{"id":57294,"date":"2025-10-14T04:00:59","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T01:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/geoconversation.org\/when-the-earth-collapses-why-the-mining-industry-needs-geomechanics-and-mine-monitoring\/"},"modified":"2026-05-04T18:27:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T15:27:43","slug":"when-the-earth-collapses-why-the-mining-industry-needs-geomechanics-and-mine-monitoring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/geoconversation.org\/en\/when-the-earth-collapses-why-the-mining-industry-needs-geomechanics-and-mine-monitoring\/","title":{"rendered":"When the Earth Collapses: Why the Mining Industry Needs Geomechanics and Mine Monitoring"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

News of accidents in mines and quarries appears in the media with alarming regularity. The death of miners in Turkey’s \u00c7\u00f6pler mine, the collapse at Russia’s Pioneer mine in the Amur region \u2014 it seems as if working underground is always associated with constant risk, where a disaster can strike at any moment. <\/p>\n\n

However, no major accident at a quarry or mine occurs suddenly. Any collapse is a chain of events that began long before the tragedy: the formation of cracks, deformations, rock mass movement, changes in instrument and equipment readings. These signs can be observed, and their consequences prevented, if one understands the structure of the rock mass and how it reacts to operations. <\/p>\n\n

One of the key tools that enables this is geomechanics. It combines science and practice, helping to predict the behavior of rock masses, manage the stability of quarry slopes, dump slopes, and mine workings, and reduce the risks of man-made disasters. <\/p>\n\n

What geomechanics is, how it works at different stages \u2014 from exploration to operation, and why it is impossible to build safe and efficient mining production without it \u2014 we explore together with Sergey Kuzmin, Ph.D. in Technical Sciences, full member of the Academy of Mining Sciences, member of ISRM, head of “Gluboky Engineering” and DEEPMINE LAB companies.<\/p>\n

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Due to an accident at the Pioneer mine in the Amur region on March 18, 2024, 13 miners were trapped at a depth of 125 m. The tunnels were blocked by a rock avalanche. Emergency services drilled boreholes to the presumed location of the people, but the efforts yielded no results. By April 1, rescuers determined that all locations where the miners could have been were flooded. The cause of the incident was water ingress. Source: Izvestia<\/a>, Dalnevostochnoye Obozreniye<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

What is Geomechanics and Why Does a Mining Enterprise Need It?<\/h2>\n\n

Geomechanics is a science of the Earth that studies how rock masses behave under the influence of mining operations. It helps assess the stability of the rock mass, predict various deformations, and select safe parameters for mining operations. <\/p>\n\n

Simply put, a geomechanist for a deposit is like a doctor for an organism: they monitor its “health,” notice the first symptoms in time, and help prevent serious consequences like rock mass collapse.<\/p>\n\n

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\u201cThere are ‘simple’ deposits: stable rocks, workings are driven without support \u2014 like a natural arch in a cave. But there are also opposite cases.\u201d <\/p>\n\u2014 explains Sergey Kuzmin<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n

In the Belgorod region, there is an interesting site \u2014 the Yakovlevsky mine. At a depth of about half a kilometer, iron ore is extracted here, lying in the form of loose sandy mass. The rock crumbles underfoot, and a water-bearing horizon \u2014 essentially an underground river \u2014 presses down from above. To work in such conditions, support must be installed continuously, without delay. Costs increase, risks rise, and precise geomechanical calculations are indispensable here. <\/p>\n\n

Such examples show that geomechanics is not an auxiliary discipline, but a key tool for managing the safety and efficiency of mining operations. It accompanies the enterprise at all stages \u2014 from exploration and design to operation, stability monitoring, and even mining completion. <\/p>\n\n

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Photos 1,2 \u2014 geomechanical support for mining operations at the Lichkvaz deposit in Armenia: a team of specialists from Gluboky Engineering LLC, engineers, and interns from the enterprise forms a work plan and visits key workings to assess initial risks. Photo 3 \u2014 geomechanical and hydrogeological studies at one of Polymetal’s deposits. Photo 4 \u2014 work on stabilizing the surface of bench slopes to protect against rockfalls. Source: Sergey Kuzmin<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

From Exploration to Mine Monitoring and Mine Closure: The Full Cycle of Geomechanics<\/h2>\n\n

Geomechanics only works when it is integrated into all stages of a deposit’s life \u2014 from exploration<\/a> to mining completion. In the early stages, it helps study the rock mass and lay the foundation for design; during operation, the geomechanical model is calibrated as new data becomes available; and at the stage of operation and enterprise closure, it allows for managing stability and predicting changes in the rock mass. <\/p>\n\n

Now let’s consider how geomechanics is applied at each of these stages and what role it plays in practice.<\/p>\n\n

Upper brow collapses. Source: Sergey Kuzmin<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Exploration: The Foundation for a Future Mining Enterprise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

At the geological exploration stage, the foundation for the future geomechanical model of the deposit is laid. When exploration boreholes are drilled, the core is studied not only for the content of useful components<\/a> but also for the physical and mechanical properties of the rocks, determining the rating indicators of rock mass stability. <\/p>\n\n

For geomechanists, the core is a source of key data on how stable the rock mass will be during subsequent extraction.<\/strong> Specialists study fracturing, structure, fracture infill, dip angle, density, and degree of silicification. These parameters allow for determining the rock stability category, calculating possible deformations, and anticipating where risks, such as the collapse of fractured rock, might arise in the future. <\/p>\n\n

The results obtained become the foundation for design<\/strong> \u2014 they will be relied upon when calculating the stability of pit walls and dump slopes, selecting the mining system, and determining the types and parameters of rock mass support. The more accurate this data, the more reliable the entire subsequent geomechanical model. <\/p>\n\n

However, as Sergey Kuzmin notes, in practice, geomechanical core description is still often performed formally or completely ignored. Boreholes are drilled “for geology” rather than “for geomechanics,” and the enterprise receives a project without a complete picture of rock mass stability. Correcting these errors later \u2014 at the construction and operation stages \u2014 costs many times more. <\/p>\n\n

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A geomechanist works with core samples, studying the structure and fracturing of rocks. Source: Sergey Kuzmin<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Design and Operation: Geomechanical Rock Mass Model<\/h3>\n\n

The data collected during exploration forms the basis of the geomechanical model<\/strong> \u2014 this is not just a report, but an engineering tool that describes how the rock mass behaves under real conditions. The model takes into account geology, hydrogeology, physical and mechanical properties of rocks, fault zones, tectonics, water saturation, and other factors. <\/p>\n\n

Design based on this is essentially creating a scenario for safe and economically efficient deposit exploitation: safe parameters for the design of pit walls and open-pit cuts, parameters for supporting mine workings, drainage measures, the sequence of operations, and the speed of mining operations are calculated.<\/p>\n\n

However, a project is never a document that is finished once and for all. The rock mass is dynamic;<\/strong> its properties change as mining progresses. When extraction begins, new data emerges \u2014 from observations, additional boreholes, measurements, and instrumental control. This data must be continuously incorporated into the model to keep it relevant and reflective of real conditions. <\/p>\n\n

Rock mass monitoring in action:<\/strong> “Mikon-Geo” equipment records the slightest displacements and helps provide timely warnings of collapses. Source: Sergey Kuzmin<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Sergey Kuzmin gives a characteristic example:<\/p>\n\n

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\u201cMany enterprises still operate according to projects from the 1970s. Back then, equipment was less powerful, extraction was slow, and the rock mass had time to ‘self-heal.’ Today, excavators and dump trucks extract rock many times faster \u2014 voids form, stresses redistribute, and stability decreases. If the model is not recalculated for new parameters, risks will increase manifold.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

Therefore, design in geomechanics is not a final stage, but a continuous process:<\/strong> data collection \u2192 model refinement \u2192 parameter adjustment. This approach allows for timely adaptation of the development system and maintenance of safety without loss of productivity. <\/p>\n\n

Yet, even the most accurate model cannot operate in isolation from practice. To control how the rock mass behaves in reality, it is necessary to monitor it constantly. This is where the next stage comes into play \u2014 monitoring.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

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Implementation of geomechanical solutions at an active site. Source: Sergey Kuzmin<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Monitoring Mine and Quarry Stability: Early Warning Signs of Danger<\/h3>\n\n

As we mentioned earlier, no<\/strong> accident at quarries<\/strong> or mines occurs suddenly.<\/strong> The first signs \u2014 minor displacements, cracks, atypical water inflows \u2014 appear long before a collapse. When deformations become visible, it is usually too late to fix anything. <\/p>\n\n

Therefore, monitoring the stability of the rock mass<\/strong> plays an important role <\/strong>\u2014 constant observation of the rock mass condition. Today, radars, piezometers, drones, and laser scanning systems are used for this. They allow for recording rock mass movements at early stages and timely adjusting extraction parameters. <\/p>\n\n

Sergey Kuzmin recalls an incident from his practice:<\/p>\n\n

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\u201cAt one enterprise, there was a long debate about whether it was even necessary to buy monitoring equipment. Everything changed the day our crew bus was driving along the quarry wall \u2014 a few minutes later, part of the quarry wall collapsed. I was inside the vehicle then, and we literally saw the wall start to slide. There were no casualties, but after that incident, there were no more questions \u2014 the radar was installed immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

However, monitoring is not just about purchasing a device. Someone needs to analyze the data, interpret it, and propose solutions. Without this, even the most modern system will operate “idly.” This is where the next problem arises \u2014 the hierarchy and the actual role of the geomechanist within the enterprise structure.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

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The Ground Probe SSR-XT radar provides an understanding of current slope deformation, and in conditions of high-speed analysis, it helps predict when a collapse will occur. Source: Sergey Kuzmin<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

When Geomechanics Is Disregarded<\/h2>\n\n

A geomechanist is a person who stands guard over the safety of an enterprise. They are the first to notice where the rock mass is losing stability and can prevent a mine accident before it even happens. But they have almost no opportunity to directly influence decision-making. <\/p>\n\n

At most enterprises, geomechanists report to the chief engineer<\/strong>, who thinks on a one-year horizon \u2014 fulfill the plan, extract the volume, report on indicators. For him, any proposal from a geomechanist, such as “recalculate the model,” “change the mining method,” or “reinforce the support,” means risks to the current plan and bonuses. Therefore, a conflict of interest<\/strong> arises: safety versus production. <\/p>\n\n

At the same time, the geomechanist has no direct access to the head office<\/strong>, where medium- and long-term decisions are made \u2014 for three, five, ten years ahead. Their voice simply does not reach where the development strategy can truly be changed. <\/p>\n\n

Sergey Kuzmin recalls from his experience:<\/p>\n\n

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\u201cWhen I came to the mine, I already had a serious scientific background and research experience. During one inspection, I went down into the mine and saw that the working support was not being installed according to the project. I issued a directive and stopped the work. The reaction was predictable \u2014 they simply stopped letting me underground so I wouldn’t ‘interfere.’ It took two years of struggle before they started listening to me.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

If even an experienced specialist with such a background had to prove the necessity of his decisions for two years, it is even harder for young geomechanists who are just starting after university. They are expected to provide answers \u2014 where to drive the working, how to react to changes in the rock mass \u2014 but they lack practical experience. The question of trust also arises: how to listen to a specialist who is not confident in their own decisions.<\/strong> We will discuss this in an article about how to become a professional in geomechanics, what to study, and how to build authority in production.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

And further in this article, we will analyze how to ensure that geomechanics at an enterprise ceases to be a formality and truly works.<\/p>\n\n

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Sergey Kuzmin \u2014 a geomechanist with 15 years of experience. Source: Sergey Kuzmin<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

How to Implement Geomechanics Correctly and Prevent Accidents in Quarries and Mines<\/h2>\n\n

Companies that understand that safety and stability management of a deposit are impossible without geomechanics often turn to Sergey Kuzmin. And the most frequent question is \u2014 where to start?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n

You can start simply \u2014 with data collection.<\/strong> You are already drilling production or control boreholes, and along with the geological description of the core, you can conduct a geomechanical description<\/strong>: recording fracturing, density, dip angle, presence of infill, degree of weathering, etc. These parameters will form the basis of the future deposit model and help understand how the rock mass behaves during extraction.<\/p>\n\n

The next step is engaging a consulting company.<\/strong> But it’s important to understand: this is not about a one-time report that will then be shelved, but about a partner who helps build a system.<\/strong> Such consulting establishes work in conjunction with the enterprise:<\/p>\n\n