Skip to main content
Conference Proceedings

Australian Mine Ventilation Conference 2022

Conference Proceedings

Australian Mine Ventilation Conference 2022

PDF Add to cart

Quantitative airblast risk assessments for block and sublevel caves

The occurrence of airblasts is one of the principal mining hazards in caving operations between the time of cave establishment and breakthrough of the cave to surface. As such, it needs to be managed continuously and risk assessments need to be reviewed on a regular basis for applicability to changing conditions. The likelihood of an airblast occurring is based on a range of geotechnical factors over some of which engineers on-site only have limited control. However, the impact of an airblast to the underground mine, if it does occur, can be managed by following established safety guidelines for the production from the cave.This paper outlines how the Caving Airblast Simulation Tool in Ventsim was used to determine a risk management strategy for a sublevel and a block cave at a mining operation in Australia. The block cave has a footprint of 14 500 m2 with the extraction level located 1250 m below surface while the sublevel cave currently has a footprint of around 18 000 m2 operating between 660 m and 800 m below surface. Both caves are currently in their early operational periods. The risk analysis provided valuable information for the production planning of the caves including confirmation of extraction ratios for the block cave undercut, locations of airblast walls and maximum allowable air gaps for different muck pile heights to ensure safe operation is achieved.
Return to parent product
  • Quantitative airblast risk assessments for block and sublevel caves
    PDF
    This product is exclusive to Digital library subscription
  • Quantitative airblast risk assessments for block and sublevel caves
    PDF
    Normal price $22.00
    Member price from $0.00
    Add to cart

    Fees above are GST inclusive

PD Hours
Approved activity
  • Published: 2022
  • Pages: 20
  • PDF Size: 7.742 Mb.
  • Unique ID: P-02680-Y1L5X9

Our site uses cookies

We use these to improve your browser experience. By continuing to use the website you agree to the use of cookies.