CONTACT

Dr. Peter Kaiser Director pkaiser@mirarco.org (705) 675-1151 x. 6517

1. Development of a drift support design methodology for underground hard rock mines

2. Utilization of virtual reality Mining Exploratorium in exploration planning meetings

3. GPR field trials for determining the ideal frequency bandwidth for use in potash mines

4. Numerical simulation of acoustic emission and its application to stability monitoring of large-scale underground excavations

 

DEVELOPMENT OF A DRIFT SUPPORT DESIGN METHODOLOGY
FOR UNDERGROUND HARD ROCK MINES

In partnership with CAMIRO (Canadian Mining Industry Research Organization), this project couples GRC’s 15 years of rock mechanics experience with cutting edge technology to develop a scientifically-sound methodology for ground support design optimization according to actual conditions encountered during the mining cycle. Potential benefits are significant, including increased drift development rates and reduced support material costs.

UTILIZATION OF VIRTUAL REALITY MINING EXPLORATORIUM
IN EXPLORATION PLANNING MEETINGS

With the innovative use of Laurentian University’s Virtual Reality Laboratory (VRL), MIRARCO offers mining companies the opportunity to eliminate geographical barriers during important board and project planning meetings. Recently, a company realised substantial savings by having its team members at opposite ends of the province travel to the centralized Sudbury location. In addition, there were incredible collaborative benefits, as the mine model was discussed using interactive 3D technology. This is a vanguard technology for mining, and will soon become a key tool in enabling companies to accelerate their exploration and mine planning processes.

GPR FIELD TRIALS FOR DETERMINING THE IDEAL FREQUENCY BANDWIDTH
FOR USE IN POTASH MINES

MIRARCO and RST AG, of Salem, Germany, are developing a mine-ready radar for fracture detection based on stepped frequency radar technology originally developed for planetary exploration. This research project began through a technology transfer programme supported by the European Space Agency's Harsh Environments Initiative. The first prototype “CRack Identification System” (CRIS) was developed in 2001. This system differs from classical pulse radar systems by its enhanced radar range and resolution. Upon learning about the capabilities this new radar technology, the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, Inc. (PCS) approached MIRARCO to run field trials with CRIS in local potash mines near Saskatoon. Development of this technology is ongoing.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF ACOUSTIC EMISSION AND ITS APPLICATION TO
STABILITY MONITORING OF LARGE-SCALE UNDERGROUND EXCAVATIONS

Tokyo Electric Power Services Co., Ltd. (TEPSCO) and GRC are exploring the use of acoustic emissions from micro-seismic events to create a real-time assessment tool that identifies excavations with high risks of instability. This methodology builds on the current knowledge in the mining industry. There is much promise in this research, which may eventually be used to diagnose rock integrity during the excavation process, and therefore the appropriate level of ground support required to ensure stability in both mining and civil engineering applications.

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