latin american mine uses microseismic to mitigate risks ... · from sublevel stoping to sublevel...
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Case Study
ESG Solutions20 Hyperion Court, Kingston, ON, Canada K7K 7K2Tel: +1.613.548.8287 Fax: +1.613.548.8917www.esgsolutions.com [email protected]
Latin American Mine Uses Microseismic to Mitigate Risks Related to Sublevel Caving
BackgroundA 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.
SolutionSublevel 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.
ResultsESG’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.
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SolutionESG installed a microseismic system comprised of uniaxial
and triaxial geophone sensors, Paladin® digital recorders
and Hyperion software suite. Once commissioned the ESG
system immediately began to provide vital insights on
rock mass response to mining operations, allowing users
in the mine to gain a better understanding of the seismic
response to mining operations. This understanding then
served as a crucial component for mine personnel to
develop an air blast safety protocol.
BackgroundA Latin American mine was changing their mining methods
from sublevel stoping to sublevel caving. This mining method
is meant to boost productivity but can also introduce
new challenges. A microseismic monitoring solution was
specified to help identify potential hazard areas, observe
microseismicity patterns and obtain a full three-dimensional
image of the caving front development in real time.
Event mapping identifying the location of clusters of activity coloured to time of occurrence
ResultsMicroseismic monitoring has allowed the mine to
mitigate risk in their daily operations. In May of 2017,
the microseismic system showed abnormal seismicity
and notified the onsite monitoring team to initiate the
established alert protocol, prompting staff to take
precautionary measures. Re-entry to the mine was allowed
only after seismic activity returned to normal conditions. At
post-event inspection, it was determined that a detachment
of rock mass from the roof of the mine generated an air
blast event. This caused minor damage to the mine’s
ventilation system, rock slides and displacement of objects
located in the sector that could have caused fatalities or
injured the crew had they been onsite.
A hazard map showing regions of high hazard (orange/red) versus lower hazard areas (blue/green) mapped onto the mine tunnels
ESG Solutions20 Hyperion Court, Kingston, ON, Canada K7K 7K2Tel: +1.613.548.8287 Fax: +1.613.548.8917www.esgsolutions.com [email protected]
ESG field technician installing a junction box that houses essential acquisition and communications equipment