Monitoring Stability at Underground Limestone Mines using LiDAR, Stress, and Seismic Instrumentation

​The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has been studying the effect of challenging underground stone mining conditions on ground stability. As part of this research effort, they have ongoing monitoring projects at four different underground limestone mines in the Eastern U.S. These monitoring projects lean heavily on the use of LiDAR, seismic, and stress measurement devices. The results so far from these monitoring projects will be discussed along with the expected impact this may have on the underground stone industry.

Brent Slaker, PhD – Mining Engineer, NIOSH
Brent research interests in the past have focused heavily on LiDAR and Photogrammetry in underground mining.

​Nicole Evanek – Research Geologist, NIOSH 
Nicole started with NIOSH in June, and has begun focusing on research that improves the health and safety of underground stone miners.