Underground mining conditions are notoriously dangerous, with falls-of-ground being one of the primary concerns. Many injuries and fatalities occur as a result of these rock falls underground.
However, through the use of proper mine support products, these incidents can be minimised. There are various underground mine support systems available, ranging from old-fashioned timber supports to high-tech pneumatic steel support systems.
One system that has revolutionised the underground mining industry is woven polypropylene bags filled with cementitious grout. These bags are filled under high pressure with cementitious material to create support systems that prevent falls-of-ground. The filled bags can be stacked to form a column of any size and height, making it an ideal solution for just about any underground mining scenario.
Here are some of the benefits of Tufbags’ mine support systems:
Versatility
The woven polypropylene bags are filled under high pressure with cementitious grout to ensure a dense and compact support structure. The high-pressure filling enhances the strength of the support and allows it to adapt to the surrounding geological conditions.
This means that the support columns made out of the bags will be moulded to the conditions of the underground area, resulting in an extremely snug and flush fit that provides extremely durable support.
The versatility afforded by the solution means that these cementitious material-filled bags can be used in situations involving soft, loose soils or harder, more rocky terrains. This mine support system can be easily adapted to accommodate highly specific challenges posed by varying geological formations.
Stability and Durability
The stability and durability afforded by these woven polypropylene bags are significant and robust. When working underground, it is important that support structures offer dependable structural stability to prevent collapses and maintain the integrity of the underground stopes, tunnels, and chambers.
The durability of this support system makes it resistant to wear and tear over time and able to withstand the harsh underground environments where high temperatures, high pressure, vibrations, and abrasions are commonplace. These environmental factors can cause less robust support systems to become compromised over time, thereby increasing the risk of a collapse.
Moreover, the durability of the double-woven polypropylene fabric makes the bags extremely strong and resistant to tearing and rupturing. The strategic webbing woven into the bags ensures that they can provide high compressive strength and superior reliability.
Cost-Effectiveness
Mining has always been a cost-management game. At Tufbag, we understand that mine support systems need to be cost-effective in addition to being reliable to ensure a more successful mining operation.
The manufacturing of woven polypropylene bags is, by its nature, a cost-effective exercise, especially when compared to supports made from other materials such as steel. The cementitious grout is also an affordable filler and will cost significantly less than high-tech steel support structures.
If you are looking for mine support products that offer superior reliability and cost-effectiveness, then look no further than those on offer from Tufbag. Contact us today to find out more.