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Ground Control Management Plan - Rampura Agucha Underground Mine

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 2nd National Conference on Mining Equipment: New Technologies, Challenges & Applications
9-10 October, 2015. ISM, Dhanbad India

Ground Control Management Plan Rampura Agucha Underground Mine

P. Yadav, M. Sonam, A. Panda, B. Banerjee, D.C. Paneri, A. Vyazmensky
Geotechnical Department, Rampura Agucha Underground Mine, Rajasthan India

ABSTRACT:

To maintain safe working conditions at a mine site, all risks associated with mining operations need to be
managed. From 1995-2005 about 60% of fatalities in Indian coal mines occurred due to fall of ground
(Chakraborty, 2009). Managing the risks of fall of ground hazards requires a clear and well understood
plan that is implemented, followed and monitored rigorously. This is easier in principle than it is in
practice.

A Ground Control Management Plan (GCMP) framework provides a systematic and methodical approach
to managing ground fall hazards. It is a dynamic document that has regular auditing and updates due to
changing ground conditions and regular introductions of improved mining technologies.

This paper outlines the basic principles of ground control management and presents an example of a
GCMP used at Rampura Agucha Underground Mine (RAM UG).

1 Introduction industries up to around 1990, when ground

To maintain safe working conditions at a
mine site, all risks associated with mining
operations need to be managed. A mine site
can have several risk management plans,
such as Mine Management Plan, Tailings
Management Plan, Mine Infrastructure
Management Plan, Seismic Risk
Management Plan, Backfill Management
Plan, Cave Management Plan and Ground
Control Management Plan. The latter is
subject of this paper.
In an underground mining environment
ground instability is one of the primary
hazards to personnel safety. Table 1
summarizes accident statistics in Indian coal
mines between 1995 and 2005. About 60%
of all fatal accidents are associated with fall
of ground (Chakraborty, 2009). Similar
trends were prevalent in western mining
control management plans (i.e. methodical
and systematic approaches in dealing with
ground control hazards) were introduced
that reduced injuries and fatalities associated
with fall of ground and significantly
improve overall safety. All mines in
Australia and Canada have an auditable
Ground Control Management Plan as a
requirement for complying with their
obligation to manage fall of ground hazards.
A “zero harm” policy is being implemented
across major international mining
companies.
Recently, Vedanta Group introduced new
sustainability standards, which requires each
Vedanta operation to develop and
implement a Ground Control Management
Plan (GCMP). This paper outlines the basic
principles of ground control management

Page | 1
and presents an example of a GCMP used at 2 Ground Control Management
Rampura Agucha Underground mine Plan (GCMP)
(RAM UG). The purpose of a GCMP is to:
> Provide a systematic approach to
planning, design, management and
Table 1.0 – Statistics of fatal accidents in revision of all aspects of works
coal mines 1995-2005 (Chakraborty, 2009).
associated with ground control
Fatality Cause # > Describe, formalize and consolidate the
Fall of roof 306 systems used to manage geotechnical
Fall of side 97
hazards at a mine
Other ground movements 4
Transportation machinery 16 > Outline the processes required to ensure
Rope Haulage 116 that adequate geotechnical
Wheeled trackless transport 0 considerations are given to planning,
Other transportation machinery 18 production and rehabilitation of mine
Machinery other than transportation 17
workings
Explosives 30
Electricity 7 > Establish processes required to ensure
Gas, dust and other combustible that the risk of injury to personnel from
9
materials geotechnical hazards is minimized
Fall of person 37
Fall of object 10 Key components of GCMP are summarized
Other falls 1 in Figure 1.0 flowchart and the following
Irruption of water 11 sub-sections thereafter.
Flying pieces 1
Miscellaneous 6
Total 686

Page | 2
 ANALYSE  Analyse geotechnical data
 Evaluate ground conditions and fall of ground hazards

 Developed by competent persons – Geotechnical Engineer,

CREATE GROUND CONTROL
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Geologist, Mining Engineer
nd rd
 Validated by 2 /3 party
 Sign off by GM/Mine Manager
 Design philosophy, design standards, ground support
requirements
 selection, specification and implementation of ground
support systems
 Performance testing, QA and maintenance of ground
support and excavation stability.

MINE PLANNING  Factoring of geological info, GCMP, span design, pillar/support

design into mine layout
 Appropriate input from Geologist, Geotechnical Engineer into
mine planning process
 Regular mine planning meetings
 Review and update of mine plan
 Production rates to take account of FoG risks and need for support

 Persons trained and competent to implement the GCMP

IMPLEMENT
 Adherence to GCMP and safe working practices
 Provision and maintenance of equipment/resources
 Communication of changes in mining conditions
 Control of changes to support pattern
 Change management process

MONITOR  Audit implementation of GCMP

 Behaviour based audits
 Tracking and investigation of FoG incidents

 Consider changes in available technology/techniques

REVIEW/ADAPT  Continuous improvement and reduction of FoG risks

Figure 1.0 – Key Components of a Ground Control Management Plan.

Page | 3
1.1.Geotechnical Conditions, Data
Collection and Analyses
This GCMP section incorporates the
existing knowledge of geological &
geotechnical condition of the rock types
found at Rampura Agucha mine and
provides procedures for systematic data
collection through core logging and
mapping of UG exposures.
Geotechnical data collected from drill core
is used to characterize the rock mass
following ISRM (International Society for
Rock Mechanics) guidelines, and used in the
rock mass classification based on the Q-
system (Barton et al., 1974) (Q ratings are
convertible to RMR ratings). Geotechnical
data is collected from all diamond drill holes
and includes:
 RQD (Rock Quality Designation)
and core recovery
 Jn – joint number
 Jr – joint roughness number
 Ja – joint alteration number
 Notable shear zones
Diamond drill core is oriented where
possible, allowing oriented core
measurements of discontinuities to be
recorded. This logging is carried out by the
Geologists and core yard technicians prior to
core splitting. All drill core is photographed
and stored electronically.
Scanline and/or window mapping of
development headings is carried out by
Geologists. At the minimum, ore drives are
mapped after every second cut and waste
drives are mapped every forth cut. The
minimum information to be collected is:
lithology, prominent structures, presence of
water, rock mass parameters for Q‟
assessment, and a photograph and/or a
sketch of a heading. The structural
orientation data collected is stored in Excel
spreadsheets and in DIPS™ format.
If the Geologist feels that failure in the
heading is imminent, or is not sure of the
conditions in the heading, the Shift
Supervisor or Geotechnical Engineer is
informed. The heading is then inspected by a
Geotechnical Engineer, and an appropriate
course of action recommended.
Any significant observations are
photographed and stored electronically. This
database provides a geotechnical history for
the mine and as a reference for ground
control instructions.
Geotechnical domains are defined for which
rock mass conditions are broadly similar in
terms of response to mining activities.
Primary data is collected by geotechnical
mapping of UG excavations and drillhole
data. The two areas of focus are the footwall
country rock (where UG infrastructure
exists) and the resource & its immediate
surroundings where the mining will take
place. Domains are determined by lithology,
UCS, geological discontinuities and
geotechnical parameters (modeling &
empirical results).
Three geotechnical domains have been
identified based on ISRM strength
classification and rock mass behavior:
 Medium Strength Strong Foliated Rock
 Resource (ore zone)
 High Strength Metamorphic Bands &
Intrusions
Page | 4
Medium Strength Strong Foliated Rock: The dimensions of the joints vary with rock
rock mass is of a Garnet-Biotite-Silimanite types.
Gneiss & Schist (GBSG & GBSS) and
represents the majority of the footwall & 1.2.Ground Control Methods and
hangingwall rock mass (approximately Minimum Designs
70%). Variations with pegmatite bands and 1.2.1. Ground Control Process
high mica content are present, with typical
gneisses having strong foliations defined by The ground control process details the
layered arrangement of flaky & fibrous responsibility of various personnel regarding
minerals around the garnet. what procedures to follow if ground
conditions & ground support are
Pegmatite and aplite occur as bands of
unsatisfactory and /or if they are unsure of
discontinuous veins, of sizable dimensions
what to do. Figure 2 illustrates ground
mainly parallel to foliation within GBSG &
control process as implemented under the
GBSS.
GCMP.
Resource: Graphite Mica Schist (GMS)
forms the host for mineralization and GROUND CONTROL SHIFT
OPERATOR SUPERVISOR
consists of mica, feldspar, quartz and an

Unsure
- Inspect ground conditions - Inspect ground
appreciable amount of graphite. The (as per workplace conditions
inspection sheet) - Recommend
orebody comprises of weak to moderately - Install appropriate ground ground control
Unsatisfactory

strong, heavily jointed rock mass containing control to operator

- Report work to Shift
zones of extremely friable & weak rock

Unsure
Supervisor
material.
Sure

ASSISTANT MANAGER
The ore zone footwall & ore zone contact SHIFT / SECTION IN CHARGE
with the footwall country rock show SUPERVISOR - Inspect ground
Unsure

- Inspect ground conditions

shearing and mylonitization. The shear zone - Recommend ground
conditions
inside the orebody (OSZ) is continuous - Check the adequacy of control to Shift
throughout the resource. On the upper levels installed ground control Supervisor
Unsatisfactory

- Record on shift log

of the resource the OSZ is closer to the
Unsure

footwall and with depth the OSZ transitions

Sure

through the center to the hangingwall. GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER

ASSIST. MANAGER / - Inspect ground
SECTION IN CHARGE conditions
High Strength Metamorphic Bands &
Unsure

- Inspect ground - Recommend ground

Intrusions: The country rock GBSG & conditions control to Assistant
- Check the adequacy of
GBSS have intercalated bands of Manager / Section in
installed ground control Charge
Amphibolite, Pegmatite and Psammitic
band. Calc-silicates, Amphibolite, Granite Figure 2.0 – Ground Control Process flow
gneiss (QBG), Quartzite and Pegmatite chart outlined in the RAM UG GCMP
exposed in the deposit area are highly (Vyazmensky, 2014).
jointed, although the nature, intensity and

Page | 5
1.2.2. Scaling
Scaling (or “barring down”) is necessary to
remove loose rock from the sidewalls and
the roof of mine roadways, particularly
when rock and ore is removed by blasting.
Those carrying out scaling are particularly at
risk if they do not follow safe scaling
practices.
Scaling can be carried out either manually
using a hand-held pinch bar or
mechanically. Mechanical scaling generally
provides the operator with a higher degree
of protection as the person is normally
enclosed in a protective cab. However there
are many situations where manual scaling is
the only viable option due to the working
environment.
The GCMP requires manual scaling should
only be used to remove small scats and that
the person undertaking the activity is always
located under supported ground. Equipment
to be used for barring should be appropriate
and persons involved should be standing at a
safe distance. Scaling bars must be available
on most machines and on racks located in
active headings.
All active areas of the mine are required to
be check scaled at intervals not exceeding
three months and more frequently if
required. All major scaling activities
(including those issued on scaling plans) are
recorded by the Section in Charge in the
Scaling Logbook.
1.2.3. Ground Support Design
Methodology
The key philosophy of the ground support
system adopted at RAM UG is to maintain
stable excavations by reinforcing the rock
mass and preventing uncontrolled failure of
the rock mass. This is achieved by installing
rock reinforcement and surface support
elements to the excavation as part of the
normal mining cycle.
Ground support design is based on the
following methodology:
a) Collect geological, structural and
rock mass characterization data.
b) Analyze using three techniques:
empirical analysis (Q system), 2D
wedge analysis and UNWEDGE™
analysis.
c) Ground support design should meet a
minimum factor of safety (FOS) of
1.6.
Due to the relatively wide range of ground
conditions at RAM UG, there can be
variations to ground control requirements.
The development standards include ground
support design for good and poor ground
conditions. The decision on which to use for
a particular design is guided by the relevant
Q rating and also engineering experience of
development in that particular geotechnical
domain.
Non-standard development will have an
individual geotechnical assessment for
ground conditions, ground support
requirements and monitoring.
RAM UG utilizes the following support
elements:
Page | 6
Primary support:
 25mm diameter x 2400mm long
resin grouted rock bolts – primary
support for UG development;
 Fiber reinforced shotcrete (50mm)
Secondary support:
 15.5mm diameter cable bolts –
secondary support used for
intersection and large excavations.
 Welded 5.6mm diameter wire mesh,
with 100mm squares – utilized for
support of development parallel or
oblique to rock mass foliation.
 Self-drilling anchors utilized for
support of ore body shear zone.
1.2.4. Stoping Design Methodology
The mining method implemented at RAM
UG is long hole open stoping with CRF &
paste backfill. Both longitudinal and
transverse stope designs are planned
depending on the geometry of the orebody.
Currently the four analyses methods used in
the Stope Design Methodology are:
 Global Numerical Analysis using
Abacus and Flac 3D.
 Kinematic analysis (UNWEDGE™)
 Empirical analysis (Mathew‟s stability
graph)
 Local stress analysis (Phase2™ modeling)
Global stress analysis: The life of mine
plan is analyzed for stress and deformation
in relation to the open pit and surrounding
excavations, and in relation to the planned
mining sequence and mining rate. Location
of major infrastructure and regional pillars is
determined by this analysis.
Kinematic analysis: Geotechnical
parameters of geological discontinuities are
collected. These parameters are utilized in
Rocscience UNWEDGE™ software to
determine potential wedge formations and to
calculate factor of safety. This analysis
method however does not consider influence
of stresses on the rock mass.
Empirical analysis: Factors such as stope
dimensions/ hydraulic radius, rock mass
properties and geological discontinuity type
& orientation, etc are used to determine the
potentially stable, unstable or caving zone
using the Mathew‟s Stability Graph
(Mawdesley et al, 2001).
Numerical analysis: 2D stope models are
created and analyzed in Rocscience Phase2™
software. This methodology does not
consider the complexity of geological
discontinuities but does provide a better
understanding of in-situ stresses and their
influences on the rock mass.
At times the stope stability analyses indicate
challenging conditions which requires the
ground control measure to recommend
change the ore extraction design. This could
be recommending changing from
longitudinal to transverse stopes and/or
leaving a sill or crown pillar to increase the
stability of the open stopes.
Stopes are monitored with CMS scans, and
the surrounding rock mass with stress cells
& multiple point borehole extensometers
(MPBX). The data collected provide better
understanding of the actual stope
performance and are used to calibrate the
current rock mass parameters and stope
models.
Page | 7
1.3. Mine plans – review and sign off
process
1.3.1. Global Mine Design
A life of mine plan (LOMP) was produced
during the feasibility study. Global Stability
analysis was conducted to determine
infrastructure layout and key parameters
such as mining method, equipment
configuration, excavation sizes and
extraction sequence. This plan was based on
geotechnical analysis, which was then
updated after trial stopes were completed
and is updated on a yearly basis.
1.3.2. Strategic Level Planning
A Plan of Intent (POI) is produced to inform
all relevant personnel of the proposed mine
development showing locations, excavation
size and geometry, and the purpose of the
planned excavation. The plan is issued by
the Mine Planning department, and reviewed
by all stakeholders before the final sign off
by the Mine Manager. Following the Mine
Manager‟s approval it is issued to the survey
department to generate a survey note for
issue for construction/excavation.
1.3.3. Tactical Level Planning
GCMP requires no mining to take place
without a Survey Note (SN) file note
instruction being signed off by all relevant
stake holders. All SN instructions are
expected to include notes on the expected
ground conditions, all interpreted geological
contacts, geotechnical boundaries, and
expected structures as detailed on the source
POI. Where ground support is to be installed
to a defined standard, this standard is
referred to on the SN. Where a revised or
local support design has been produced by
the geotechnical department, this design is
referred to the SN and is included with the
SN instruction for the mining crews. The
support designs comply with the RAM UG
Ground Support Standards.
1.3.4. Planning Geotechnical Checklist
To ensure all geotechnical aspects are
considered adequately in the mine design
and planning process, the following
questions are positively answered prior to
the plans being signed off:
 Does geotechnical data exist for the
planned mining area?
 Has the data been used to review the
excavation design?
 Is the excavation design appropriate for
the geotechnical domain?
 Are major structures considered in
design?
 Is the proposed excavation unfavourably
oriented with respect to rock mass
structure?
 Has modeling of the area been
completed and are high stress conditions
or unfavourable orientation conditions
expected?
 Are pillars being created, and if so, are
the dimensions appropriate?
 Are there any planned excavations
which pass too close to each other?
 Is the mining sequence appropriate and
acceptable?
 Is there the potential for backfill or water
inrush?
 Has the void model been checked for
adjacent workings?
Page | 8
 Are the support and reinforcement
elements appropriate for the excavation
service life?
 Is the proposed excavation an unusual
size/shape with special ground control
requirements?
 Is the planned excavation a highly
exposed area?
 Are intersections planned; if so is the
ground support/reinforcement
appropriate?
 Has the life and purpose of the
excavation been considered?
1.4. Verification
Ground support performance is highly
dependent upon the quality of installation
and its suitability in respect of the ground
conditions encountered. The inspections,
audits, and QA/QC procedures are designed
to confirm that the ground support selection,
installation methods and installed quality are
adequate.
1.4.1. Inspection and Audits Schedule and
Accountabilities
All personnel entering a work area complete
a workplace inspection, to identify and
assess hazards associated with the ground
conditions. If a geotechnical hazard exists
then, if possible the person finding the
hazard rectifies the deficiency immediately.
If the hazard cannot be immediately
rectified, the area is barricaded and the
hazard reported to the Mining Mate / Shift
Supervisor. Ground inspections are
undertaken on a regular basis as outlined in
the inspection matrix in Table 2.0.

Table 2.0 – Inspection Matrix outlined in the GCMP (Vyazmensky, 2014).

Inspection Reporting
Type of Inspection Responsible Person/s
period Level
Mining Mate inspection of active heading Mining Mate via Shift
Shift / working area (Development and Statutory Diary Supervisor
Production)
Assistant
Shift Supervisor inspection of active Shift Supervisor via Manager
Daily heading / working area (Development and Statutory Diary (Section in
Production) Charge)
 Declines Assistant Manager/s Mine
Weekly  Production levels via Statutory Diary Manager

 All active mining areas for the month

including declines and stockpiles. Head of Geotechnical
Mine
Monthly  Workshop, inactive mining areas, Engineering via UG
Manager
electrical substations, pump stations, Inspection Log Book
fan installations

Page | 9
1.4.2. Ground Support Systems QA/QC
To determine the actual performance of the
installed support elements, pull tests and
visual inspections are carried out on resin
encapsulated rock bolts and cement grouted
cable bolts. Strength testing of FRS is
carried out to determine its compressive
strength. Regular resin lab tests are carried
out by the geotechnical department and by
supplier as a part of the quality check and
quality assurance. The testing procedures are
designed in accordance with the DGMS
guidelines.
1.5. Geotechnical Hazard reporting
1.5.1. Fall of Ground
All falls of ground are immediately reported
to the Mining Mate and/or Shift Supervisor,
who then inform the Assistant Manager /
Section in Charge, Geotechnical Engineer
and Mine Manager. The Shift Supervisor is
tasked to ensure the area is barricaded and
inspected by a Geotechnical Engineer. The
Geotechnical Engineer reports all
information to the Mine Manager with
any/all proposed further actions, and
identifies the cause of the rock fall.
Any recommended actions and support
plans are outlined and the ground control
checklist signed off before any work may
commence.
Once remedial works are completed, the
Geotechnical Engineer also should inspect
and sign-off for compliance.
1.5.2. General Geotechnical Hazards
Processes to be followed for the reporting of
geotechnical hazards:
 The operator/person notices or observes
a geotechnical hazard;
 The hazard must be reported to the
Mining Mate / Underground Supervisor
(if considered significant, retreat and
barricade the area before reporting the
event);
 A workplace inspection must be
completed by the first person(s) who
observes the hazard.
1.5.3. Communication of Ground
Conditions
Daily production meetings are held and all
observed or expected ground condition
information is communicated at these times.
Communication at this meeting does not
replace timely reporting when hazards are
identified. Rather, the meeting is a forum to
ensure that all relevant personnel are
apprised of developments during the past 24
hours, and expected conditions for the day
ahead. This information is then
communicated to the underground
workforce through the Assistant Manager or
Mine Manager.
1.6. Training
The Geotechnical department is involved in
various training programs provided to
RAM UG personnel, from executives to
operators & helpers.
The GCMP stipulates all personnel working
in underground to undergo a „ground
awareness‟ training. The training
communicates the observed ground behavior
Page | 10
& conditions, ground related hazard A GCMP review will also be initiated
identification, ground support practices following a serious potential injury or
adopted and communication procedures. incident from a ground control related
hazard, or to reflect and correct any areas of
In addition to the ground awareness deficiency identified.
training, the Geotechnical department
conducts or is involved in various training The Mine Manager and Head of
on ground support SOPs, such as cable bolt Geotechnical Engineering are required to
installation, etc. sign off on the GCMP after each review to
formalise and give currency to the
1.7. Responsibility / Accountability document.
Matrix
Organizing responsibilities and lines of RAM UG utilizes services of CIMFR Rock
communication is critical during ground Mechanics experts from Dhanbad for
control measures. At RAM UG the GCMP independent peer review of the document.
provides responsibility roles for all
personnel regarding ground related issues,
from Unit Head & Mine Manager to
Geotechnical Engineers and all UG
employees & contractors. An example of the
various roles associated with their positions
is provided in Table 3.0.

1.8. GCMP review and audit process

Components of the GCMP will be reviewed
on an annual basis by the following:

 Unit Head
 Mine Manager
 Assistant Manager(s) / Section-in-
Charge
 Head of Mine Planning
 Head of Geotechnical Engineering
The RAM UG GCMP will be reviewed in
the first year initially on a 6 monthly basis
and then on periods not exceeding 1 year.
As necessary, external reviews can be
initiated by the site management to ensure
that all the latest ground control regulations
and developments are incorporated.

Page | 11
Table 3.0 – Some key points of the Responsibility / Accountability matrix outlined in the GCMP
(Vyazmensky, 2014)
Appointed
Responsibilities
Positions
GCMP is implemented, management systems and work practices comply with statutory
Unit Head regulatory requirements, qualified and/or suitably trained persons are appointed or
retained, and an external audit of the GCMP is done at intervals not exceeding 2 years.
GCMP is implemented and resources are allocated in order to implement it. Ground
control related SOPs are implemented and regular SOP reviews are done. Qualified
personnel are appointed to line management roles. Geotechnical inputs are considered
Mine Manager
in mine design and operations, and mining activities have an approved survey note.
Ongoing training, suitable equipment & material, quality assurance programs, etc are
available. Non-compliance items are rectified in a timely manner.
Mining Mining contractor meets GCMP requirements, if ground support is considered
Contractor Site inadequate it is brought to the notice of Technical Services Manager or his delegates,
Manager assist in investigating ground fall incidents and in executing remedial actions.
Mining Mates SOPs are understood, implemented and monitored to ensure compliance. Ground
and Shift support meets requirements. Approved SN present for mining. Geotechnical related
Supervisors issues are inspected and appropriately reported in accordance with site requirements.
GCMP is implemented and timely updated. Geological and geotechnical models are
Technical
timely calibrated, updated and communicated. Geotechnical inputs are appropriately
Services
considered to mine design and operations. Ongoing training where appropriate. Audit,
Manager
review and quality assurance programs are carried out regularly and documented.
Sufficient reliable data is available, timely updated, analyzed and communicated.
Appropriate and best practice ground control standards are implemented on current
Geotechnical
and/or expected rock mass conditions. Timely review of mine design and advice on
Head
planning, design and sequencing. New technologies are reviewed and their applicability
recommended. GCMP and associated documents are audited and updated as required.
Sufficient & reliable geological data is available, updated, analyzed and communicated.
Up to date resource, structural and lithological models are available. Geotechnical
Geological
inputs are considered regarding grade control and ore reserve reporting. Any significant
Head
changes to geological interpretations are reported to Tech Services Manager and
Geotechnical Head.
All necessary information in the Plan of Intent mine design is provided. All
development within the mine is designed to a set standard and does not commence
Mine Planning without an SN file note. Geotechnical inputs are appropriately considered regarding
Head mine design, planning and sequencing. Monthly, annual and life of mine
plans/schedules are provided to the geotechnical department in time to allow suitable
analyses. Assistance is provided in the review of the GCMP when required.
Appropriate training and refresher courses are provided in the relevant aspects of the
Safety Officer
GCMP and related SOPs, and then assessed to be deemed competent.
Survey notes (SN) contain relevant information and are available in a timely manner
Statutory
for review. All developments are surveyed to assess compliance with design tolerance
Surveyor
and communicated.
Ground Control Ground support is installed meet GCMP requirements. Report poor support installation,
Officers ground falls, poor ground conditions, etc to shift supervisor.
Complete appropriate training and assessments and be deemed competent by RAM UG
All UG
and/or the contractor. Be vigilant of the ground and ground support conditions and
employees and
report any relevant information/observations to the shift supervisor. Not undertake any
contractors
work without approved plan or without the work being covered by an up to date SOP.

Page | 12

3. Conclusion
The GCMP framework provides a
systematic and methodical approach to
managing ground fall hazards.
Rampura Agucha UG mine is in process of
finalizing of GCMP implementation. A
word of advice for operations planning to
develop and implement GCMP:
> When developing the document get
ALL key stakeholders involved,
encourage comment, peer review and
audits;
> Keep it simple and easy to follow,
yet comprehensive;
> Ensure that GCMP requirement meet
and/or exceed regulatory
requirements;
> Embark on training efforts early;
> Maintain records related to ground
control – “if you cannot measure –
you cannot manage”
REFERENCES
Barton, N., Lien, R. and Lunde, J. (1974).
Engineering classification of rock
masses for the design of rock support,
Rock Mechanics, Vol. 6, pp. 189-236.
Chakraborty, R.B. (2009). Safety and Health
Performance in Indian Coal Mining.
Presentation by Dy. Director General
Mines Safety, DGMS, Dhanbad,
(http://www.sari-
energy.org/PageFiles/What_We_Do/a
ctivities/advanced_coal_managment_d
ec-
2009/Presentations/Day3/Safety&Heal
thPerformanceinIndianCoalMining-
RBChakraborty.pdf).
DIPS™, version 6.0. Rocscience ©
software.
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 About the Authors
Geotechnical Department, Rampura Agucha Underground Mine
Bhilwara District, Rajasthan, India 311 029
Tel. No. (+91) 77268 11694 / 95210 54894

Pranay Yadav – Geotechnical Engineer (Pranay.Yadav@vedanta.co.in)

Pranay completed his Bachelors in Mining Engineering degree from the prestigious Indian
School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad India, in 2013. Since then he has been working at Rampura
Agucha Underground Mine as a Mining Geotechnical engineer.
Mikhail Sonam – Geotechnical Engineer (Mikhail.Sonam@vedanta.co.in)
Mikhail completed his Bachelors in Geotechnical Engineering with Honors from the University
of Tasmania, Australia in 2011. He has since worked in various projects in civil and open pit /
underground mining and has recently joined the Rampura Agucha underground geotechnical
team in 2015.
Amit Panda – Geotechnical Engineer (Amit.Panda@vedanta.co.in)
Amit completed his Bachelors in Mining Engineering degree from the prestigious Indian School
of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad India, in 2013. Since then he has been working at Rampura Agucha
Underground Mine as a Mining Geotechnical engineer.
Binayak Banerjee – Geologist, Geotechnical Dept. (Binayak.Banerjee@vedanta.co.in)
Binayak completed his M. Sc in Geology from the Presidency University (Kolkata) in 2013 and
since has been working at Rampura Agucha Underground Mine adding his geological input in
the Geotechnical department.
Dinesh C. Paneri – Associate General Manager (Geology) Geotechnical Dept.
(Dinesh.Paneri@vedanta.co.in)
Dinesh completed his M. Sc degree in Geology (1985) & M. Sc (Tech) in applied geology
(1986) from the University of Rajasthan Jaipur. His invaluable experience spans over 20 years in
both open pit and underground mining, and he is a Fellow member of Geological Society of
India and life member of Quality Circle Forum of India. He has written papers on ore
characterization and on application of six sigma in mining at a national level.
Dr. Alexander Vyazmensky – Geotechnical Department Head
(Alexander.Vyazmensky@vedanta.co.in)
Dr. Alex educational background includes his Masters degree in Geotechnical Engineering and
Doctorate in Earth Sciences / Rock Mechanics. He brings over 15 years of diverse international
work experience, from mining, civil construction industries, to applied research and IT.

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