Assessment Of Ground Support Ifor Tau Underground (640 Mamsl) Banded Iron Formation Section, (Mupane Gold Mine, Botswana

Abstract

In Mupane Gold Mine, the conditions of the ground vary from good to moderate. The identification of the appropriate ground support is therefore less challenging. The lithology of Mupane comprises of Quartzite, Schist, Banded Iron Formation and/or Graphitic Iron Formation and Dolerite. The main challenges at great depth are high rock stress levels, seismic events, large-scale deformation, sudden failures, and elevated temperatures that may cause abrupt and unpredictable instability and collapse over a large scale. However, the purpose of this research is to determine the suitable type of rock support for the Banded Iron Formation section. Support design recommendations are based on the Rock-mass rating (RMR) system and rock-quality index (Q) system which derives values that will indicate the quality and condition of the rock mass. Face mapping which involves the measuring of joint orientations, frequency, persistence, and condition relative to the host rock. Ground support is a fundamental requirement for all underground mining operations. Use of two or more classification systems in ground support investigation, will generally lead to better and more accurate results. Use the Q-system because provides a solid quantitative representation of rock mass quality or use the modified Rock Mass Rating System. Further, kinematic analysis can compensate for the shortcomings in the Q system and facilitate the way to develop  safe  excavation methodology.