_REVISION - M1974052 ‎(13)‎

• Permit No: M1974052
• IBM Index Class Name: Revision
• Doc Name: JOINTLY SPONSORED RESEARCH PROPOSAL ASH BASED GROUT INJECTION FOR SUBSIDENCE CONTROL AT SHAMROCK MI
• Type & Sequence: TR1
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Since the mine has potential for subsidence, surface development has been restricted. The
mine maps are in good condition and the geography and conditions in the mine are well
understood. As a result, the Shamrock Mine is an excellent candidate for the use of ash-based
grouts to stabilize the mine and prevent subsidence.
OBJECTIVES
For the ash-based grouting of the mine to be successful, the grout needs to have no
negative impact on the displaced water and the groundwater system in the area. In addition, the
grout needs to be capable of displacing the water in the mine, completely filling the mine void and
producing sufficient strength to prevent subsidence. The proposal described herein is designed to
address these issues.
The overall objective of the project is to evaluate the environmental and geotechnical
issues associated with the use of ash-based grouts for flooded underground mine subsidence
control. Specific objectives are:
• Assess the environmental and geotechnical issues associated with ash-based grout
injection systems
• Develop a laboratory-scale methodology for emulating the mine grout injection
system
• Determine the anticipated environmental impact and geotechnical performance of a
range of ash-based grouts for flooded underground mine subsidence control.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Western Research Institute, in conjunction with Public Service Company of Colorado,
McDonald Farms Enterprises and the Engineering Research Center at the Colorado State
University, is proposing a three-year program to examine the use of ash in the production of a
grout for injection into underground mines for subsidence control.
The program will be conducted in two Phases. Phase I will examine the environmental
and geotechnical issues associated with ash-based grout injection into mines. The testing will be
conducted at the laboratory scale and is expected to last approximately six months. Phase U will
involve the demonstration and monitoring of a full-scale tests in the Shamrock Mine. This will
include the permitting, the injection, and the monitoring of the geotechnical and environmental
performance.
The proposed testing for the Phase I effort consists of a series of four technical tests and a
project management and reporting task, as follows.
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