Evaluation of goaf ground pressure monitoring and early warning system in based on safety integrity

Abstract The goaf ground pressure monitoring and early warning system (GGPMEW) is crucial for ensuring the safety of mining production. The use of the GGPMEW with a higher safety integrity level (SIL) will increase the production cost of the mine when the stability of the goaf is good, while if the stability of the goaf is poor, using the GGPMEW with a lower SIL will increase the risk of mining accidents. In order to evaluate whether the capability of the GGPMEW can meet the demand, the theory of safety integrity is introduced to evaluate the GGPMEW. Two methods for classifying the stability levels of the goaf are presented. Based on the As Low As Reasonable Practical (ALARP) principle, a matching model is established between the stability grades of goafs and the safety integrity levels of the GGPMEW. This model facilitates the determination of the optimal safety integrity levels of GGPMEW across varying risk grades of goafs. Finally, a case study of the Second Mining Area of Baiyinnuoer Lead-Zinc Mine of China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group is conducted to analyze the stability of goafs and the safety integrity of the GGPMEW. The analysis identifies three goafs with significant unsafe conditions and proposes corresponding engineering recommendations to address these issues.