metre kg Kilogramme (mass) s Second Derived units m² Square metre m³ Cubic metre m/s Velocity kg/m³ Density N Newton (force), 1 N = 1kg m/s 2 Pa Pascal (Pa) pressure or stress, 1Pa = 1N/m² J Joule (energy or work), 1J = 1N*1m W Watt (power), 1W = 1J/s

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“…The fine difference code FLAC D was used in this study to perform time‐dependent numerical modeling. A 3D numerical model was established (Figure ).…”

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Mechanical Parameter Inversion in Sandstone Diversion Tunnel and Stability Analysis during Operation Period

“…Combined with engineering geology and construction conditions, the main monitoring scheme is determined to be hole convergence and anchor stress monitoring. The deformation monitoring cross-section, according to the principle of subsection control, selects six deformation monitoring sections in the surrounding rock of Class III and IV [21][22][23][24]. The monitoring points are embedded in the design section near the tunnel face, and the monitoring points are arranged according to the five measuring points and eight measuring lines of the circular section.…”

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