Our practical, first-principles approach to solving mining problems enables us to consult on a wide range of mining methods covering the extremes of geological environments. We have experience in high stress, seismically active and high deformation environments, block and sub-level caving, mine-scale inelastic modelling and infrastructure placement as well as general geotechnical engineering.

The use of large three-dimensioal numerical models, sufficient scale and detail of geological units, structures and the precise description of the regional stress field allow simulation of realistic displacements and energy release for mining progresses.

In allmost any cases a direct comparison of our results with the work of others has achieved a better match with actual events at the mine. We believe this is because we make far fewer compromises:

• We incorporate a unique level of geological detail for our problem scale,
  
  
• we only work with higher order elements,
  
  
• we commit up to 1/3 of our total capacity to applied research focused on our clients problems every year,
  
  
• if there is data for calibration we will insist on using it, and matching it,
  
  
• we believe fundamentally that displacements must be quantifiably correct for a solution to be considered valid.

By ensuring realistic displacement, we are able to directly interpret most rockmass phenomena using displacement, strain and energy, rather than indirect correlates with stability. The end result is much higher understanding of the underlying rockmass processes.

Recent and current 3D minescale non-linear simulation projects

SLC Projects:

• Modelling of surface displacement induced by a massive SLC (~86% correlation with measured displacement and correct replication of the fracture zone).
• Modelling of closure in crosscuts of deep SLC (~80- 90% correlation).

Open Cut Projects:

• Modelling of the interaction of a massive, deep open pit with underground excavations and shafts.
• Modelling of the deformation induced by encroachment of a Block Cave on an existing open pit.
• Modelling of the interaction of a deep Cave with a proposed secondary mining front.

Large Open Pit Projects:

• Probabilistic slope stability analysis
• Deep open pit - underground interaction analysis
• Large open pit stability

Underhand Drift and Fill:

• Deformation of fill for a proposed underhand mining method.

Open Stoping

• Modelling the effect of a complex open stope extraction sequence on deformation and damage in a geologically complex environment of multiple dykes, faults and host materials of varying moduli.