Geotechnical Consulting.

To develop a robust structural geology model, our team can assess the existing data in collaboration with our clients to assess any gaps, and then applies several techniques as appropriate. These can include lineament analysis, precise structural mapping using remote techniques (outcrop, open pit and underground), geotechnical core logging, acoustic and optical televiewer analysis, and stereonet analysis.

Rock mass strength estimation is required for the prediction of excavation response at the mine site. Obtaining accurate rock mass strengths requires an understanding of the intact rock and joint properties of each geotechnical unit and the in-situ stress state.

Blackrock Mining Solutions can facilitate, interpret, and apply both field/laboratory strength testing and in-situ stress measurements. We use traditional engineering approaches including mechanical, empirical and numerical to estimate rock mass strengths, and innovative numerical techniques such as Synthetic Rock Mass (SRM) simulations. This approach allows our consultants to model rock mass behaviour for any given range of anisotropies, scales, material properties and conditions.

We specialise in the assessment of slope stability, ranging from civil engineering slopes in soil and rock, including portals to mine benches and inter-ramps of open-pit mines.

We also routinely analyse both the static and dynamic stability of waste dumps and leach piles using the most up to date constitutive models and software.

We are highly experienced in examining difficult problems involving slope instability and remediation methods. Our team uses traditional equilibrium methods and accurate and efficient numerical methods, using the shear-strength reduction (SSR) method to determine Factor of Safety (FoS). This method allows failure surfaces to develop naturally; an important advantage over more traditional limit-equilibrium solutions, that are restricted to prescribed failure surface geometries (circular, log spiral, segmented, etc.). The SSR can also be extended to estimate failure probabilities, which are important in formalised risk assessment.

Underground Infrastructure Design

Robust designs for critical infrastructure such as access and ventilation shafts, crusher stations, haulage drifts, etc. are essential for long-term stability, mine sustainability and safety of personnel.

Once the location, orientation and geometry of an excavation have been designed, long-term considerations such as the impact of future adjacent excavations, major and minor geological structures, and the effects of construction sequence on short-term and long-term stability must be considered.

A number of design issues require consideration when developing infrastructure in rock or soil that impact an excavation’s long-term stability, in-situ and mining-induced stress, geologic structures and other intersecting developments can be assessed by our consultants in order to compensate the design as necessary.

Our experienced team can perform complete analyses using the most up-to-date empirical, analytical and numerical tools available to ensure that the underground infrastructure is stable during the construction (construction sequence assessment) as well as the operational lifetime.