43 NOVEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Tools in Geotechnical Investigations Adapted from Information by SRK Consulting Inc. The mining industry plays an essential role in the global economy, but its operations can significantly affect the environment and communities if not managed responsibly. A critical component of ensuring mining activities align with societal interests and minimize ecological footprints is the establishment of a mine closure plan. Developing a comprehensive mine closure strategy relies heavily on obtaining precise and trustworthy geotechnical data, which is contingent upon the selection of appropriate data collection techniques. Effective data gathering promotes transparency, facilitates thorough monitoring, and can be utilized in various domains, such as environmental impact assessments, economic and social evaluations, as well as assessing soil and rock stability. To protect public safety and allow for productive land use following mine closure, geotechnical evaluations are essential for assessing the long-term stability of both open-pit and underground mine workings. In Canada, innovative data acquisition and ground monitoring techniques are increasingly employed to assist with decommissioning and reclamation of diverse mining excavations. Technological progress has led to the emergence of cost-efficient solutions yielding valuable information to support the closure process. Remote data gathering during mine closure presents numerous advantages, including enhanced safety, reduces costs, real-time monitoring capabilities, and streamlined data management for closure initiatives. This remote monitoring reducing the necessity for frequent on-site expert visits, with alerts ensuring specialists are contacted only when required. Furthermore, data generated through these methods are verifiable, bolstering compliance in mine closure undertakings. Methods for data collection include: j Time Domain Reflectometry: This technique allows for early detection of changes and monitoring of stability in open-pits, underground mines, and crown pillars, complementing other methods to gain a holistic view of slope behavior. j Slope Inclinometer: Utilized for early detection and monitoring of stability issues, this method helps identify the failure surface depth and provides displacement data for numerical model calibration. j Photogrammetry: This digital mapping technique captures structural features in open-pit and underground sites over various timeframes, enabling the tracking of changes and identification of failure risks, while also offering detailed excavation documentation. j Bathymetry Survey: This method delineates the extent of flooded excavations and characterizes the distance to existing backfill in both open-pit and underground areas. j Cavity Laser Scan: Employed to ascertain the location, size, and shape of inaccessible underground voids. j 3D Sonar Survey: This tool aids in conducting safety and stability assessments while defining the extent of flooded excavations. j Borehole Camera: This visual inspection locates specific access points and entryways, as well as identifies backfill presence in underground excavations. j InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar): Used for historical change detection and monitoring ground deformation issues like subsidence and collapses. j LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): Establishes baseline conditions and models for change detection, while inspecting shafts and pinpointing stability concerns along those shafts. The growing accessibility of technology in mine closure projects enhances the feasibility of employing these tools. Survey vessel on a pond and a remotely operated vehicle used for underwater survey. GEOTECH 45th Annual UGWA Conference & Expo January 7-9, 2026 CasaBlanca Resort, Casino, Golf & Spa Mesquite, Nevada utahgroundwater.org ~ Golf Tournament ~ Vendor Social ~ Skeet Shoot ~ CEU Classes ~ Raffle Drawings ~ Vendor Displays ~ Banquet & Scholarship Auction
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