GroundProbe - Slope Stability Radar and Sub-Surface Mining Mapping

GroundProbe provides precise information for risk management, making mining safer and more profitable. GroundProbe’s unique measurement systems provide slope stability monitoring and subsurface mapping for mining and infrastructure applications.

Critical slope monitoring

Open-pit mines seek to go deeper and steeper to improve profitability, but safety can be adversely affected by unexpected slope failures. GroundProbe’s slope stability radar (SSR) improves safety and production through precise and continuous slope monitoring. SSR is the world’s best practice for critical slope monitoring.

Slope stability radar (SSR)

The slope stability radar (SSR) is a state-of-the-art technology used for slope stability monitoring of open-cut mine walls. SSR continuously measures rock wall movements. By tracking movement, alarms are raised to warn of slope failure. Unique linkage to visual images precisely identifies areas of movement. Continuous monitoring of wall stability by the SSR in response to a failure or blast event will significantly reduce stand-by times.

The SSR provides precise and real-time information on rock mass acceleration, which enables mining in high-risk areas that otherwise could not be used. The impact of rain events on slope stability and production can also be more closely monitored through the provision of enhanced feedback from the SSR. It also enables the safe evacuation of people and removal of equipment at the optimal point in time, prior to a failure occurring.

Slope stability monitoring benefits

In short, SSR enables mine managers and geotechnical engineers to make informed decisions, in order to:

• Evacuate people and equipment prior to a slope failure
• Manage risk for greater productivity and lower cost
• Minimise disruption from a slope failure – know when it is safe to mine and to clear up after a failure
• Optimise mine design based on real slope performance
• Optimise the design for productivity and safety
• Control the consequences of a slope failure, giving a reduced risk factor

Other benefits include improved operator safety, improved production, increased output in risk areas, reduced production delays, improved management of wet weather risk, improved mine design and ground support and increased pit life.

Mine-design improvement technology

Mines have significantly improved their return on investment as a result of increasing the design angle of mine pits, whilst maintaining safe operations through continuous SSR monitoring. SSR monitoring in conjunction with detailed risk management has enabled deeper pits, which prior to the deployment of an SSR would not be possible.

Slope stability radar technical details

Key technical details of the SSR are:

• Measurement precision ±0.1 mm
• Maximum range of 2,800m
• Scans up to 270° horizontally and 100° vertically
• Scan rate of 1min-30min (varies according to scan area)
• Resistant to vibration and local mining equipment
• Unaffected by wind speeds up to 88km/h
• Trailer towing weight approximately 1,800kg
• Radio frequency exposure (>0.02mW/cm²) is a factor of 50 below the acceptable limit for general population (1mW/cm²)

Sub-surface mining mapping

Mines require precise ore-grade and rock mass characterisation to reduce project risk and increase operational performance. Civil applications require sub-surface investigations to monitor the integrity of existing infrastructure and proposed sites.

GroundProbe’s geophysical solutions are precise and cost-effective for managing risks. With GroundProbe's sub-surface mapping, you can locate and characterise minerals from the air and the ground, characterise rockmass integrity for major infrastructure and mining projects, and define and map cavities and old mine workings underneath mines and proposed infrastructure sites.

Users can also monitor the integrity of infrastructure, and view a better resolution of the shallow subsurface with airborne geophysical mapping and geohydrological surveying.

Global client support

With offices in Australia, Africa, North America, South America and expanding into Asia and Europe, customers benefit from GroundProbe’s global footprint. Our highly qualified people provide dedicated support in all regions.

GroundProbe solves customer problems by delivering comprehensive solutions. Benefits include:

• Local contact point
• Rapid emergency call-out
• 24/7 telephone support
• Spare parts stored in local office warehouses
• Frequent site maintenance visits by local staff
• On-site technical support, advanced training and certification
• Geotechnical risk audit and mitigation training
• Data analysis and system integrity checks
• Local and international logistics
• Annual global user conference and regional user workshops
• Global user community for sharing ideas and best practices
• Geotechnical engineering portal