The initially cautious approach taken towards ground support and
reinforcement at the Porgera Underground Gold Mine in the Highlands of
Papua New Guinea has evolved rapidly in the two years since stoping
commenced. The confidence to continue the evolution process has grown
from an increasing knowledge of mining conditions as stoping has
progressed, to the extent that reinforcement requirements have decreased
by 50 to 75 per cent depending on local circumstances. Changes to
mining practices have significantly assisted and influenced this process.
Empirical observations of ground behaviour, assisted by a deliberately
selective extensometer monitoring program, provided the stimulus for
early changes to ground support and reinforcement practices. Further
optimisation of the ground support and reinforcement effort is being
pursued through an active monitoring, measuring and analysis program.
Ultimately, situation rather than site specific design will ensure
continuing high quality ground support and reinforcement installations.
However, local structural and lithological factors will continue to become
more critical as the optimum position is reached.