Review of stope support design for a shallow platinum mine: A Bushveld Complex case study

摘要

In a typical conventional narrow reef mining, the support of mining excavations and geological disturbances is of vital importance to the whole mining operation. The consequences of unplanned stope collapse and compromised safety practices encompass uneconomical extraction of orebodies and lost productivity. Comprehensive stope support design is mandatory for safe working conditions in a mine. This study reviews the stope support design of a narrow reef platinum mine in the Bushveld Complex, and investigates impact of support deficiencies in under planned and over planned stopes. Comparable mining areas based on panel audits were reviewed, focusing on the areas experiencing stability challenges. In addition, an analysis of the rockfalls database was investigated to derive the root cause of rockfalls within stopes. This was done by evaluating the fallout thickness. A similar method of calculation of the fallout thickness was undertaken to identify any deficiencies within the stope support practices. The study identified several underlying rock engineering problems faced by the mine and offers possible feasible solutions. The research notes that improved support strategies when dealing with bad ground conditions in the stopes enhance support efficiency. Reinforced support crew training is also beneficial in implementing the improved support strategies.