Shotcrete improves development productivity

Shotcrete implementation in a deep gold mine increases development productivity and reduces costs.

• 1.2Mtpa West Australian gold mine at depths to 1300 metres below surface.
• Access development rate required of 350m/mth

• Mesh regularly damaged by loaders
• Seismicity/ ground stress required ongoing rehabilitation of previously developed areas
• Restricted jumbo capacity meant that three jumbos were insufficient to meet development requirement

• Fibre reinforced shotcrete introduced
• Development rate increased from 142 to 372m/jumbo, eliminating need for two of the three jumbos
• Rehabilitation eliminated (life of mine support achieved)
• Significant reduction in the maintenance cost of the one remaining jumbo