<p>The bilinear brittle failure criterion that utilizes the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and a spalling limit of 3.4, together with a tensile strength cut-off can be used to model the height of failure above coal mine roadways. Transverse isotropy ...

Each year more than 400 coal miners are injured (fatal and non-fatal) by rock falling from between or around roof supports. Many of these injuries could be prevented by the installation of roof screen (wire mesh). However, many coal mines may be reluctant ...

Current advances in roof support automation require a fast and effective skin reinforcement of underground mine roadways. To satisfy these needs a strong and tough fibre reinforced polymeric alternative is emerging as a logical substitute to the old steel ...

This paper presents the preliminary results of a laboratory testing program aimed at assessing the impact energy dissipation capability of a new rock bolt. The results represent the most up to date findings at this current time. In situ field tests are still ...

An effective prototype face support system to minimise rockfalls in rockfall-prone mines was developed and patented during a project sponsored by the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC). An experimental development model (XDM) roof support unit was developed ...

The drive for mechanization of stoping operations on South African platinum, gold and chrome mines is favouring stope support by rock bolts rather than the traditional volumefilling support methods such as mine poles. Many of the stopes are less than two metres ...

The paper describes an R&amp; D programme carried out on Cempak, a proposed stope support system for deep, tabular, hard rock gold and platinum mines; which looks in particular into the issue of convergence after attainment of peak load. Cempak fundamentally ...

The block production and ore handling systems were designed to be carefully integrated with rock being supplied to the crusher ‘just in time’; there being minimal flexibility to allow for lengthy tunnel or brow repairs to be done. This factor also contributed ...

The paper describes an R&amp;D programme carried out on Filpak, a proposed means of gully support in stopes using backfill as local and regional support. Filpaks fundamentally comprise sheets of ductile welded steel mesh fixed in horizontal array at the ends ...

The Lisheen Mine is an underground operation sited in the midlands of Ireland. Using a combination of open stoping and room and pillars 1.5mtpa of zinc /lead ore are mined The ore body is essentially tabular with a general thickness of 3-8metres but with large ...