LINING OF SHAFTS IN CORRUGATED STEEL: HIGH OPERATIONAL SAFETY.

Mining shafts have various uses such as access, ore extraction, ventilation, emergency evacuation, and input of supplies. In short, they are a key element for the proper operation of a mining operation, so they must have an adequate fortification. In this respect, it is key to consider the different types of soil that can be found in a mining operation, for example, weathered rock which tends to crumble due to lateral pressure.

Earth movements are typical of mining operation due to blasting that generates danger of collapse in the shafts. To avoid landslides that could generate risks for the people and equipment on site, it is recommended to make a corrugated steel lining that guarantees the structural stability of the shaft.

This type of solution has been successfully implemented in different mining operations, such as Codelco Teniente and HMC Gold managing to combine a fast, efficient, and safe installation.

Success Story – Mining Company HMC

• The presence of groundwater was weakening the structure of a ventilation chimney delimited on its lower and upper sides by access roads to the mine.

• Due to the risk of collapse, it was decided to line the chimney with corrugated steel, in order to achieve the necessary firmness. For the project, Tunnel Liner structures were used, but previously the chimney had to be filled with boulders, in order to keep it in place while the steel plates were arranged.

• The boulders were then removed along the lower alley leaving only the Tunnel Liner structure, and considering various thicknesses at different chimney heights due to soil load variations along the tunnel.

• The use of Tunnel Liner was ideal as it can be bolted to the inside of the structure. This implementation resulted in an excellent alternative for ventilation and connectivity inside the mine since it allowed the installation of an elevator to join the two levels.