TECHNOLOGIES AHEAD OF THE MINING FRONT

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Challenge

Borehole information with associated mapping of mining excavations is currently used to model geological features ahead of the mining front. The accuracy thereof depends on the amount of drilling and mapping conducted. Single point data sets are gathered for a large area, which makes results unrepresentative of the orebody and associated structures within that block. The research team seeks to identify potential technologies that could enable access to more qualitative information ahead of the mining face.

Research and development

The research team set out to determine if any advances have been made within the field of electrical resistance tomography (ERT) surveys. Their aim was to ascertain whether ERT methods can be used outside PGM potholes. The team investigated alternative tomographic approaches. They conducted an investigation of radio imaging technology (RIM) and possible uses within the mining industry. The team compared different in mine seismic technologies with specific reference to tunnel seismic prediction (TSP). The team conducted a numerical modelling study to analyse the performance of TSP, and they compared the analysis to 2D/3D surface seismic and passive seismic monitoring.

This research was commissioned to the CSIR and the University of the Witwatersrand. Researchers involved include CSIR principal geophysicist, Michael Van Schoor; geophysicist, Thabang Kgarume; University of the Witwatersrand seismologist, Prof Ray Durrheim; and University of the Witwatersrand director of the Seismic Research Centre, Dr Musa Manzi.