Mining Solutions

Mining solutions

In an underground block cave mine, things are constantly moving, breaking, and settling. Ground control and water management become critical.

Gabions deliver flexible, durable solutions where concrete fails.

Where Gabions Fit in Block Cave Mining

As the ground slowly sinks above a block cave, you typically get cracks, erosion channels, and unstable slopes.

Gabions are ideal for:
Erosion control on subsidence troughs
Slope stabilization above active caves
Catch walls to stop rock movement

Big advantage: Gabions are flexible. When the ground shifts, they articulate and settle without fracturing. Concrete cracks under the same stress.

Stormwater Management

Block cave mines disturb huge surface areas, so runoff becomes aggressive.

Gabions are used for:

Energy dissipation structures at outfalls
Channel lining for high-velocity flows
Check dams to reduce slope erosion

They slow water down and prevent washaways — especially useful in heavy rain regions like Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Access Roads and Infrastructure Protection

Roads near mining zones take a beating from vibration, water runoff, and ground movement.

Gabions help:

Retain road edges and shoulders
Protect culvert inlets and outlets
Stabilize embankments against washout

No curing time. Install and backfill immediately.

Temporary and Fast Solutions

Mining moves fast. Gabions are great because:

Quick to install — hours, not days
No concrete curing time
Can be built in stages as subsidence develops
Easily repairable or extended

Ideal for rapid response to ground movement events.

Why Gabions Outperform Concrete in Mining Environments

Concrete fights movement. Concrete cracks and fails.

Gabions absorb movement. Gabions stay functional.

In mining environments where settlement is guaranteed, flexible systems last longer and cost less to maintain.

Advantages of gabions over concrete:

No tensile failure
Self-draining — no hydrostatic pressure build-up
Vegetation-friendly — blends with environment
Tolerant to blasting vibration and earthquakes
Easily repaired or modified
Lower carbon footprint

Our position: Engineered for unstable ground conditions — ideal for mining environments where movement is expected.

Mining-Grade Specifications

Material:

Heavy-duty galvanized steel wire or Galfan coating
Double-twist hexagonal mesh
Diaphragm spacing every 1 metre for extra rigidity
Optional PVC coating for aggressive chemical environments

Standard sizes available:

1 metre x 1 metre x 1 metre
2 metres x 1 metre x 1 metre
3 metres x 1 metre x 0.5 metres
Custom sizes on request

Accessories:

Non-woven geotextile for filter applications
Lacing wire and spiral binders
Diaphragms and stiffeners

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