Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a service provider to develop innovative strategies that support the safe and selective extraction of underground pillars in the South African mining industry. The research aims to improve stability prediction, risk mitigation, and resource recovery through advanced engineering methodologies and emerging technologies such as real-time monitoring, AI, and geotechnical modelling. The ultimate goal is to enhance underground safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency while balancing resource extraction and environmental considerations.

Scope

The scope of the project includes:

• Reviewing current pillar extraction practices in the South African Mining Industry (SAMI).
• Analyzing the impact of full and partial pillar extraction, including post-extraction backfill effects.
• Developing potential extraction layouts for various pillar categories.
• Engaging stakeholders to refine draft guidance documents.
• Producing detailed research outcomes such as stability assessments, seismic footprint analysis, and monitoring technology evaluations.
• Formulating guidance and best practice documents for safe pillar extraction.
• Delivering reports, a final comprehensive report, and a publishable journal paper within the project duration.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements encompass:

• Comprehensive literature review and analysis of past pillar failures and successes.
• Development of a rating system for different pillar types based on risk and stability.
• Assessment of rock mass behavior and stress redistribution around various pillar categories.
• Impact analysis of full and partial pillar extraction on stability, seismic activity, and rockburst risk.
• Evaluation of instrumentation and monitoring technologies suitable for underground applications.
• Design of optimized extraction techniques integrating advanced geotechnical and monitoring data.
• Preparation of a guidance document and stakeholder engagement workshops.

Skills Requirements

The project team must possess expertise in the following areas:

• Applied research and consulting in mining engineering with at least 5 years’ experience.
• Rock engineering and geotechnical analysis, including experience with underground pillar stability.
• Mining engineering with demonstrated experience in pillar design and extraction methods.
• Proficiency in advanced monitoring technologies, microseismic systems, and data-driven modelling.
• Experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and report writing.
• Qualifications such as a Chamber of Mines Rock Mechanics Certificate and relevant engineering degrees.
• Team members with proven experience in seismic risk assessment, stress analysis, and innovative extraction techniques.

The successful bidder must demonstrate capability in integrating technological solutions with geotechnical expertise to deliver practical, safe, and sustainable pillar mining strategies aligned with industry best practices and regulatory standards.