Underground Mine Monitoring

Overview

Underground monitoring solutions use a variety of methods to detect potential geotechnical hazards in underground mines. These techniques include monitoring of convergence, deformation, and stress changes. By analyzing this data, mine operators can make informed decisions regarding where to focus their efforts to minimize the risk of failures.

In addition to improving safety, underground monitoring can also have a positive impact on productivity. By detecting potential hazards early, mine operators can take proactive steps to address them, reducing the need for unplanned downtime and minimizing the risk of loss and costly damage.

With the help of an effective automated monitoring solution, mine operators and geotechnical engineers enable a data-driven approach to decision-making that can improve the overall safety and productivity of underground mining operations.

Solution

Canary Systems® solutions for critical underground monitoring effectively address the need for data reliability. The diverse range of possible data integration sources offer automated monitoring and extensive coverage, enabling early detection of movement across expansive underground areas.

A distinguishing feature of these solutions is the ability to seamlessly integrate multiple underground instrumentation types such as:

Microseismic Systems
Elexon Systems
LiDAR
Prisms
Multi-point Extensometers

MLWeb Features

Data from these instruments (among others) can be reviewed and analyzed using a single platform, MLWeb®.

Additional features include:

Fully 3D capable web graphics engine
Georeferenced sensor locations integrated with models and maps
Instrument vectors for magnitude and directional change
Calculations and automated charts applied through classing templates
Customized reporting with scheduled outputs
Automatic alarming (with multiple interface indicators) and notifications
Import of geological structures such as ore bodies and faults

These capabilities empower geotechnical professionals with exceptional performance and data quality, thereby enabling them to make crucial decisions confidently. This comprehensive approach ensures that underground monitoring is carried out with efficiency and accuracy.

Case Study – New South Wales Mine

Located in New South Wales, Australia, is a large mining operation with multiple areas, including tailings, an open pit, and an underground subversion area. The mine requires the use of multiple types of instruments, such as prisms, SAA’s, piezometers, and InSar, to monitor and analyze several aspects of the operation.

The mine faced a significant challenge in effectively monitoring the various types of instruments generating a vast amount of data, it was difficult to manage and analyze all data manually. Furthermore, it was challenging to identify and respond to potential issues quickly.

To overcome these challenges, the mine implemented Canary Systems’ automated monitoring solution and software, MLWeb. The implementation of MLWeb has allowed the mine to improve the efficiency and accuracy of its underground monitoring processes, allowing for multiple data types to be viewed and analyzed within one collective platform.

Additionally, MLWeb has enabled the mine to identify potential issues through the use of custom alarm thresholds based on predefined conditions, as well as automatic generation of reports. The system’s advanced data analysis capabilities enable it to detect trends and anomalies that may indicate potential issues.

Case Study – Large Operation in Indonesia

A mine located in Papua, Indonesia, is one of the world’s largest gold and copper deposits. Given the high production rates and extensive underground area, the implementation of an underground monitoring solution became crucial. This monitoring system was essential to ensure the safety of personnel, assess the stability of the underground structure, and optimize mining operations.

By deploying Canary Systems’ underground monitoring solution, the mine could gather data on various parameters such as ground movement, rock stress, water pressure and levels and cave location estimates. This data allows them to closely monitor the mine’s stability and detect any potential hazards or instability in the underground environment.

With more than 29,000 instruments installed and being monitored within their MLWeb database, the mine is able to proactively address any potential risks and maintain efficient operations.