Background
A Latin American mine was changing its mining method to sublevel caving. One of the main geotechnical risks inherent with this type of mining method is large uncontrolled caving events that can result in air blasts, posing risk to equipment and workers.
Solution
Sublevel caving requires careful monitoring of the developing cave front, which can be accomplished with a microseismic system. ESG’s microseismic monitoring system and advanced data analysis allow mine engineers to gain a deeper understanding of rock mass behaviour.
Results
ESG’s continuous microseismic monitoring acts as an early-warning system for potential hazards caused by changing rock conditions. The insights gained from the system have in turn allowed the mine to develop an alert protocol, helping to protect staff and equipment, and reduce downtime.
Seismicity is common in mining operations as the rock reacts to blasting and extraction operations through redistributing stress, which results in micro fracturing. Consistent evaluation of seismic data on a routine basis serves as a crucial instrument to quantify and understand stress-induced rock mass behaviour.
