Underground Coal Mines Unexplored Strata Structure Identification with Subsurface Profiling: A Case Study of Inherent Fault-Detection Method

Abstract

Safety in conjunction with production is a reality achieved in underground mining, where roof or side falls can have devastating effects on operations. A precise understanding of the roof structure is crucial for designing effective support systems that mitigate ground-fall risks. A key finding underscores the significance of this understanding. Sub Surface Profiler Ground-Penetrating Radar (SSPGPR) technology, utilizing real-time data and wirelessly transmitted signals, plays a pivotal role in achieving accurate knowledge of the roof structure. Geotechnical approaches, incorporating SSPGPR algorithms, facilitate continuous recording of sub-horizontal reflections through the lithology, optimizing roof support with accurate images of unexplored rock structures. The technology’s practical application in the Saoner group of underground mines highlights its effectiveness in mapping various zones within the roof rock strata, aiding excavation and support methods. SSPGPR is instrumental in detecting unmined strata profiles not evident in borehole data during exploration, emphasizing its transformative impact on efficiency and safety in underground mining. The correlation between fault zones mapped by SSP and ground faults further validates its effectiveness.