Case Study:

Supply equipment, materials and engineering services for the installation of MPA’s StrataPlug.

Project Overview

The heating issue was identified in an inaccessible area of the mine and had experienced several events requiring active management over a long period.
The closest access point to the heating for machinery was in a lower seam, separated by a 40m ventilation shaft. The heating was then approximately 250m from the top of the shaft.

Photo showing typical workings in old legacy working in the machine inaccessible area.

Challenges

The challenges of sealing the heating in this are were;

• Access up a 40m ventilation shaft for men and materials to the seal installation sites
• Pumping of approximately 400m3 foamed concrete infil material against a 40m head and 250 m distance
• Strata failure in areas of old workings 

Photo showing the construction of the formwork for the 120Psi seals.

Solution

MPA worked with the client to develop access methods for the materials to the seal site involving a winch to elevate the materials to the top of the shaft.

A specialised remote foaming unit was developed to ensure consistent product quality during the pumping process, effectively addressing the challenges posed by the difficult conditions.

Photo showing the thickness of the seals and the concrete product being pumped from the seam below.

Results

The project was successfully completed on schedule, and the performance of the seals has significantly enhanced safety in the area by effectively starving the heating of oxygen.

Photo showing the seal once complete.