Integrating Geotechnical Analysis and Parametric Design for Underground Mine Project through a Collaborative Approach

Underground mine design is traditionally a manual, time-intensive process requiring input from multiple teams, often limiting efficiency and exploration of alternative designs. A key challenge lies in the separation of mine design and geotechnical analysis, which rely on different tools and extensive data exchanges. This article presents a collaborative approach that integrates geological modeling, parametric design, and geotechnical analysis into a unified platform, streamlining workflows and fostering innovation. The process begins with implicit geological modeling to create an accurate subsurface representation, followed by assigning geotechnical attributes within a block model to ensure data precision. A parametric design tool then facilitates flexible mine layout adjustments, optimizing configurations based on factors like heading spacing and profile geometry. Finite Element models simulate stress distribution and safety factors, allowing for stability assessments. A case study of the Niagara underground mine dataset demonstrates how this iterative approach improves efficiency, adaptability, and safety by reducing manual data exchanges and enabling real-time design adjustments. By breaking down interdisciplinary silos, this methodology supports a more resilient, efficient, and future-proof underground mining framework.