PROJECT OVERVIEW
Geovert was engaged to deliver a fast-tracked design and construct solution for highwall stabilisation at a major mine in northern Kazakhstan. The client faced production delays due to a quarantined ore body caused by highwall instability, requiring urgent intervention to restore operational continuity. Geovert rapidly mobilised plant from Australia and a specialist rope access crew from New Zealand to execute works under extreme climatic conditions.
The project presented significant challenges including harsh weather conditions ranging from continental -20 degree temperatures during mobilisation to flash flooding mid-project, complex and voided ground conditions causing grout loss during anchoring, and steep multi-bench highwall geometry consisting of three 30-meter benches that increased access and safety risks.
Additional complexities included coordinating work around existing mining operations such as blasting while maintaining an extremely tight timeline for mobilisation, equipment logistics, and full project delivery.
PROJECT SOLUTION
Geovert adopted a systematic top-down stabilisation approach to address wall instability across the three high benches. Manual scaling was undertaken first to remove loose material and make work areas safe to access, followed by the installation of Ischebeck TITAN hollow bar as rock bolts for ground support, coupled with grout sock technology to manage significant grout loss from the complex ground conditions. Geobrugg TECCO G65/4 mesh was applied to the middle bench for additional stabilisation, with all works executed by a specialist rope access team using engineered access and fall protection systems.
By sequencing the work bench-by-bench and maintaining focus on crew safety, the team effectively managed risks while maintaining steady progress. The project was completed ahead of schedule despite unseasonal flooding and severe winter delays, providing the client with early access to their quarantined ore body and demonstrating Geovert's planning, leadership, and resilience in extreme international operating conditions.
ATK Mine, Kazakhstan
Mining Ground Support
HIGHWALL STABILIZATION, GROUND SUPPORT, DESIGN & CONSTRUCT, ACTIVE MESH STABILIZATION, ROCKFALL MESH, ROCK BOLTS, SCALING, ROPE ACCESS, LIMITED ACCESS DRILLING