WIRELESS

BLOCK CAVE
MINING MONITORING
MINING WITH CONFIDENCE
Real-time measurement of fragmented rock and
its flow in underground block caving.
• Block caving relies on fragmentation and forces of gravity
to ‘cave’ the fragmented ore to draw points.

• Until now, block cave mine operators could not see what
is happening in the fragmented body of ore.

• With Elexon Mining you can now monitor the behaviour of

the ore when it flows and accurately predict and control
oreflow.
BLOCK CAVE MINING CHALLENGES
Block caving relies on fragmentation and forces of gravity to ‘cave’ the fragmented ore to draw points built
deep underground, however mine operators cannot see what is happening in the fragmented body of ore,
which means that behaviour of the ore when it flows cannot be accurately predicted.

Without accurate knowledge of ore behaviour, risks to safety and output are high and difficult to manage.
Risks include unpredicted events that impact personnel safety, loss of resources and inefficient operations.

A number of monitoring methods have been developed which attempt to provide greater insight into the
cave’s extent, however each of these methods has limitations and, in isolation, is unable to provide the broad
ranging data required to have a comprehensive 3D view of the extent of the cave.
ELEXON’S SOLUTION…
Cave Tracker
noun//
World-first fully wireless subsurface monitoring system enabling the tracking and
measurement of fragmented rock and its flow in underground block caving.

BENEFITS:
• Wireless capability allows flexibility and monitor where other devices can’t
• Confidently understand how your cave back is forming and ore is flowing in the cave
• Reduce the unknown and risks
• Maximised Recovery
• Reduced Implementation Costs
• Improved Safety Data
• Real-time data exports in CSV format – compatible with various visualisation software
HOW IT WORKS
Elexon Mining’s Cave Tracker system uses
robust, wireless, magnetic beacons which are
embedded into the cave and are monitored with
detectors placed in and around the orebody.

The detectors feed the signal into a central cave

tracking unit which collects measurements to
determine the 3D location as it moves in real
time.

The system can transmit signals through 200

metres of rock and will continue working
remotely for years, withstanding the rigerous of
a harsh underground environment Detectors are used to determine the 3D position of the Beacons.
CAVE TRACKER SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Beacon: Cylindrical fibreglass enclosure containing a strong magnet, batteries and electronic
circuitry.

Cave Tracker Detector: Cylindrical fibreglass enclosure containing a sensitive magnetometer and
various electronic circuitry including a small computer. Detectors are strategically placed
throughout the mine so that the system may detect 3D positions of beacons installed in the mine.
Detectors send the measured Beacon ranging information via the Communication Adaptor
Module’s (ITCAM) serial link to the Cave Tracker Management System server for data storage and
analysis.

Communication Adapter Module (ITCAM): Provides a DC power and serial data communication
link for detectors and beacons. Messages between Cave Tracker Management System, wireless
user interface and beacons/detectors are relayed through the ITCAM.

Cave Tracker Management System (CTMS): The CTMS is responsible for data storage of detector
range readings, converting received detector ranges into 3D beacon positions and managing
installed Cave Tracker System Devices.

Wireless User Interface: A small ruggedised laptop + USB activation wand

HOW IT WORKS
Elexon Mining’s Cave Tracker system uses robust, wireless, magnetic beacons
which are embedded into the cave and are monitored with detectors placed
in and around the orebody.
The detectors feed the signal into a central cave tracking unit which collects
measurements to determine the 3D location as it moves in real time.
The ability to track beacon movement allows mine engineers to determine
which parts of the cave are moving and which parts are not.

The rate and direction of movement can also be established. Through the data
gathered with the Cave Tracker system mine managers are able to make better
decisions to protect the mine asset and maintain efficiency.

The system can transmit signals through 200 metres of rock and will continue
working remotely for years, withstanding the rigerous of a harsh underground
environment
 HOW IT WORKS

Press Play (Video)

INSTALLATION IN DIAMOND MINE

Beacons in hole 1 and 2

Detectors under extraction drive, undercut and

Elevated drives.
 TRACKING OF INSITCHU SYSTEM (VIDEO)

Press Play (Video)

WHY IT’S USEFUL
- Cave Back monitoring
- Air gap monitoring.
- Hang-up monitoring.
- Effects of changes in draw strategy.
- Cave initiation monitoring.
- Cave propagation.
- Pipe Draw / Rat Holing measurements.
- Dilution entry.
- Boundary dilution entry.
- Backfill monitoring.
- Buffer zone movement / migration.
- Near field flow behavior.
- Continuous draw effects.
- Hang-ups.
- Drawbell spacing & design effectiveness.
- Pre vs non-conditioned flow measurements.
GeoHive Software
 GeoHive is Elexon Mining’s software package which
processes and analyses mine monitoring data
collected from our wireless network of markers and
sensors.
 
 The GeoHive platform is a fully interactive 3D
visualisation tool that analyses and interprets the data
from the mine site and tracks cave propagation or
slope stability – depending on the application. 

 Within the platform users have the capability to also

monitor system health and export data interpretation
models using CSV format allowing for the data to be
used in various other applictions such as Voxler,
Canary, MapTek and Vulcan.
WHY TRUST US?
Elexon Mining, located in Brisbane, Australia is the world
leader in wireless monitoring with systems installed globally.

Our wireless in-ground monitoring systems provide

M IN IN G
real-time insight into ground movement increasing safety.

We believe our technology can assist in open pit

applications to assist with monitoring slope stability
and better understanding rock mass damage.
Monitoring Brisbane, Australia

Redefined www.elexonmining.com

commercial@elexonmining.com

M INING +61 07 3193 7100

ELEXON MI NI N G PTY LTD A B N: 82 118 101 714 13