Geomechanics challenges of contemporary deep mining: a suggested model for increasing future mining safety and productivity
FT Suorineni, B Hebblewhite, S Saydam
This paper pays tribute to the pioneers in geomechanics, and addresses
some of the most pressing issues of our time related to deep mining, and
how to mitigate these issues. Solutions developed by our predecessors seem
to have reached their limits as mines continue to go deeper. The
International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) guidelines for rock mass
characterization for excavation design also require re-thinking to reflect
current knowledge and experience. Thus, a whole new approach is urgently
required to increase mine safety and productivity. The paper will draw on
the challenges and experiences in medicine and science that have been
overcome through genuine collaboration, advances in technology, and
impressive funding, which can be adopted to provide solutions to contemporary
geomechanics challenges for increased safety and productivity as
mines continue to go deeper.
Keywords:
pioneers in geomechanics, pressing issues, new thinking, collaboration.