Mine shaft construction is one of the most complex and risk-sensitive stages of mine development, characterized by challenging geology, tight tolerances, intense logistics, and strict safety requirements. Sight Power’s Mine Shaft Construction solution provides a digital framework that supports engineering teams throughout shaft sinking, lining, and commissioning.
Built on the Mine Advisor™ platform and powered by advanced spatial data integration, the solution brings design models, construction data, and monitoring results into a single, continuously evolving digital environment.
From Design Intent to As-Built Reality
During shaft construction, large volumes of spatial and technical data are generated from surveying, scanning, monitoring, and construction activities. Sight Power solutions integrate this information with shaft design models to provide accurate, up-to-date visibility of shaft geometry and verticality, lining thickness and deformation, guide and bunton positioning, and excavation progress and construction stages.
This enables engineers to verify construction quality, detect deviations early, and make informed adjustments before issues escalate.
Managing Complexity and Risk
By consolidating construction data into a unified digital model, Mine Advisor™ supports proactive risk management during shaft sinking and lining operations. Time-dependent visualization and historical data tracking allow teams to analyze the evolution of shaft conditions and assess the impact of geological and construction factors over time.
The solution supports informed coordination between designers, contractors, and site teams, helping reduce uncertainty, improve construction quality, and maintain schedule and safety targets.
A Foundation for the Operational Lifecycle
The digital models created during shaft construction form the foundation for subsequent shaft inspection, monitoring, and maintenance throughout the operational life of the mine. Construction data is preserved and seamlessly carried forward into the shaft’s Digital Twin, ensuring continuity between development and operation.
Mine Shaft Construction becomes not just a project-phase toolset, but an integral part of the mine’s long-term digital knowledge base.
Ground Freezing Modeling and Risk Management
Ground freezing is frequently used during shaft sinking to stabilize geological formations and prevent water ingress. Managing this process is critical, as insufficient freezing can lead to flooding, while excessive freezing increases energy consumption and complicates excavation.
SightPower applies advanced numerical modeling to simulate ice-wall formation and evaluate the impact of geological conditions and operational parameters. Engineers can assess different scenarios, optimize freezing strategies, and align the process with construction timelines.
By integrating real monitoring data with predictive models, the platform provides reliable decision support, reduces uncertainty, and helps ensure safe and efficient shaft development.
