Underground mining remains one of the most complex and high-risk environments in the engineering field. From seismic activity and rock falls to gas exposure and ventilation challenges, even small oversights can have serious consequences.
Recent global mining incidents have reminded us of the responsibility every engineer carries, not just to meet safety standards, but to continually push for safer and smarter design solutions underground.
One promising path forward lies in Natural Fiber Reinforced Cemented Paste Backfill (NFR-CPB), an approach that blends sustainability with structural performance.
In our ongoing research, we’ve incorporated treated hemp fibers into cemented paste backfill mixtures. The findings are encouraging:
• Higher fracture toughness
• Greater energy absorption capacity
• Improved resistance to failure under stress
These gains translate into stronger, more resilient backfill structures, reducing the likelihood of collapse and transforming tailings into a functional, load-bearing material that supports both safety and environmental goals.
It’s a small step in a larger movement, demonstrating that safety and sustainability can indeed reinforce one another.
Reference
Department of Civil Engineering, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
