| Survey & investigation
Left: MLWeb Scene: Using a map layer in MLWeb, the mine is able to visualize the locations of all installed instruments and corresponding charts and data in one unified view
Nevada mining
In the heart of Nevada’s mining landscape lies an operation that handles more than 30,000 tons of gold ore daily, sourced from both open-pit and underground sites. With such significant throughput comes the responsibility of managing the resulting materials efficiently and safely. To meet this challenge, the mine relies on a tailings storage facility, boasting one of the world’s largest rockfill tailings dams. To ensure the integrity and stability of this critical structure, the mine partnered with Canary Systems. Canary Systems deployed and integrated a suite of instruments. Piezometers were strategically installed to measure pore water pressure within the dam. Multiple MLGPS systems were deployed to precisely track ground movement and deformation, offering invaluable data for assessing stability. Shape Array Accelerometers (SAAs) were integrated to detect and monitor any structural vibrations or deformations. Additionally, thermistors and thermocouples were implemented to monitor temperature variations. MLWeb empowers the mine’s personnel to visualise
monitoring data in near real-time and generate insightful charts and graphs for trend analysis. The movement of ground vectors from the MLGPS systems is accurately depicted, providing a clear understanding of any shifting patterns or trends. Moreover, using Canary Systems’ calculation engine, displacement velocities are calculated for the SAAs, enabling the detection of structural deformations and facilitating proactive maintenance measures. This advanced functionality enhances the mine’s ability to detect potential risks and implement timely interventions to monitor and assess the integrity of the tailings dam. By effectively deploying monitoring instruments and seamlessly integrating them with the MLSuite platform, the mine has substantially improved its capacity to oversee and regulate the stability of its tailings storage facility. Access to extensive monitoring data, complemented by customized alarm notifications, facilitates proactive decision-making, thereby reducing risks and maintaining the ongoing safety of the site for years to come.
Left: Using MLSuite’ s reporting and calculation features, SAA charts can be created to view each point’s velocity over time, as well as overall cumulative displacement
www.waterpowermagazine.com | June 2024 | 35
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