In 2007 Geo-Design were involved in an extensive stability assessment of a 2000-year-old Roman mine of significant historical and archaeological interest.
Room and Pillar Mining
The historical mine workings are extensive and include Recent, Modern (largely medieval) and Ancient (Roman) workings representing a variety of mining methods.
The network of tunnels was to be partially opened for public access as part of a guided tour, which required significant stability analysis as the workings were in a variety of stability states – ranging from relatively stable to essentially collapsed.
In addition, the complex geometry of the tunnels, adits and stopes are arranged in an intricate three-dimensional network of openings and adits, many of which could be adversely affected by instability in adjacent openings not included in the proposed public access areas.
In addition, the complex geometry of the tunnels, adits and stopes are arranged in an intricate three-dimensional network of openings and adits, many of which could be adversely affected by instability in adjacent openings not included in the proposed public access areas.
Geo-Design outlined a mine stabilisation scheme and project costing to develop (stabilise) the mines for public access.
Roman Inclined Exploration Geometry
In 2010 Geo-Design were involved in a specialist assessment of these ancient mine workings to preserve them from the effects of planned open cast mining.
Geo-Design, in association with an Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Consultancy, undertook an assessment on the stability state of the ancient mine workings and developed methods for extracting and preserving part of the ancient workings in light of the planned mining.
Regular geometry in highly silicified rock