As a result of mining induced changes in ground conditions associated with the extraction of the first stope from the Hangingwall Lens, Isa Copper Mine–South (formerly known as X41 Copper Mine), there was a need to rehabilitate part of the footwall drive adjacent to the stope void. While in the process of scaling loose material from one of the sidewalls within an area of a major fault, a fall of ground occurred which initially buried the booms of a Tamrock Jumbo. Although the failure represented a significant incident, it presented an opportunity to learn about the interactions of the ground conditions (particularly the fault zone) and the ground control systems. This paper will discuss the sequence of events leading up to the failure; the philosophy behind the selection of the original ground support and reinforcement; the philosophy and methodology behind the rehabilitation steps that were adopted once the overall failure had arrested; and the changes made to the ground control practices so as to prevent a similar failure from happening again.
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