Challenges in Deep and High Stress Mining features a collection of the most relevant papers presented at a series of bi-annual International Seminars on Deep and High Stress Mining held in Perth in November 2002, Johannesburg in February 2004 and Quebec City in October 2006. One hundred and twenty technical articles were presented at the three seminars producing the most complete and up-to-date compilation of literature on this highly topical subject.
The engineering challenges associated with mining in a deep and high stress environment are diverse and significant. Deep and high stress mining requires sound strategic mine planning approaches as well as good tactical reactive systems. The development of the underground infrastructure required for the exploitation of deep reserves needs to be carefully designed. The complex logistics associated with transportation of material and human resources is omnipresent throughout the operating systems of the mine. Moving fresh air several kilometres under the surface of the earth and exhausting the fumes created by blasting and diesel equipment is yet another challenging aspect of deep mining.
