Rock Monitor Case Study 8

Company

Tier 1 mining client with underground operations

 

The Challenge

The client operated a single-entry roadway extending over 7 km, classified as a Restricted Access Zone (RAZ) due to heightened safety risks. The existing safety protocol required:

• A mine official to inspect the roadway before workers entered.
• Periodic inspections during work as an additional safety measure.

 

In cases of emergency, the roadway was equipped with a one-man recovery pod and winch system to the surface, along with closed-air breathing apparatus to ensure clean air during rescue and recovery operations. However, these measures relied heavily on manual inspections and could not provide real time updates on roadway stability, leaving potential gaps in safety coverage.

 

The Solution!

To enhance safety and provide continuous monitoring, the client installed the RockMonitor system as an additional control. This real-time strata monitoring system was deployed to monitor the roadway roof and identify potential hazards between inspections.

Key features of the system included:

•               Real-Time Alerts: Continuous monitoring of strata movement with automated notifications sent to mine personnel.

•               Comprehensive Coverage: Electronic telltales were installed throughout the roadway, providing detailed and actionable data.

•               Integration with Safety Protocols: The system seamlessly complemented existing safety measures, ensuring 24/7 coverage of the RAZ.

 

The Incident

After several months of deployment, the RockMonitor system detected unusual movement in the roadway roof. Acting on the real-time alerts:

 

• Workers were immediately evacuated from the area.
• Two mine officials conducted an inspection of the affected roadway.

Upon reaching the alerted section, they discovered a significant roof fall:

• Extent: 80 meters in length and up to 10 meters in height.
• Impact: The area was no longer safe for use and required immediate remediation.

The roadway was subsequently no-roaded, and a comprehensive re-support plan and investigation were initiated to address the incident.

 

The Outcome

The proactive alert provided by the RockMonitor system prevented potential injuries or fatalities by enabling timely evacuation.

Following the incident:

• Mandatory Control Implementation: The RockMonitor system is now a mandatory control for all RAZ roadways, ensuring continuous monitoring whenever workers are present.
• Improved Safety Protocols: Integration of real-time monitoring with manual inspections enhanced the overall safety framework.
• Data-Driven Insights: The incident provided valuable insights into strata behavior, enabling better planning and risk mitigation for future operations.

 

Conclusion

The implementation of the RockMonitor system significantly improved safety in one of the most hazardous sections of the mine. By providing real-time monitoring and proactive alerts, the system ensured timely evacuations and prevented potential harm. This case highlights the critical role of advanced monitoring technologies in modern mining operations, particularly in high-risk environments such as Restricted Access Zones.