Strata Control in Shale Roof – A Case Study of Tummalapalle Uranium Mine

In underground metal mining various type of rocks are encountered during mine excavations viz., competent, heavily fractured, weathered, heavily jointed etc. and accordingly suitable support systems and strata control measures are adopted. Of all types of them, shale formations are the nemesis of the mining engineer because shale react to changes in environment in the most unusual and unpredictable manner. Increase in temperature may cause spalling, increased moisture and compression induced fractures may occur, and if a full face is exposed it may deteriorate due to atmospheric exposure. In this paper the authors will discuss about how a new support system were developed at Tummalapalle mine on trial basis to establish a better strata control measures in the shale roof. This paper also describes technological concepts implemented for better strata control in providing safe working environment in underground mine.