Annual Meeting Preliminary Program - Full Brochure (PDF) - SME

TECHNICAL PROGRAM
9:45 AM
An Overview of Imaging Technologies at Newmont Mine Sites
A. Adu-Acheampong; Newmont Gold, Denver, CO
Photogrammetry and laser scanning are been employed at a number of
Newmont mine sites to mitigate risks associated with conventional structural
mapping, determining the geometry of voids from old underground workings,
and generating topography in areas of slope instability. Laser scanning has also
been used to evaluate as-built pit slope configurations with respect to design assumptions,
operational practices, and rockfall potential. Remote sensing applications
carried on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) have been used to generate
base or progress topography at some sites in the recent past. This has been found
to more convenient and less expensive in areas where cloud cover complicates
planning of manned aerial photography missions. This paper discusses these applications,
and provides commentary on advantages and disadvantages based on
recent experience.
10:05 AM
Application of Close Range Photogrammetry to Monitor
Displacements in Mines
S. Rezaei and A. Rahnama; Freeport McMoRan, Phoenix, AZ
Moving ground in mining activities is inevitable; however comprehensive awareness
of these movements is necessary to mitigate risk. Monitoring displacements
in mining industry is a key tool for geomechanics risk management. Good monitoring
may prevent unexpected failures and protect men and equipment. Close
Range Photogrammetry (CRP) is a monitoring method with high accuracy, reliability,
and cost effectiveness, and ability for measuring places that are inaccessible.
This method has been demonstrated at the Freeport-McMoRan Safford
Mine in Arizona. A fault related instability in part of the pit is reactive to mining,
and provided opportunity to compare results between traditional monitoring
methods and CRP. Both instability movements and tension crack changes
have been monitored using CRP. In this project, multiple series of photos are
taken at different times using Canon 5D Mark III digital camera, then
PhotoModeler software has been used to make 3D models for each specific
measurement event. Movement rates are determined by comparing different 3D
models. These results are then compared to results of other monitoring methods to
validate the CRP displacement method.
10:25 AM
Comprehensive Geotechnical Assessment Using Laser Scanner
Imaging at Underground Mines
M. Haddock 1 , S. Otto 1 , Z. Hladysz 1 , M. Luxbacher 2 and S. Schiele 3 ;
1
Golder Associates Inc., St. Charles, MO; 2 Lhoist North America,
Ripplemead, VA and 3 Maptek Inc., Lakewood, CO
Accurate prediction of rock behavior and use of this information to select optimum
ground control methods is of paramount importance to ensure safe, sustained
mine operations. To respond to the needs of the mining industry, laser
scanning technology has been developed to provide enhanced geotechnical assessment
from laser-based mapping of structural features to analysis of data, culminating
in the design of safe and stable excavations. In 2011 Golder Associates
and Maptek, Inc., supported by engineering personnel from an active underground
mine, performed laser scanning, underground excavation mapping and
geotechnical assessment of room-and-pillar operations at a mine in the Eastern
USA. The significant size of the excavations (100 ft in height and 60 ft in width),
and the required accuracy and digital resolution presented a mapping and surveying
challenge that was successfully addressed. The 3D digital models of the
excavations and rock structure were used to develop a probabilistic assessment of
structural controls on excavation stability for mine planning purposes.
10:45 AM
Subsurface Imaging of an Underground Mine Using Electrical
Resistivity Imaging
M. Haddock, B. Waters and K. Davis; Golder Associates Inc.,
St. Charles, MO
Advances in electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) have led to more detailed and accurate
prediction of subsurface conditions even in complex and highly irregular
karst terrains. Geophysical data, when constrained by and calibrated to borehole
data, can be used to fill in wide data gaps at a site in between intrusive borehole
data and improve the overall understanding and conceptual model of subsurface
conditions. This can result in better estimation of reserve and overburden volumes
and can be used to provide geotechnical information such as identifying
areas of weak fractured rock, karst solutioning, and groundwater inflow. A case
study is provided where an extensive, detailed ERI survey was completed where
an underground limestone mine is being planned. The land surface is characterized
as a karst peneplain with a high density of sinkholes. The ERI data clearly
delineate the top of bedrock and reveal the presence of lower resistivity cavities,
interpreted as sediment and water filled karst voids, beneath the sinkholes. The
ERI data are compared with borehole data and used to project a 3-dimensional
model of the bedrock surface and subsurface voids.
11:05 AM
New Trends in Video Analytics and Surveillance Systems and its
Potential Applications for the Mining Industry
S. Paul 1 and F. Mielli 2 ; 1 Pelco by Schneider Electric, Fort Collins, CO
and 2 Schneider Electric, Alpharetta, GA
Mining operations is a complex industry that require an wider approach for surveillance
systems: From process monitoring to people and assets protection
Camera systems dont have eyes and brains but intelligent video analytics are the
next best trend. Through constant automated digital screening and filtering,
video analytics can identify specific conditions and notify operators of potential
issues, allowing mining operations to make quick, informed decisions. The objective
of this paper is to show new technologies in camera systems, thermal imaging
and software able to bring intelligence to the security and surveillance systems
and how they can help the mining industry.
Mining & exploration:
technology: next Generation Safety:
research and technology Focused on
developing Functional Safety
cultures in Industry
9:00 AM • Tuesday, February 26
chairs: K. Ray, Orica USA Inc., Gillette, NM
M. Blattman, Blattman Brothers Consulting LLC,
Cypress, TX
9:00 AM
Introductions
9:05 AM
Utilizing the Brain to Achieve a Culture that Values Safe Work
E. Prazeres and M. Brown; Sentis USA, Aurora, CO
Anyone who has attempted to change an organizations culture will attest to the
complexities involved with such an endeavor. Culture is more than just the way
things are done around here, but is a complex interaction of people with their environment.
People carry their thoughts and attitudes with them to work every
day, and it is these thoughts and attitudes that influence their behavior and ultimately
determine the success of an initiative. Organizations focused on creating
a culture that values safety must look at strategies that effectively change individual
attitudes, and when it comes to change, motivation and moving thought into
action, we are talking about the brain. In this presentation, we will examine what
the new science of the brain tells us about decision making, error reduction, enhancing
safety, and creating sustainable change in everything we do. Further to
that we will present how the philosophy and approach was put into practice at a
mine in the US.
9:25 AM
Fatigue Risk Management Systems Applying ANSI Standards to
Improve Occupational Health and Safety
W. Sirois; Circadian Technologies, Inc., Stoneham, MA
There is now a global body of scientific evidence that shiftwork in the 24/7 workplace
is a high risk, occupational health and safety exposure, and that the development
of Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS) has emerged as the internationally
accepted standard for managing the inherent costs, risks and liabilities
of shiftwork. This session will review the new API/ANSI 755 standard for
FRMS, along with a systems approach for achieving compliance.
This is the Technical Program as of September 1, 2012. IT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
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Please see the Onsite Program for final details.