SASKATCHEWAN RESEARCH COUNCIL
Polyurethane foam is an acceptable
long-term closure method for abandoned
mine sites on federal land in northern
Canada. However, its relatively short life
expectancy – roughly 30 years – is significantly
less than more expensive but durable
methods, such as stainless steel
caps. The cost of replacing polyurethane
foam closures over a 150-year period,
opening may appear no bigger than a manhole,
the ground you walk on to reach it
may in fact be a ceiling layer of rock, otherwise
known as a crown pillar, covering a
large void or stope that can be several metres
wide and deep.
The risk of thin crown pillars collapsing
poses a hazard to the public as well as work
crews, impeding the ability to build a proper
closure. The solution, though imperfect,
is to fence off the hazardous area.
Long-term viability
The ideal goal of SRC’s work is to install
permanent closures on each opening with
a life cycle of 150 years or more. These
long-term closures most effectively protect
public safety and require minimal
routine maintenance.
Geogrids & Geotextiles Stormwater Chambers
306.491.4907
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Smart. Choice.
Roads & Rail
Containment
MSE Walls & Slopes
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Fiber Reinforced
Asphalt Concrete
Stainless steel cap
covers a raise at
Cinch/Cenex Mine
and is surrounded
with perimeter fence
for added safety
particularly for remote locations where
access is limited, diminishes its effectiveness
in the long term.
Perimeter fence
Some mine openings are like icebergs in
that what you see is only a tiny part of the
immense structure beneath. While a mine
44 Think BIG | Quarter 4 2019 | saskheavy.ca
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