Ground Characterization Based on Deformation Pattern Along a Drift in an Underground Mine

The increasing demand for minerals, driven by rapid technological advancements, has spurred a significant shift toward expanding deep underground mining operations. Many surface mines are transitioning to underground mining due to various factors, including environmental challenges. In deep hard-rock underground mines, infrastructure development often traverses multiple rock types, each exhibiting distinct geomechanical properties. These boundaries between geotechnical domains are not always clearly defined, complicating ground characterization. In such environments, accurately assessing and predicting ground deformation is critical to managing safety risks. This work focuses on characterizing ground deformation along drifts as mining operations advance. Methodologies employed include the use of ground monitoring instruments to gather historical deformation data, and numerical modeling using FLAC3D software to calculate deformation based on stress and geomechanical parameters. Additionally, rock strength tests are conducted to provide critical data inputs for the models. Results reveal that deformation patterns are not uniform along the drift and are strongly correlated with variations in rock strength. The work generates a predictive model that could serve as a valuable tool for forecasting potential drift damage in hard-rock underground mines before it occurs, thus improving safety and operational efficiency.