Description
This presentation outlines the evolution of sidewall (rib) ground support at Nutrien’s Lanigan mine, with an emphasis on reducing worker exposures using friction stabilizers and screen (mesh). The Nutrien Lanigan mine has been prioritizing advancement of sidewall ground support in the Canadian potash industry in recognition of trends of potentially fatal incidents in our industry. This presentation details the rationale for change, legacy ground control methods, and the developments that have resulted with successes and challenges. Diligence conducted will be shown with data from pull tests, factor of safety modelling, lithology variants, and operational trials. The presentation will also cover potash mining basics for the audience, particularly how drift geometry and operational sequencing plays a major role in worker exposure, and further illustrates the need to have a holistic ground hazard management program. The technical share concludes with a roadmap for further progress, including analysis of ground control method tradeoffs, and new application of other unconventional ground control technologies.