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The Impact of Scattered Mining on Gold Recovery: A Case Study in the Deep Level Gold Mine, South Africa
School of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
Luleå University of Technology, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Mining and Geotechnical Engineering.ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1014-0405
2025 (English)In: 59th U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA), 2025, article id ARMA 2025–0566Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Mining at depth presents significant challenges, particularly rockbursts, which threaten infrastructure, production, and profitability. This seismic events compromise ground stability, reduce accessible ore, and lead to mine closures, shortening mine life. A once-profitable mine faces declining production, increased seismicity, and reduced blasted square meters, forcing a shift to lower-grade secondary reefs. Seismic damage has rendered high-grade areas inaccessible, disrupting the business plan. A 16-month analysis of mine plans, production data, seismic mechanisms, and rock engineering designs reveals that seismic events (M ≥ 2.5) primarily result from stress changes affecting pre-existing weaknesses. Consequently, approximately 50% of planned working areas are irrecoverable, severely impacting ore reserves. Enhancing rock engineering designs and monitoring programs is essential to mitigate seismic risks and optimize recovery. By addressing mining-induced seismicity and implementing effective ground response strategies, the mine can extend its life and maintain sustainability despite reliance on lower-grade reefs.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA), 2025. article id ARMA 2025–0566
Keywords [en]
geology, native element mineral, risk management, machine learning, operation, reservoir characterization, geologist, artificial intelligence, seismic event, seismicity
National Category
Other Civil Engineering
Research subject
Mining and Rock Engineering
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-114850DOI: 10.56952/ARMA-2025-0566Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105019507056OAI: oai:DiVA.org:ltu-114850DiVA, id: diva2:1999770
Conference
59th U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, Santa Fe, New Mexico, June 8–11, 2025
Note

ISBN for host publication: 978-0-9894844-2-8

Available from: 2025-09-22 Created: 2025-09-22 Last updated: 2026-05-06Bibliographically approved

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Zvarivadza, Tawanda

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