Use of Cone Bolts in Ground Prone to Rockburst

Big Bell Mine started using the Cone bolt as a yieldable support to combat rockburst in September 1999. Australia has little experience of mining in rockburst conditions which makes the ground support requirements a new experience to all involved. Much work went into the design of the support patterns and the sequence of operations. The workforce required training in installation procedures, the theory behind yielding support and in the importance of good quality installation practices. Testing has been carried out on various grout mixes to determine the best mix for optimum bolt performance. This paper gives an overview of the introduction of Cone bolts at Big Bell.