In surface and underground mines, the earth can naturally move or shift. This is due to excavation, changes in pressure or geological conditions.
Ground control involves using methods and processes to manage risks from ground movement or shifting. Mine operators are required to develop control measures to manage the risks of geotechnical structural instability on their mine sites.
For more information and guidance refer to Mine safety management system webpage.
Resources
WorkSafe has developed and produced guidelines and audits to help industry manage ground control in open pit and underground mines.
Ground control in Western Australian mines
The Ground control for Western Australian mining operations mining operations: Code of practice outlines the regulatory expectations for minimising workers’ being exposed to hazardous ground movements.
The Ground control management in Western Australian mining operations: Guideline provides more detail about the control measures that persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) can take to eliminate or mitigate hazards associated with unplanned ground movement.
Open pits and quarries
The Open pit mining through underground workings: Guideline provides advice on issues that should be addressed when open pit mines are excavated through abandoned underground workings, as well as when they are excavated in close proximity to current underground workings.
Underground mines
The Working at height in underground mines: Guideline should be used by PCBUs as well as anyone planning, supervising or conducting work at heights in underground mines.
The Surface rock support for underground mine: Code of practice outlines the requirement to install surface rock support in high headings in all Western Australian underground mines.
The Underground barring down and scaling: Guideline can assist in the development of procedures relating to scaling of loose or potentially unstable rock in underground metalliferous mines.
Audits
Mining operations are encouraged to use the mining self-assessment templates to:
- review their practices and arrangements in place to manage hazards in the workplace
- secure the health and safety of workers
- identify areas for improvement.
The Geotechnical considerations open pit and underground: Audit guides and templates cover the standards associated with the safe development, operation and closure of open pit and underground operations from a geotechnical perspective.
Reporting an incident
Certain occurrences associated with ground control are notifiable incidents and must be reported to WorkSafe.
Find out how to report a notifiable incident.