Radius of Influence in a Potash Mine

2019

Darren Neely, Nutrien; Matthew Swerhone, Nutrien

Understanding the radius of influence of mine openings is essential to safely and efficiently mining.  In potash mining, an understanding of the radius of influence is best gained through in-mine measurements.  Due to the nature and properties of the material, radius of influence in a soft rock is time dependent.  Measurements methods utilized must assess the radius of influence as it varies with time.  Knowledge of the time dependency of the radius of influence will result in an effective mine plan.  This will minimize mining influence interactions and avoid manufacturing instability.  Presented are the monitoring methods and results collected from field data at the Nutrien Vanscoy Potash Mine.

Keywords: Rock Mechanics, Soft Rock, Instrumentation, Mine Planning