An assessment of support systems to mine isolated blocks of ground at Thuthukani shaft, KDC

Abstract

As most of the South African gold mines near their end of life, with regards to the original reef horizons and ore bodies planned, a large portion of the gold bearing ore lie in isolated blocks of ground which were left behind for various reasons. These blocks of ground are now being investigated with the intention of extraction together with other low grade ore bodies or reef bands. Although, the cost of gold mining has risen substantially, the price received for the finished product has also risen considerably over the past decade and it is still one of the most stable forms of long term investment (World Gold Council, 2013). Thuthukani Shaft, KDC has been mining isolated blocks of ground over the past decade with improving success. This research report details investigations into the continuously improving support systems that have been used over time with regards to the mining of isolated blocks of ground and seismic activity. The investigation reflect an improving work environment with regards to health and safety and indicates that the support system used at present is capable of preventing damage to workplaces with fairly high seismic activity. The report contains an analysis of seismic activity with regards to injury and damage to workplaces in relation to the improvements made to the support system over time at Thuthukani Shaft, KDC. The report also contains detail regarding the improvements made to the support system over the past seven years and includes some production statistics in relation to seismic activity at Thuthukani Shaft, KDC.