Mining Support Methods for Accident Reduction

Rock fall can be favored by the inadequate condition of the bedrock. This is influenced by the extraction method used, the weakening produced by blasting and drilling, as well as the presence of ground water.

In addition, there are different indicators of a possible rock fall, where all workers must be attentive. The most common cases are the displacement of wedges, fractures, faults, deviation of the floor, among others. Aspects to take into account in order to carry out the appropriate mining support methods.

For the specialist of the Chamber of Mines of Peru, Fernando Fernandez, «it is important to understand how the fault is generated in the bedrock in order to be able to apply solutions, in addition to mitigation measures to prevent and reduce falls, as well as rock bursting in underground operations». Apart from the geological conditions of the bedrock, the human factor has become another of the main causes for the occurrence of mining accidents due to rock fall.

 

Thus, we can mention the bad practice of the workers, which can be originated by lack of knowledge or overconfidence. This generally occurs when operators do not carry out tasks such as rock scaling because they consider this activity as unnecessary or they just scale those rocks that at first sight are loose. This is why mining support methods are chosen to control possible eventualities.

 

Another potential risk arises when, after inspecting and evaluating the work area, it is decided to carry out a simple scaling in those areas where mining support methods are required. We can also mention that the personnel carry out their work without taking into account the regulations established in the Written Safe Work Procedures (PETS). For this reason, the Chamber of Mines of Peru is constantly developing training programs. These programs seek to help workers in the sector become aware of the importance of performing their duties responsibly.