Mr Damien Duff (R&D Program Director - CEMI - Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation)
The Ultra Deep Mining Network, a $46M program within CEMI—The Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation in Sudbury, Ontario, has brought together academics, small to medium-size commercial enterprises as well as the mining and oil and gas industries to work on challenging aspects of ultra deep mining and tight shale hydrocarbon extraction. Up to $6.9M is being expended by teams on nine projects over the coming 2-3 years to produce commercializable products with value for both sectors. The technical focus is on induced seismic hazard mitigation and the optimization of related geophysical measurement techniques. Projects fall into three broad categories including: Non-Conventional stress (and strain) measurement; Geotechnical hazard assessment and Rock Mass behaviour modification. The first proposes novel seismic data analysis techniques including seismic stress inversion and ambient noise analysis as well as active seismic signal monitoring and mobile convergence monitoring approaches. The second develops 4D geohazard assessment techniques with visualization and report-generation capability enabling real-time decision making. As well, it addresses optimized measure while drilling techniques and open geotechnical data communications networks. And, finally, the last uses hydraulic pre-conditioning and enhanced underground opening pre-conditioning approaches to modify rock mass behaviour in advance of mining. This presentation will overview the projects, their objectives, R&D approaches, intended outcomes and intended commercializable deliverables. Opportunities to learn more will also be discussed.
