Capping abandoned mine shafts
Abandoned Mine Shafts in Australia
According to Mining Australia’s publication, approximately 80,000 abandoned mine shafts are scattered across Australia. Abandoned mines can have significant risks from both public safety and environmental perspectives. Unmarked or poorly blocked mines present a falling danger for both humans and wildlife, and some abandoned mines leach toxic materials into surface water and groundwater on-site and into nearby waterways.
Capping abandoned mine shafts with inflatable plugs
Low-pressure inflatable plugs combined with concrete serve as an effective solution for capping abandoned mine shafts. The process begins by inserting a deflated plug into the opening of the shaft. Once positioned, the plug is inflated with an air pump until it expands, creating the formwork on which to pour concrete.
Subsequently, concrete is poured into the shaft around the inflated plug, filling the space and capping abandoned mine shaft, providing structural support while further sealing off the area. As the concrete sets and solidifies, it forms a durable barrier that effectively closes off the abandoned mine shaft, enhancing safety measures and preventing access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Inflatable plugs represent a fraction of the material and labor cost of concrete plugs. Furthermore, they are installed in hours instead of weeks and are fully removable and reusable, offering unparalleled cost-effectiveness and flexibility.
The installation process is straightforward and efficient. The deflated plug is lowered to the desired depth within the shaft and then inflated with compressed air until a secure friction seal is formed against the shaft walls.
Once inflated, the plug creates a solid, load-bearing platform across the shaft's diameter. This barrier effectively catches any falling rock, tools, or debris, ensuring the safety of any personnel working at lower levels of the mine.
Giant Inflatables Industrial builds its shaft plugs from heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant materials. These materials are specifically selected to withstand the damp, rugged, and harsh conditions found in underground mines, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.
Giant Inflatables Industrial custom-fabricates each plug to the specific dimensions and profile of the shaft it is intended for. This bespoke engineering ensures a secure and effective fit, even in shafts that are irregular or not perfectly circular.