First steps in monitoring gravity flow at El Teniente mine: installation stage in Block-2, Esmeralda mine.

Smart electronic devices (smart markers) are installed on higher levels with respect to the production level and, once undercutting and subsequent caving processes have commenced, the smart markers form part of the fragmented material which are subjected to induced movements depending on the draw strategies. The emergence of the markers in drawpoints and their later transport using LHDs allow the readers installed at the production level or main haulage level to record the markers. The installation of smart markers at Bloque 2 of the Esmeralda mine in Chile is described. Near-field flow tests were carried out in which 305 markers were installed in 16 ring drill holes from which 96 markers have been recovered so far. In far-field tests 92 markers were installed in 3 vertical drill holes of which 4 have been recorded. The results have validated the use of the technology for future projects at El Teniente.
Smart electronic devices (smart markers) are installed on higher levels with respect to the production level and, once undercutting and subsequent caving processes have commenced, the smart markers form part of the fragmented material which are subjected to induced movements depending on the draw strategies. The emergence of the markers in drawpoints and their later transport using LHDs allow the readers installed at the production level or main haulage level to record the markers. The installation of smart markers at Bloque 2 of the Esmeralda mine in Chile is described. Near-field flow tests were carried out in which 305 markers were installed in 16 ring drill holes from which 96 markers have been recovered so far. In far-field tests 92 markers were installed in 3 vertical drill holes of which 4 have been recorded. The results have validated the use of the technology for future projects at El Teniente.