This book provides the basic know-how and guidance to effectively exploit non-destructive geophysical technologies and apply them in the underground mining environment to optimise mineral extraction and to contribute to safer mining. The effective application of these technologies can enable a better understanding of the unseen orebody and the surrounding rock mass ahead of the mining face; the potential benefits of applying in-mine geophysics is demonstrated through a selection of case studies conducted in deep-level hard rock mines in South Africa. This book also offers valuable insight and training material for students in a variety of relevant mining disciplines like geology, rock engineering, mining engineering, mine planning and mineral resource management.
Author(s): Michael van Schoor, Zamaswazi Nkosi, Fleckson Magweregwede, Thabang Kgarume
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 79
City: Cham
Contents
1 Introduction to South African Deep-Level Gold and Platinum Mining
1.1 A Brief Overview of Gold and Platinum Mining in South Africa
1.2 The Importance of Gold- and Platinum Mining in South Africa
1.3 The (Future) Role of Geophysics in Deep-Level Gold- and Platinum Mining
1.4 The Purpose of This Book
References
2 Various Underground Scenarios Where Geophysics May Be Applied
2.1 Site Specificity of Geophysical Methods
2.2 Different Mining Methods Used in Deep-Level Hard Rock Mining
2.2.1 Room-and-Pillar
2.2.2 Sub-level Open/Longhole Stoping
2.2.3 Sequential Grid Mining
2.2.4 Cut and Fill
2.2.5 Shrinkage Stoping
2.2.6 Longwall Stoping
2.2.7 Sub-level Caving
2.2.8 Block Caving
2.2.9 Examples of Local Mining Operations and the Mining Methods Employed
2.3 Factors to Consider When Assessing the Applicability and Performance of In-Mine Geophysical Methods
2.4 Concluding Remarks
References
3 Physical Properties
3.1 The Importance of Physical Properties
3.2 Criticism of Physical Property Testing
3.3 The Status Quo in Terms of Existing Property Information
3.4 Selected Illustrative Examples
3.5 Concluding Remarks
References
4 Overview of Key Geophysical Technologies
4.1 Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
4.2 Borehole Radar (BHR)
4.3 Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT)
4.4 Other Promising Geophysical Methods
References
5 Top Issues and Applicability Guidelines
5.1 Immediate Hangingwall Investigations—Beam Thickness
5.2 Immediate Hangingwall Investigations—Dome Structures
5.3 Reef Topography Ahead of Mining
5.4 Reef Continuity/Disruptive/Hazardous Geological Structures
5.5 Cross-Cutting Structures Ahead of Mining (e.g., Fault and Dykes)
5.6 Lost Raise Bore/Ore Pass/Drain Holes
5.7 Fracture Characterisation/Monitoring of Preconditioning
5.8 Applicability Guidelines
5.9 Integrated Use of Geophysical Tools
References
6 Case Histories
6.1 GPR—Beam Thickness
6.2 GPR—Low-Angle Faults/Domes
6.3 GPR—Fracture Characteristics/Preconditioning
6.4 GPR—Lost Raise Bore/Ore Passes
6.5 3D GPR for Hangingwall Condition Assessment
6.6 BHR—Reef Tracking (Topography, e.g., Rolls and Terraces)
6.7 BHR—Reef Tracking (Bushveld Potholes)
6.8 ERT—Bushveld Potholes and IRUPs
6.9 RIM—Reef Continuity and Disruptive Structures
References
7 Conclusion
