The use of 3D ground penetrating radar to mitigate the risk associated with falls of ground in Bushveld Complex platinum mines

Abstract

Some of the recent advances in ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology are discussed in this paper; in particular the move to, and potential value addition offered by, the 3D approach to surveying over the more conventional 2D approach. Case studies at two platinum mines in the Bushveld Complex are used to stress the fact that the niche role for GPR is that of immediate hangingwall assessment, aimed at identifying geological features that could potentially result in falls of ground (FOGs). The paper also highlights the obstacles that still need to be overcome to enable GPR to become a routine tool in local mining operations, and recommendations are offered on how to address these obstacles through ongoing research efforts.