Geomechanical Studies for the Recovery of Pillars Through Experimental Mining in a Pilot Area in the Urucum Mine and Automated Monitoring Available to Purchase

The task consisted of performing geomechanical studies in order to revise the sizing of the chambers and pillars in a pilot area chosen within the Urucum mine. This was done in order to execute experimental mining for the recovery of pillars; automated monitoring technology was also utilized. During the work, geomechanical mapping of the galleries and pillars within the pilot area was performed so that experimental mining could be executed once the safety factors for the pillars (at their current dimensions) and the current excavation rate had been determined. The geomechanical characteristics for the ceilings of the galleries were also determined in order to define the maximum critical spans and specifications of the support systems that would be installed. All of the recovery work on the pillars will be monitored in real time through automated monitoring technology, such as SMART extensometers, stress meters and convergence sections in order to verify the geomechanical parameters that were obtained, evaluate the support systems that were selected and validate the final sizing of the chambers and pillars. The results that were obtained from the the experimental mining will allow for the determination of the safety factors and the excavation rates that can safely be employed at the Urucum subterranean mine.