Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the ground support systems that are planned to be implemented on Block A, which will be excavated through the Marikana fault zone. The block of ground being prepared for mining has been physically affected by the presence of the Marikana fault and is therefore geomechanically and geotechnically weaker than the normal stoping conditions on the rest of the shaft. Joint mapping conducted in Block A raiselines indicated that there is a high concentration of shallow dipping joints which are dipping in opposite directions. Such conditions present special challenges in the planned excavations because they can lead to sudden and uncontrolled collapses unless appropriate action is taken to mitigate such instances. The orientation of joint sets aid the formation of keyblocks, which can collapse provided their weight exceeds the support load bearing capacity or if they are located in between support units. Therefore, stoping in the Marikana fault zone requires a more intensive support with a higher than normal support resistance. The existing ground control strategies, the processes, tools, techniques, and methods that are currently being used for support design were investigated and incorporated into the new system where applicable.
Highlights
A ccidents in the mining sector continue to threaten the sustainability of the mining industry
The mechanism of failure for this analysis is either due to the keyblock size being less than the support spacing, or the keyblock being of such a size that it causes the support unit to be overloaded
The JBlock analysis shows that the support spacing implemented at Mine X does not sufficiently account for all rockfalls that can occur due to keyblock formation in the hangingwall
Summary
A ccidents in the mining sector continue to threaten the sustainability of the mining industry. There has, undeniably, been a substantial improvement in the fatality records within the South African mining industry from 1994 to 2017 as a whole, with a decline in fatalities recorded in hard rock tabular mines [2]. Regardless of these improvements, the loss of life is still too high compared to other large mining countries like the USA, Canada and Australia. The significant causes of injuries and fatalities in the gold and platinum mines in South Africa are due to Falls of Grounds (FOGs), mine ventilation, and transport and machinery issues. The register further indicates that a majority of these FOGs highlight the stope face area as the dominant risk area
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