Smart Underground Monitoring and Integrated Technologies in Networked Deep Mining Observatories

Aspects of science and engineering which are focused on understanding the behaviour of natural
materials (rocks) and the performance of manmade structures (excavations) in underground mines
are best addressed using active mine sites for measurement and experimentation. Specifically, a
series of test sites with known natural geological and structural variability for such work provides
unparalleled opportunity for addressing issues associated with induced stresses and constructability
difficulties. Modern communications allows the virtual networking of sites, thereby permitting easy
data exchange among researchers and transferral of processed results back to industry.
CEMI, in conjunction with its industry sponsors and a team of researchers at multiple universities,
is building a network of such test sites within a virtual domain called a networked Deep Mine
Observatory (nDMO) for the purpose of advancing science and engineering experimentation. It will
address some of deep mining's most pressing problems including: induced stress issues such as fault
slip as well as the need for enhanced excavation rates. Work will focus initially on improved
rockmass characterization - leading to better modelling capability and failure prediction as well as
behaviour monitoring and forecasting creating a greater capacity to understand the effects of system
stiffness changes on fault and fracture stability. Strainburst mechanisms, and ways of mitigating
their impact around shaft and tunnel boring systems, is also a focus. International participation is
welcome.