Geological and geotechnical challenges on the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe and their impact on hardrock pillar design

Current mining practices on the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe, known for its rich platinum group metal deposits, lack advanced geostatistical and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques that could significantly improve hardrock pillar stability. The study highlights that traditional empirical methods and numerical modeling fail to address the geological complexity, including diverse rock types and structural features like joints and faults. Geostatistical techniques such as kriging and AI-driven data analysis offer more precise estimates of rock quality and predictive capabilities, while real-time sensor integration enables dynamic risk management. Adopting these advanced methods could enhance safety and efficiency in underground mining operations on the Great Dyke.

Zvarivadza, T., Grobler, H., Onifade, M., & Khandelwal, M. (2025). Geological and geotechnical challenges on the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe and their impact on hardrock pillar design. Deep Underground Science and Engineering, 5(2), 506–538. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/dug2.70024