Title: GPS-based slope monitoring systems and their applications in transition mining from open-pit to underground

Authors: Gang Chen; Xingwen Cheng; Weitao Chen; Xianju Li; Liangbiao Chen

Addresses: Department of Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China ' Department of Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China ' College of Computer Science, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China ' Department of Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA

Abstract: Combining methods of open-pit and underground mining can yield maximum economic outcomes, while they may also cause large-scaled geological hazards, such as landslides. Failure to prevent landslides in mining areas could result in losses and damages to equipment, surrounding environments, and even human lives. In this paper, we report the application of global positioning system (GPS) for monitoring the Anjialing Coal Mine, the first mine in China that employs the combining methods of open-pit and underground mining. Mine slopes with different inclined angles were monitored and precise data of ground movements were obtained. Mathematic modelling of the subsidence rate over time has successfully detected the occurrence of terminal subsidence rate and a corresponding a landslide. The equipment and persons involved were evacuated and kept safe before the medium landslide occurred. In conclusion, the GPS monitoring system is proved to be effective in mitigating the geological hazards in mining areas.

Keywords: GPS monitoring; global positioning system; open-pit mining; underground mining; terminal subsidence rate; mining hazards; landslide prediction; transition mining; mine slopes; ground movements; mathematical modelling; subsidence rate; landslides; mining safety; geological hazards.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2014.060219

International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, 2014 Vol.5 No.2, pp.152 - 163

Received: 24 Jul 2013
Accepted: 09 Sep 2013

Published online: 10 Sep 2014 *

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