Improving the Geomechanics Conditions for Effective Ground Control; A Case Study of Chibuluma South Mine, Zambia

摘要

Statistical studies at Chibuluma South mine have indicated that 70% of the falls of ground were recorded in the decline, orebody drives, access crosscuts and longhole stopes from the year 2009 to 2013. This study was therefore carried out to propose a strategy that will improve the performance of ground stabilization at Chibuluma South mine in order to ensure a safe and cost-effective extraction of ore. To review and improve the ground support installed at the mine, various stages of the support design process were followed. These were; data collection, rockmass characterization, rockmass classification, empirical and analytical design methods, numerical design methods, ground support monitoring and finally the design of reviewed ground support system. A number of software tools were used in the study. These were; (1) RocLab, for determination of rock strength parameters, (2) Dips, for analysis of joints, (3) Phase2, for Insitu and induced stress analysis (4) Unwedge, for determination of potential unstable wedges around excavations and support pattern design. The objective of this study was met, and ground support recommendations were also made in the study.