Underground mining is notoriously dangerous work. The potential for round collapse is ever-present and remains the biggest risk factor in the sector.
While South Africa’s mining industry has no doubt come a long way in reducing the number of incidents, it still has a long way to go if it wants to achieve Zero Harm. New technologies are playing a big role in helping achieve this, such as exoskeletons to support those carrying out underground barring or specialised sensors that can detect overhead rock hazards.
However, these technologies would be ineffective without strong and reliable mine support systems to back them up.
While many support systems exist, ranging from wooden struts to hydraulic supports, Tufbag’s woven polypropylene mine support systems are some of the most cost-effective and adaptable solutions. When filled with cementitious grout, they provide the column-type reinforcement needed to keep underground operations safe and stable.
Although these systems are extremely strong, they need to be maintained and inspected periodically to ensure they continue doing the job they were designed for.
What Makes Them Reliable
Tufbag’s mine support bags are made from woven polypropylene with a double fabric layer. The reinforced webbing makes these bags extremely strong, which means they can withstand the high-pressure filling process.
Once in place, these supports hold their shape and offer compressive strength comparable to the rocks that surround them. Although they are built to last, ongoing care is essential.
Routine Inspections
Every support system underground should be inspected regularly to confirm that the structures are holding as intended.
Inspections should look for any signs of fabric wear, grout leakage, shifting, or distortion under load. Any weakness spotted early can be dealt with before it compromises safety.
Inspections should be logged and compared over time so you can track performance and identify problem areas before they escalate.
Periodic Maintenance
Maintenance of the supports will reduce the likelihood of a failure. You should reinforce areas with additional bags wherever the system shows early signs of strain. Also, ensure that the bags are still sealed, and check that the cementitious grout has not degraded under moisture or from chemical exposure.
We recommend you always keep spare units available so that weakened supports can be swapped out without incurring any downtime.
For reliable and cost-effective underground mine support systems that perform under pressure, contact Tufbag today.