Case Study from Vaal Reefs Gold Mine, South Africa
220pages
8 heures de lecture
Focusing on mine safety, the book details the application of mine seismology to enhance underground safety standards. It outlines preventive measures implemented at the 5B Area of No. 5 Shaft Vaal Reefs gold mine in response to seismic warnings. Key actions included the establishment of additional safety pillars, adjustments in mining sequences and directions, and a comprehensive review of the mining strategy for the entire area, showcasing the proactive steps taken to mitigate risks.
The analysis focuses on nearly one million seismic events induced by the caving process in four copper mines across different continents. It serves as both an interpretation guide and a valuable resource, showcasing the advantages of evaluating seismic data from diverse mining environments. The insights gained from this extensive data set contribute to a deeper understanding of seismicity in mining operations, making it a crucial reference for researchers and professionals in the field.
Palabora Mine Caving Process as Revealed by Induced Seismicity
414pages
15 heures de lecture
This book presents a comprehensive analysis of mine-induced seismicity, drawing on over 40 years of expertise in mine and exploration geophysics. It uniquely chronicles the caving process through recorded seismicity at the Palabora copper mine in South Africa. Unlike existing literature that focuses solely on theory and case studies, this work addresses the quality of input data and the rationale behind specific interpretation techniques, filling a crucial gap. Written by a leading mine seismologist, it summarizes the evolution of mine seismology and emphasizes the practical application of data back analysis for daily operations. The book demonstrates how mine seismology serves as an effective monitoring tool for significant events during mining and future caving operations. Experts in the field commend its robust content and clarity, making complex concepts accessible to non-experts. It highlights the importance of seismic monitoring in cave management, providing insights into cave advance rates, cave back locations, air gap sizes, and stress changes, all essential for safe and efficient cave operations. The book is a valuable resource for practitioners in cave engineering and operations, offering guidance through theory and case histories, particularly from the Palabora block cave.