WP7

Ground control

Objectives

This WP will demonstrate state-of-the-art ground support methodology, ground control techniques and monitoring technology for in use in a mining environment. This technology will enable fast and safe ground control throughout the demonstration mines, and will seek to improve control of underground seismic vibrations and seismic damage. The package will improve the safety and stability of entries through improved ground-control methods. In combination with WP5, this WP will also strive towards the eventual goal of having a fully-integrated and automated ground support process. At the same time, material recognition will be advanced, enhancing mine operation planning. Improvements in roof crack detection capability will increase mine safety as potential roof falls can be detected. Interaction with WP2 and WP8 will help to ensure that all work is disseminated thoroughly. Target demonstration mines include: LKAB, K+S Zielitz mine, and KGHM mines.

Tasks

1. Optimization of production blasting parameters conducted for a group of faces, aiming for elastic wave effect amplification.
2. Improvements in Rock Bolt and Mesh Installation Efficiency.
3. Extraction Face Material Detection.
4. Roof Crack Detection.
5. Field Trials Evaluation and Exploitation.