Evaluation of Convolutional-Long Short-Term Memory Model in Predicting Surface Displacement of Underground Mines

Surface stability is essential in underground mines health management systems. Unexpected Surface displacement in underground mines could lead to loss of lives, injuries, and economic losses. To reduce or neutralise the adverse effects of surface displacement, it is vital to monitor and accurately predict them and unravel their mechanisms. In recent years, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) have proven effective in predicting complex problems. However, CNN neglects the dynamic dependency of the input in the temporal dimension, which affects surface displacement features. The Convolutional-LSTM model can dynamically learn the temporal dependency among input features via the feedback connections in the LSTM to improve accurate captures of surface displacement features. This study focused on evaluating the C-LSTM model in predicting surface displacement of underground mines and assessed the predictive capabilities and generalisation strength of using hybridised ANN models. Geodetic and geotechnical data gathered from a Gold Mine in Ghana was used. The three models were tested on experimental data collected at Monitoring Scan Point 3. It was observed from the prediction output that all the methods could provide applicable and practical results. However, using indicators like root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient (R) in assessing the output of the prediction, the C-LSTM had the best prediction output. This study contributes to the advancement of accurate and efficient prediction of surface displacement of underground mines, ultimately enhancing and assisting safety operations.

Artificial ground freezing of underground mines in cold regions using thermosyphons with air insulation

Current practice of underground artificial ground freezing(AGF)typically involves huge refrigeration systems of large economic and environmental costs.In this study,a novel AGF technique is proposed deploying available cold wind in cold regions.This is achieved by a static heat transfer device called thermosyphon equipped with an air insulation layer.A refrigeration unit can be optionally integrated to meet additional cooling requirements.The introduction of air insulation isolates the thermosyphon from ground zones where freezing is not needed,resulting in:(1)steering the cooling resources(cold wind or refrigeration)towards zones of interest;and(2)minimizing refrigeration load.This design is demonstrated using well-validated mathematical models from our previous work based on two-phase enthalpy method of the ground coupled with a thermal resistance network for the thermosyphon.Two Canadian mines are considered:the Cigar Lake Mine and the Giant Mine.The results show that our proposed design can speed the freezing time by 30%at the Giant Mine and by two months at the Cigar Lake Mine.Further,a cooling load of 2.4 GWh can be saved at the Cigar Lake Mine.Overall,this study provides mining practitioners with sustainable solutions of underground AGF.

A General Channel Model for Visible Light Communications in Underground Mines

In underground mines, visible light communication(VLC) system is a promising method to realize effective communication,which supports communication and illumination at the same time. Therefore, adequate research of underlying physical propagation phenomenon should be carried out to realize VLC system in underground mines. To design VLC system and evaluate its performance, accurate and efficient channel models, including large-scale fading and scattering characteristics, are needed to be established. However,the characteristics of the underlying VLC channels about fading and scattering have not been sufficiently investigated yet. In this paper, a path loss channel model, based on the recursive model, is proposed precisely. Its path loss exponent is determined by three different trajectories, which is studied in the mining roadway and working face environment. Besides, the shadowing effect for VLC has been modelled by a Bimodal Gaussian distribution in underground mines. Considering the number of transmitters in line-of-sight(Lo S) as well as non-line-of-sight(NLo S) scenarios,our simulation illustrates the fact that, as the curve fitting technique is employed, the path loss displays a linear behavior in log-domain.The path loss expression is derived, it is related to the distance. Finally, root mean square(RMS) delay spread and Mie scattering in underground mines are analyzed.

A hybrid tubular standing support for underground mines:Compressive behaviour

This paper presents the development of an innovative standing support for underground mines.The main feature of this standing support is its exterior container,a combination of polyvinyl chloride(PVC)with large rupture strain and fibre-reinforced polymer(FRP)with high strength-to-weight ratio.To demonstrate the advantages of this cementitious grout filled PVC-FRP tubular(PFT)standing support,a series of compression tests were conducted.Test variables included the strength of cementitious grout infill material and the thickness of FRP jacket.Compression tests were also conducted on cementitious grout-filled PVC tubular(PT)support and cementitious grout-filled FRP tubular(FT)support.These tests showed that PFT support presents a typical strain-hardening behaviour together with an outstanding axial deformation ability(>20%of the overall height of the support).In addition,the maximum compressive strength of PFT support is much higher than that of the corresponding PT support and FT support.Furthermore,using thicker FRP jacket or high strength cementitious grout material can enhance the load carrying capacity of PFT support.These comparative results indicated that the high performance of PFT support is mainly attributed to the combination of confining constituents(i.e.PVC and FRP)and infill material.

Fuzzy inference system using genetic algorithm and pattern search for predicting roof fall rate in underground coal mines

One of the most dangerous safety hazard in underground coal mines is roof falls during retreat mining.Roof falls may cause life-threatening and non-fatal injuries to miners and impede mining and transportation operations.As a result,a reliable roof fall prediction model is essential to tackle such challenges.Different parameters that substantially impact roof falls are ill-defined and intangible,making this an uncertain and challenging research issue.The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health assembled a national database of roof performance from 37 coal mines to explore the factors contributing to roof falls.Data acquired for 37 mines is limited due to several restrictions,which increased the likelihood of incompleteness.Fuzzy logic is a technique for coping with ambiguity,incompleteness,and uncertainty.Therefore,In this paper,the fuzzy inference method is presented,which employs a genetic algorithm to create fuzzy rules based on 109 records of roof fall data and pattern search to refine the membership functions of parameters.The performance of the deployed model is evaluated using statistical measures such as the Root-Mean-Square Error,Mean-Absolute-Error,and coefficient of determination(R_(2)).Based on these criteria,the suggested model outperforms the existing models to precisely predict roof fall rates using fewer fuzzy rules.

Residual subsidence time series model in mountain area caused by underground mining based on GNSS online monitoring

The residual subsidence caused by underground mining in mountain area has a long subsidence duration time and great potential harm,which seriously threatens the safety of people's production and life in the mining area.Therefore,it is necessary to use appropriate monitoring methods and mathematical models to effectively monitor and predict the residual subsidence caused by underground mining.Compared with traditional level survey and InSAR(Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar)technology,GNSS(Global Navigation Satellite System)online monitoring technology has the advantages of long-term monitoring,high precision and more flexible monitoring methods.The empirical equation method of residual subsidence in mining subsidence is effectively combined with the rock creep equation,which can not only describe the residual subsidence process from the mechanism,but also predict the residual subsidence.Therefore,based on GNSS online monitoring technology,combined with the mining subsidence model of mountain area and adding the correlation coefficient of the compaction degree of caving broken rock and the Kelvin model of rock mechanics,this paper constructs the residual subsidence time series model of arbitrary point on the ground in mountain area.Through the example,the predicted results of the model in the inversion parameter phase and the dynamic prediction phase are compared with the measured data sequence.The results show that the model can carry out effective numerical calculation according to the GNSS monitoring data of any point on the ground,and the model prediction effect is good,which provides a new method for the prediction of residual subsidence in mountain mining.

Environmental impact improvements due to introducing automation into underground copper mines

A life-cycle assessment(LCA) model was developed to comparatively analyze the use of manual and automated mining equipment in underground copper mine sites.Processes and key variables that were determined to contribute to the environmental impact of operations were identified for six mine sites in a range of geographical locations around the world.Our model successfully calculated carbon dioxide(CO_(2) eq.) emissions to within 4.9% of the reported annual emissions from the site's respective companies.The implementation of automation was found to decrease global warming potential by a range of 11.4%-18.0% or 3.9-17.9 kg CO_(2) eq./t ore.The model was also used to estimate the average reductions across several impact potentials including,acidification(11.9%-17.8%),eutrophication(7.6%-13.7%),and human toxicity(16.0%-20.0%).World-wide the mining industry is moving toward introducing significantly more automation to enhance productivity and safety.This novel work demonstrates an important third dimension that can support this move,reduced environmental impact.

Illumination of parameter contributions on uneven break： phenomenon in underground stoping mines

One of the most serious conundrum facing the stope production in underground metalliferous mining is uneven break （UB： unplanned dilution and ore-loss）. Although the UB has a huge economic fallout to the entire mining process, it is practically unavoidable due to the complex causing mechanism. In this study, the contribution of ten major UB causative parameters ha,; been scrutinised based on a published UB predicting artificial neuron network （ANN） model to put UB under the engineering management. Two typical ANN sensitivity analysis methods, i.e., connection weight algorithm （CWA） and profile method （PM） have been applied. As a result of CWA and PM applications, adjusted Qrate （AQ） revealed as the most influential parameter to UB with contribution of 22,40% in CWA and 20,48% in PM respectively. The findings of this study can be used as an important reference in stope design, production, and reconciliation stages on underground stoping mine.

Rock mass structural recognition from drill monitoring technology in underground mining using discontinuity index and machine learning techniques

A procedure to recognize individual discontinuities in rock mass from measurement while drilling(MWD)technology is developed,using the binary pattern of structural rock characteristics obtained from in-hole images for calibration.Data from two underground operations with different drilling technology and different rock mass characteristics are considered,which generalizes the application of the methodology to different sites and ensures the full operational integration of MWD data analysis.Two approaches are followed for site-specific structural model building:a discontinuity index(DI)built from variations in MWD parameters,and a machine learning(ML)classifier as function of the drilling parameters and their variability.The prediction ability of the models is quantitatively assessed as the rate of recognition of discontinuities observed in borehole logs.Differences between the parameters involved in the models for each site,and differences in their weights,highlight the site-dependence of the resulting models.The ML approach offers better performance than the classical DI,with recognition rates in the range 89%to 96%.However,the simpler DI still yields fairly accurate results,with recognition rates 70%to 90%.These results validate the adaptive MWD-based methodology as an engineering solution to predict rock structural condition in underground mining operations.

Safety analysis of Sormeh underground mine to improve sublevel stoping stability

In underground mines,sublevel stoping is used among a variety of different methods for mining an orebody,which creates large underground openings.In this case,the stability of these openings is affected by a number of factors,including the geometrical characteristics of the rock and mining-induced stresses.In this study,a sensitivity analysis was conducted with the numerical,squat pillar,and Mathews stability methods using the Taguchi technique to properly understand the influence of geometric parameters and stress on stope stability according to Sormeh underground mine data.The results show a full factorial analysis is more reliable since stope stability is a complex process.Furthermore,the numerical results indicate that overburden stress has the most impact on stope stability,followed by stope height.However,the results obtained with Mathews and squat pillar methods show that stope height has the greatest impact,followed by overburden stress and span.It appears that these methods overestimate the impact of stope height.Therefore,it is highly recommended that Mathews and squat pillar methods should not be used in high stope that is divided with several sill pillars.Nonetheless,Mathews method cannot accurately predict how the sill pillar impacts the stope stability.In addition,numerical analysis shows that all geometric parameters affect the roof safety factor,whereas the sill pillar has no significant influence on the safety factor of the hanging wall,which is primarily determined by the stope height–span ratio.

Numerical study on DPM dispersion and distribution in an underground development face based on dynamic mesh

In 2012,the International Agency for Research on Cancer(IARC)classified diesel particulate matter(DPM)as a carcinogen to human.With the increased usage of diesel equipment in underground mines,miners have a high risk of over-exposure to DPM,which has drawn many concerns from the public.This study used computational fluid dynamics(CFD)to analyse the DPM dispersion and concentration distribution characteristics in an underground development face based on an onsite experiment.The DPM emitted from a moving loader under a forcing auxiliary ventilation system was simulated.The motion of the load-haul-dump(LHD)in the tunnel was represented by a dynamic mesh method.The species transport approach was applied to study the DPM behaviours.High DPM concentration zones were then identified based on the simulation results.The results could provide guidelines for work practices and be helpful to an optimum auxiliary ventilation design to reduce underground miner exposure.

An improved method to assess the required strength of cemented backfill in underground stopes with an open face

Backfill is increasingly used in underground mines to reduce the surface impact from the wastes produced by the mining operations. But the main objectives of backfilling are to improve ground stability and reduce ore dilution. To this end, the backfill in a stope must possess a minimum strength to remain self-standing during mining of an adjacent stope. This required strength is often estimated using a solution proposed by Mitchell and co-workers, which was based on a limit equilibrium analysis of a wedge exposed by the open face. In this paper, three dimensional numerical simulations have been performed to assess the behavior of the wedge model. A new limit equilibrium solution is proposed, based on the backfill displacements obtained from the simulations. Comparisons are made between the proposed solution and experimental and numerical modeling results. Compared with the previous solution, a better agreement is obtained between the new solution and experimental results for the required cohesion and factor of safety. For large scale(field) conditions, the results also show that the required strength obtained from the proposed solution corresponds quite well to the simulated backfill response.

Optimal mining sequence for coal faces under a bedding slope:insight from landslide prevention

Repetitive mining beneath bedding slopes is identified as a critical factor in geomorphic disturbances, especially landslides and surface subsidence. Prior research has largely concentrated on surface deformation in plains due to multi-seam coal mining and the instability of natural bedding slopes, yet the cumulative impact of different mining sequences on bedding slopes has been less explored. This study combines drone surveys and geological data to construct a comprehensive three-dimensional model of bedding slopes. Utilizing FLAC3D and PFC2D models, derived from laboratory experiments, it simulates stress, deformation, and failure dynamics of slopes under various mining sequences. Incorporating fractal dimension analysis, the research evaluates the stability of slopes in relation to different mining sequences. The findings reveal that mining in an upslope direction minimizes disruption to overlying strata. Initiating extraction from lower segments increases tensile-shear stress in coal pillar overburdens, resulting in greater creep deformation towards the downslope than when starting from upper segments, potentially leading to localized landslides and widespread creep deformation in mined-out areas. The downslope upward mining sequence exhibits the least fractal dimensions, indicating minimal disturbance to both strata and surface. While all five mining scenarios maintain good slope stability under normal conditions, recalibrated stability assessments based on fractal dimensions suggest that downslope upward mining offers the highest stability under rainfall, contrasting with the lower stability and potential instability risks of upslope downward mining. These insights are pivotal for mining operations and geological hazard mitigation in multi-seam coal exploitation on bedding slopes.

Coal bursts in the deep longwall mines of the United States

Coal bursts involve the sudden, violent ejection of coal or rock into the mine workings. They are a particular hazard because they typically occur without warning. During the past 2 years three US coal miners were killed in two coal bursts, following a 6-year period during which there were zero burst fatalities. This paper puts the US experience in the context of worldwide research into coal bursts. It focuses on two major longwall mining coalfields which have struggled with bursts for decades. The Utah experience displays many of the ＂classic＂ burst characteristics, including deep cover, strong roof and floor rock, and a direct association between bursts and mining activity. In Colorado, the longwalls of the North Fork Valley （NFV） also work at great depth, but their roof and floor strengths are moderate, and most bursts have occurred during entry development or in headgates, bleeders, or other outby locations. The NFV bursts also are more likely to be associated with geologic structures and large magnitude seismic events. The paper provides a detailed case history to illustrate the experience in each of these coalfields. The paper closes with a brief discussion of how US longwalls have managed the burst risk.

A comprehensive geomechanical method for the assessment of rockburst hazards in underground mining

Rockburst hazard in mining industry all over the world is one of the most severe hazards. It is becoming increasingly common because of the ever-growing depths of mining operations accompanied by the increasing strength of rocks. One of the most difficult issues is to predict this hazard before the mining operations, whether geophysical investigations have been conducted or not. Polish experience in this field shows that in such cases an effective solution can be the geomechanical method. Therefore, extensive studies on rockburst hazard should focus on three main aspects:(1) rock mass and rock(and coal)predisposition to rockburst–laboratory tests and empirical analyses based on lithology,(2) identification of the potential places with stress and elastic energy concentration in the rock mass within the area planned for exploitation, and(3) the assessment of the impact of mining tremors on the surface. This preliminary geomechanical analysis assesses the propensity of the rock mass to dynamic breakage and provides quantitatively the level of rockburst hazard. The paper presents Polish experience in rockburst hazard assessment with the use of geomechanical method, as well as some solutions and examples of such analyses.

Stability of boundary pillars in transition from open pit to underground mining

Based on the height of back-filled materials, thickness of ore body, height of boundary pillar and dipping angle of ore body and water pressure, the safety factors of all the pillars are calculated with the limit equilibrium method. The calculation results present that the safety factors of pillars in Sections 19, 20, 24, 28 are less than 1.3, and those of unstable sections are identified preliminarily. Further, a numerical investigation in Sections 18, 20, 22, 24, 25 and 28 implemented with numerical code RFPA20 is employed to further validate the pillar performance and the stability of stopes. The numerical results show the pillars in Sections 18, 22 and 24 are stable and the designed pillar size is suitable. The width of the ore body near Section 28 averages 20 m, failure occurs in the left stope, but the boundary pillars near Section 28 maintain good performance. The pillars in Sections 20 and 25 are unstable which are mainly affected by the Faults F8 and F18. The existence of faults alters the stress distribution, failure mode and water inrush pathway. This work provides a meaningful standard for boundary pillar and stope design in a mine as it transitions from an open pit to underground.

Optimization model of unascertained measurement for underground mining method selection and its application

An optimization model of underground mining method selection was established on the basis of the unascertained measurement theory.Considering the geologic conditions,technology,economy and safety production,ten main factors influencing the selection of mining method were taken into account,and the comprehensive evaluation index system of mining method selection was constructed.The unascertained evaluation indices corresponding to the selected factors for the actual situation were solved both qualitatively and quantitatively.New measurement standards were constructed.Then,the unascertained measurement function of each evaluation index was established.The index weights of the factors were calculated by entropy theory,and credible degree recognition criteria were established according to the unascertained measurement theory.The results of mining method evaluation were obtained using the credible degree criteria,thus the best underground mining method was determined.Furthermore,this model was employed for the comprehensive evaluation and selection of the chosen standard mining methods in Xinli Gold Mine in Sanshandao of China.The results show that the relative superiority degrees of mining methods can be calculated using the unascertained measurement optimization model,so the optimal method can be easily determined.Meanwhile,the proposed method can take into account large amount of uncertain information in mining method selection,which can provide an effective way for selecting the optimal underground mining method.

Research on mechanism of mountain landslide due to underground mining

The basics of mining landslides were first summed up based on the analysis ofactual materials by the application of mining subsidence and landslide theories. Further,the mechanism of along-layer landslide by mining was studied with the example of theXiangshan mining landslide at Hancheng, Shaanxi Province. Meanwhile, the state ofstress, and the mechanism of deformation and destruction of the Xiangshan mining slopewere analyzed by the Finite Element Method.

Application of open-pit and underground mining technology for residual coal of end slopes

Given the conditions of residual coal from the boundary of a flat dipping open-pit mine,which uses strip areas mining and inner dumping with slope-covering,we propose an open-pit and underground integrated mining technology for residual coal of end slopes.In the proposal a conveyance road and ventilation conveyance near the slope are built,corresponding to the pit mining area and the surface coal mine dump,as well as an interval haulage tunnel and air-inlet tunnel.The outcome shows that such mining method may reduce the effect to slope stability from underground mining,it does not affect the dumping advance and has a high recovery rate of residual coal resources.The working face is timbered by single hydraulic props,transported by a scraper conveyor and supported by coal walls.This method of mining is one of layered top coal caving,with high resource recovery,low production cost where positive economic benefit can be realized.

Ground movement mechanism in tectonic stress metal mines with steep structure planes

When mining metal mines with steep structure planes by the caving method,there is a mechanical model in which the horizontal stress on the rock mass is simplified as a column before surface subsidence.The model is used to deduce critical support load and limiting column length for a given horizontal stress and support pressure.Considering the impact of the column effect,a method is proposed to determine the movement of the ground and caving area in a mine.After surface subsidence,the horizontal stress on a surrounding rock mass can be simplified to a cantilever beam mechanical model.Expressions for its bending fracture length are deduced,and a method is given to determine its stability.On this basis,an explanation for the large ground movement and subsidence scope was given.A case study shows that the damage effect of column and cantilever beam is significant for ground movement in metal-ore mine,and an appropriate correction value should be applied when designing for its angle of ground movements.