Jet Demolition safeguards mines against illegal mining with shaft capping
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“Compliance with regulations, environmental considerations, and safety measures are top priorities in our turnkey service offering to the mining industry,” says Kate Bester, Contracts and Project Manager at Jet Demolition.
South Africa’s mining legacy runs deep, with the Witwatersrand Basin contributing over 50% of all gold ever produced on earth. However, this historical significance also indicates the prevalence of illegal mining activities, which continue to be a major concern for large mining houses.
Redundant mine shafts become prime targets for illegal miners, who risk their lives underground in search of unmined material and valuable infrastructure components like copper cable and steel. “Illegal mining arises from desperation, as people are willing to face life-threatening dangers for potential gains. These areas are not only susceptible to violence and intimidation, but also disrupt the safety and integrity of mining sites,” explains Bester.
To combat the growing threat of illegal mining and secure redundant shafts, Jet Demolition offers a comprehensive turnkey service to the mining industry. The process involves backfilling shaft barrels, designing permanent caps, and installing them at defined depths below NGL. It also records the final position and depth of the caps before backfilling and reinstating the natural material over them.
Mining houses mainly engage Jet Demolition’s services for two scenarios. The first is to permanently seal the shafts as a protective measure, preventing unauthorised access by illegal miners. The second is to rehabilitate the mining area entirely, making it safe for public use.
Interconnected shafts add complexity to the sealing process, necessitating a thorough understanding of the network to prevent adverse effects on miners in neighbouring shafts. Compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act and the Department of Mineral Resources regulations, along with client-specific requirements, is vital for any permanent shaft sealing project.
Jet Demolition takes environmental considerations seriously, especially in managing natural water courses and stormwater flow. Careful rerouting of water courses ensures no downstream negative impact, while using clean and uncontaminated materials for backfilling prevents groundwater contamination after sealing. In certain instances, Jet Demolition seals shafts equipped with monitoring access points for Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) projects in the Witwatersrand Goldfields. These access points are used to monitor the quality and volume of subsurface water in the future.
Working over open shafts is inherently risky, but Jet Demolition prioritizes health and safety. Certified lifelines are installed to safeguard personnel and equipment from potential falls, and the use of larger machines with increased reach further enhances safety measures during the capping process. “Our commitment to sealing mine shafts with precision, adherence to regulations, and a focus on safety all play a vital role in safeguarding mines against the scourge of illegal mining activities,” concludes Bester.
Ends
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Notes to the Editor
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About Jet Demolition
Jet Demolition has been undertaking industrial demolition works since 1994, and is the leading, largest, and most technically advanced demolition company in Africa. It offers in-house, full-range demolition services, including advanced mechanical solutions and controlled implosions. It actively pursues ongoing development of skills and equipment suited to the changing needs of the industry.
Jet Demolition is a technically based company, with various staff members holding MSc, BSc, and BTech Degrees, as well as National Diplomas, in various engineering fields. This expertise gives it the technical foundation to successfully engineer solutions for large and complex demolition projects, and furthermore fuels its drive to deliver quality projects safely. Jet Demolition strives to offer its clients innovative and technical solutions to demanding demolition challenges.
Jet Demolition Contact
Kate Bester (N.Dip. Civil Engineering, PMP)
Contracts and Project Manager
Phone: (011) 495 3800
Cell: 072 811 5310
Email: kate [at] jetdemolition [dot] co [dot] za
Media Contact
Rachel Mekgwe
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867 7763
Cell: 074 212 1422
Email: rachel [at] ngage [dot] co [dot] za
Web: www.ngage.co.za
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