Friction: Edition 22 | October 2024
FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome to our second last edition of 2024.
With this month’s focus on block cave mining, we look at why effective draw control is essential for optimising efficiency and safety while safeguarding ore reserves. To provide insight, we hear from Kim Nesbitt, Associate Geotechnical Engineer at Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics, who delves into the vital role of draw control in the underground mining process, emphasising the importance of accurate data for planning, monitoring and execution.
We also hear from André Esterhuizen, Senior Geotechnical Engineering Consultant at South Africa-based Open House Management Solutions who's in the hot seat for this month’s Q&A feature. He shares his journey in and passion for geotechnical engineering, inspired by the rock engineering managers he worked with early in his career.
From the underground to above, this edition also looks slope stability and geotechnical monitoring through two articles, including drone use in open-pit mining to enhance safety and efficiency.
Friction remains a valuable resource for the geotechnical industry, and as we approach the end of another year, I want to express my gratitude to our incredible contributors who generously share their knowledge and insights.
If you’re looking to plan your 2025 calendar and connect with like-minded geotechnical professionals, don't forget to check out our events calendar to keep up to date with what is happening near you. Also, consider joining a geotechnical association in your area by exploring our Associations Directory.
Regards,
Tim Cartledge
Friction is made possible thanks to our incredible contributors who offer up their valuable time to share knowledge and insights. Do you know a geotechnical engineer who’d enjoy Friction? Feel free to forward this email or share any of our news and features. You can also direct them to our sign-up link here.
The importance of draw control in block cave mining operations
Draw control is a critical aspect of block cave mining operations and is necessary to avoid conditions of isolated draw, which may result in unnecessary waste ingress, compaction of ore and loss of ore reserves.
Kim Nesbitt, Associate Geotechnical Engineer at Cartledge Mining and Geotechnics, explores how draw control is pivotal in ensuring the efficiency, safety and viability of the large-scale underground mining process and the importance of accurate data in planning, monitoring and execution.
Q&A with André Esterhuizen
This month we unearth the hidden layers of South Africa-based André Esterhuizen, Senior Geotechnical Engineering Consultant at Open House Management Solutions.
From the importance of data collection and evolving with technology to his perspective as a geo-professional in South Africa, André shares profound insight into his experience as a geotechnical engineer and the entire industry.
NEWS, PUBLICATIONS AND UPDATES
What is the block caving method?
With the low cost and high productivity of block caving, new deposits suitable for this technique are in high demand.
From the logistics of blasting and operations to safety risks and financial benefits, this video and accompanying article explain the basics behind the large-scale mining method, covering ideal rock conditions, blasting techniques, required infrastructure, transportation and more.
Unconfined compression test
Ground stability is a crucial consideration in every mining and construction project. Unconfined compression tests are critical in assessing the strength of rock formations.
This laboratory procedure helps determine the unconfined compressive strength of rock samples, providing insight into the maximum axial compressive stress a rock specimen can withstand before failing.
Leveraging drones for slope monitoring in open pit mines: Enhancing safety and efficiency
Open-pit mining presents significant challenges for geotechnical monitoring, especially in maintaining the stability of highwalls.
This article explores the revolutionary effects of drone technology on geotechnical monitoring in open-pit mining, specifically in relation to slope stability. It emphasises the hazards of conventional monitoring methods, which frequently involve workers accessing perilous highwalls, exposing them to risks such as rockfalls and landslides.
Ethiopia dam geotechnical slope stability study: Implications for environmental sustainability and resilience
The stability of slopes is a critical consideration for geotechnical engineers, particularly in unstable conditions. It is vital for ensuring the safety and sustainability of a project.
This study examines the techniques for assessing and guaranteeing slope stability and environmental sustainability in areas prone to seismic activity and landslides. With a dam site in Ethiopia as a case study, it explores factors such as rock quality designation, joint condition, discontinuity spacing and groundwater.
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