ACG Research

The Australian mining industry urgently needs to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by the current economic climate. Industry must be in a position to readily exchange information on the challenges being faced and identify and develop the tools and practices that will enable operation optimisation. These developments will concurrently improve mine safety and community and environmental performance generating sustainable growth.

The industry in its entirety cannot evolve to meet these challenges without developing highly relevant and defined research projects. The ACG continues to effectively respond to industry's needs by initiating innovative research that provides ongoing benefits and vialibilities instad of "quick-fïx" solutions.

Current Research

Mine Seismicity and Rockburst Risk Management
Innovative rock mechanics research into the management of risks associated with mine seismicity and rockbursts continues at an accelerating pace. The third phase of this world class project has been completed and we are now in phase four.

One of the deliverables of phase three of the project was the generic Seismic Risk Management Plan.

Squeezing Ground Task Force
The 'Squeezing Ground Task Force' was formed in 2007 by the Australian Centre for Geomechanics as a research initiative to faciliate a better understanding of squeezing ground conditions and how different mines manage these issues.

An Effective Stress Approach to Mine Backfill
This project will address technology gaps that currently exist relating to the use of tailings based backfills and which result in significant residual risks at present. The principles of effective stress will be used to analyse the mechanisms associated with placement mechanics as well as the post placement aspects associated with exposure stability.

HEA Mesh
Professor Yves Potvin, director of the ACG at the University of Western Australia, initiated the High Energy Absorption (HEA) Mesh project in 2005. The ACG has developed the new high energy absorption mesh to tackle the challenges presented by deep and high stress mining conditions and mechanised mining.

Past Research

Towards the Elimination of Rockfall Fatalities (Phases I & II)

High Resolution Seismic Monitoring in Open Pit Mines
This project sought to minimise the financial and safety risks associated with potentially catastrophic slope failures by detecting and analysing the early microseismic warning emitted by the failing rock.

Integrated Monitoring Systems for Open Pit Wall Deformation

Rapid Low Cost Mine Mapping

Metallurgical Mine Tailings Rehabilitation

Saline Tailings Disposal and Decommissioning

In Situ Stress Measurement using Acoustic Emisssion from Cored Rock