Geomechanics
We help our clients to maximise the potential of their new projects and existing operations through the application of practical, sound geomechanics advice.
Expertise
Our reputation in geomechanics extends across the full range of mining methods and deposit styles from small scale selective narrow vein mines to the world’s most productive bulk mining operations.
We have an unrivalled combination of experience and expertise in managing difficult mining conditions such as deep, high stress underground mines with squeezing ground conditions or seismicity.
We provide advice to some of the largest open pits globally.
Innovation
Our consultants include world class experts in slope analysis and design, ground support, stress analysis, caving and mine seismicity. We have developed innovative software to model granular flow in caving operations and novel methodologies for analysing seismic data and specifying ground support in seismically active mines.
Services
The following is a selection from more than 200 geotechnical projects undertaken in the two years to June 2007:
Our reputation in geomechanics extends across the full range of mining methods and deposit styles from small scale selective narrow vein mines to the world’s most productive bulk mining operations.
We have an unrivalled combination of experience and expertise in managing difficult mining conditions such as deep, high stress underground mines with squeezing ground conditions or seismicity.
We provide advice to some of the largest open pits globally.
Innovation
Our consultants include world class experts in slope analysis and design, ground support, stress analysis, caving and mine seismicity. We have developed innovative software to model granular flow in caving operations and novel methodologies for analysing seismic data and specifying ground support in seismically active mines.
Services
- Developing and implementing geotechnical data acquisition programmes
- Analysis and interpretation of ground conditions
- Mining method selection
- Ground support design for high stress and seismic conditions
- Caveability and fragmentation analysis
- Optimising mine layouts and extraction sequence from a geomechanics perspective
- Numerical modelling using MAP3D, FLAC3D, 3DEC and ABAQUS
- Modelling alternate draw strategies in SLC and block caving mines using CaveSim
- Developing and reviewing ground control and seismic hazard management plans
- Instrumentation and stress measurement programmes
- Seismic monitoring, ranging from the lease of portable seismic systems to full analysis and review of seismic databases
- Longwall support modelling
- Longwall monitoring
- Open pit design and slope stability analysis
- Operational support and mentoring
- Audits and reviews
The following is a selection from more than 200 geotechnical projects undertaken in the two years to June 2007:
- Feasibility study for an underground copper mine for Aditya Birla in Western Australia (Nifty)
- Feasibility study for an underground gold mine for Chirano in Ghana (Akwaaba)
- FLAC3D modelling of interaction between an open pit and underground mine for Aditya Birla (Nifty)
- FLAC3D modelling of deep sublevel cave project for Mopani Copper Mines in Zambia (Nkana SOB)
- FLAC3D modelling of a 10m diameter shaft for Ivanhoe in Mongolia (Oyu Tolgoi)
- Geotechnical review of a zinc mine in China for Griffin Mining (Caijiaying)
- Geotechnical review of a zinc mine in Western Australia for Teck Cominco (Pillara)
- Geotechnical review of an underground gold mine in Indonesia for Straits Resources (Soan)
- Geotechnical review of a Gold mine in China for SinoGold (White Mountain)
- Slope stability study using 3DEC for a gold mine in Papua New Guinea for Placer (Porgera)
- Geotechnical reviews and support design for the Department of Housing and Works (Western Australia) – Fremantle Prison Tunnels
- Ongoing support including analysis of seismicity and specification of support in high stress conditions at most of the deep mines in Australia
- Feasibility study for BHPB Nickel West in Western Australia (Cliffs)
- Feasibility study for St Barbara Mines for a deep gold mine in Western Australia (Gwalia Deeps)
- Geotechnical reviews and pre-feasibility studies for two platinum mine in South Africa (Pandora and Limpopo)
- Technical audits of block caving operations for Rio Tinto Technical Services
- Technical audits and geotechnical due diligence studies of several mines for major banks