{"id":10400,"date":"2025-05-29T19:11:23","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T19:11:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/?p=10400"},"modified":"2025-05-29T19:15:51","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T19:15:51","slug":"considerations-and-innovations-in-ground-control","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/29\/considerations-and-innovations-in-ground-control\/","title":{"rendered":"Considerations and innovations in ground control"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Equipment and technology innovations offer the potential for faster, safer, and more accurate ground control; however, this should not come at the expense of a proper geotechnical understanding.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

by Jonathan Rowland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Deeper, more complex mines present new challenges for ground control, challenges that require a sound understanding
of geotechnical risks, supported by innovative equipment and technology, to solve.
Pictured: Sandvik DD422i dual-control jumbo development drill with Mineral Bolt resin.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As underground operations move deeper and face increasingly complex conditions, equipment development is focused on delivering faster, safer, and more consistent ground control. Meanwhile, advances in computer processing capabilities drive the application of newer methodologies for geotechnical analysis, such as numerical modeling and artificial intelligence applied to geotechnical analysis, design, and risk evaluation. Amid the push for innovation, however, \u201ca proper understanding of the geotechnical principles and theory behind modern tools remains paramount for realistically assessing risk,\u201d Diego Negrete, senior consultant (rock mechanics) at SRK Denver, told North American Mining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New technologies and geotechnical risk management<\/strong>
Negrete pointed to one of the most common tasks for ground control engineers \u2013 evaluating the stability of an underground pillar \u2013 as an example where there can be an \u201calmost reflexive response to jump into numerical modelling and AI tools, particularly for recent engineering graduates.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although not \u201cinherently bad practice\u201d, Negrete continued, \u201cthe concern arises when the empirical analysis gets set aside, especially when there is not a proper data set and assumptions are made.\u201d For instance, if there is a lack of understanding of the problem and how to solve it, selecting what numerical analysis is most suitable for the ground conditions is a challenge. \u201cSeveral software programs are available that can assist with performing geotechnical numerical modelling, but not all work in the same way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the SRK consultant, several key questions should be evaluated when considering an AI application, such as machine learning. Is the expected material behavior elastic or plastic? Is a finite element or a discrete element method better for the analysis at hand? There is also the fact that \u201cmost tools or methods require calibration before use by an engineer with proper training and practical experience.\u201d Lastly, any technology should be considered \u201conly as a tool to facilitate a job. Like any tool, they are not going to solve the problem by themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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Pictured: Sandvik DD422i dual-control jumbo development drill with Mineral Bolt resin.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Understanding the early value of geotechnical risk assessment<\/strong>
Negrete also noted that many projects \u201cconsider geotechnical input as optional, depending on the project\u2019s nature and size, as well as the regional industry culture, while others, even some considered modern, don\u2019t have a proper and formal basic geotechnical database to support the project and\/or operation.\u201d There are several related reasons behind this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGeotechnical engineering can be difficult to visualize, while its impact can be hard to appreciate,\u201d explained Negrete. \u201cThis is because often all related analysis is done in the background. Only when an unplanned event happens is the value of geotechnics seen. The biggest impact of geotechnical analysis can have is thus for risk prevention, which is why it\u2019s easy to overlook \u2013 until it\u2019s too late.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Training can help counter this. This extends beyond ensuring that geotechnical engineering is represented in a mine\u2019s technical services team to include the miners themselves, as \u201cthey are the ones with the highest risk exposure,\u201d Negrete said. \u201cGround control in an underground mine can be a massive task; thus, geotechnical risk management must become part of the assignments for all workers. This is another crucial reason to provide proper training: each person who understands geotechnical risks and how to identify them becomes an additional asset in the project\u2019s geotechnical monitoring efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t overlook the importance of well-trained and experienced personnel<\/strong>
Although modern tools and methodologies help engineers perform geotechnical analysis, design, and risk evaluation more efficiently, it is \u201cessential not to overlook the engineering foundation and practices underlying them,\u201d concluded Negrete. \u201cSoftware and newer technologies like AI are excellent tools that facilitate geotechnical analysis and risk management, but even more importantly, proper geotechnical guidance through well-trained and experienced personnel is more effective in reducing the human error factor that will be present in the use of any tool or technology.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting miners to mine better: a look at new ground control equipment<\/strong>
Speaking about those at the rock face, some recent equipment developments from J.H. Fletcher and Sandvik have focused on making miners\u2019 jobs safer and more productive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

J.H. Fletcher\u2019s HV-32 drill head<\/strong>
West Virginia-based equipment supplier J.H. Fletcher & Co. has introduced its HV-32 drill head for roof bolting applications, particularly in challenging environments with hard-to-penetrate rock formations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part of the well-known Cannon product lines purchased from Trident Maritime Systems\u2019 Heavy Equipment Group (formerly Lake Shore Systems), the HV-32 drill head has been designed for efficiency and reliability with a low-frequency, high-impact percussion cycle that significantly reduces drilling time and operational costs, Kayla Yaeger, J.H. Fletcher\u2019s marketing coordinator, told North American Mining<\/em>. It is available on new roof bolters and for retrofit on existing equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith proven success in coal, limestone, and salt mines, the HV-32 exemplifies our commitment to durable and cost-effective solutions, making it an invaluable tool for operations dealing with hard strata like granite,\u201d concluded Yaeger.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Sandvik\u2019s Ground Control Mineral Bolt resin eliminates manual mixing errors and is reported to improve overall ground stability, extending the life of underground excavations.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

A new pumpable resin system from Sandvik<\/strong>
Sandvik\u2019s new pumpable resin system, featuring the company\u2019s Ground Support Mineral Bolt technology, is now available for its DD422i and DD442iE dual-control jumbo development drills. This innovation \u201cdelivers a safer, faster, and more consistent bolting process to meet the increasingly complex demands of today\u2019s underground mining,\u201d said Daria Fuerstenau, business line manager \u2013 ground support. \u201cRetrofittable pumpable resin kits are also available, enabling integration into existing machines already in operation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Fuerstenau, the new pumpable system uses a two-component, organic and mineral resin engineered for high strength and reliability. It firmly fixes mechanical bolts or anchors within boreholes, stabilizes heavily cracked rock masses, seals against gas penetration, and stops water inflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This solution now supports three major bolt types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Resin-grouted rebar bolts for high productivity at the lowest unit cost.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Versabolt\u2122 bolts, offering high energy absorption in dynamic ground support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • DSI hollow-bar and self-drilling bolts, allowing post-grouting installation for peak productivity and safety, even in difficult
    ground. Ideal for deep mining, block caving, and rehabilitation works.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cWith the new pumpable resin package for dual controls, we are transforming bolt installation,\u201d said Anssi Kouhia, ground support product manager at Sandvik. \u201cIt is faster, safer, and more consistent, giving operators full control and confidence underground.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The system is designed with \u201ca focus on operator safety and automation, featuring bolt loading from a safer working area, fast and mechanized resin injection via the operator display, and enhanced safety protections, including boom movement prevention, access barriers, and clear status indicators,\u201d continued Kouhia. \u201cTogether, these upgrades enable bolting operations to be executed more efficiently and with reduced operator exposure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The DD422i dual-controls configuration uses the left boom for drilling and the right boom for resin bolting, allowing for sequential drilling and bolting without requiring equipment changes. This setup increases advance rates while improving cycle time efficiency. The resin tank system is installed at the machine\u2019s rear frame. Although this increases the machine\u2019s total length and alters its cornering capabilities, it brings significant operational benefits. The resin pumping and grouting process is fully controlled through the onboard operator display, where two flow meters monitor the resin ratio, which defaults to 50\/50 and can be adjusted. The speed of the grout pipe is also adjustable based on the hole diameter, ensuring optimal filling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Supporting this system is Sandvik\u2019s Ground Support Mineral Bolt resin, a \u201chigh-performance solution developed for mechanized and automated applications,\u201d said Kouhia. \u201cThe Mineral Bolt resin eliminates manual mixing errors, leading to more reliable fortification. Its rapid reaction time and fast curing significantly reduce delays associated with traditional cement-based grouting, helping operators maintain continuous production schedules. It is also available in multiple formulations, offering adjustable setting times and varying thixotropy levels to suit a wide range of underground conditions. Its adaptability makes it effective across a broad temperature range and helps ensure performance consistency in diverse environments.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another key advantage is its performance in difficult ground or soil conditions. \u201cThe thixotropic formulation prevents unwanted resin flow into surrounding fractures, concentrating the material where it is most needed to reinforce structural integrity, Kouhia explained. \u201cAs a result, Mineral Bolt resin improves overall ground stability and extends the life of underground excavations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Together, the pumpable resin system and Mineral Bolt technology represent \u201ca step forward for underground ground support,\u201d concluded Fuerstenau. \u201cBy improving installation speed, consistency, and safety while optimizing resin placement and performance, Sandvik offers mining operations a complete, high-efficiency bolting solution tailored to modern needs. Technologies like these will be critical in helping mines meet safety, productivity, and sustainability goals.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Equipment and technology innovations offer the potential for faster, safer, and more accurate ground control; however, this should not come at the expense of a proper geotechnical understanding. by Jonathan Rowland As underground operations move deeper and face increasingly complex conditions, equipment development is focused on delivering faster, safer, and more consistent ground control. Meanwhile, advances in computer processing capabilities…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":10401,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[4],"tags":[3860,3859,90,852],"coauthors":[1635],"class_list":["post-10400","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","tag-equipment-supplier","tag-j-h-fletcher-co","tag-sandvik","tag-underground-operations"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t