A strong understanding of the site conditions is considered fundamental to all our underground projects. BGC’s experience covers multi-disciplinary projects and designing site investigation programs that maximize the acquisition of resources as well as geomechanical and hydrogeological data. Our team is experienced in the planning and design of comprehensive field investigation programs including geotechnical and oriented core logging, borehole televiewer surveys and core orientation, hydrogeological testing, core sample selection, coordination of laboratory testing, and interpretation of results. These data are used to develop geomechanical, structural, and hydrogeological models that form the basis for design. On ground monitoring and instrumentation, BGC’s team has experience with planning, designing, and installation of piezometers, monitoring wells, inclinometers, extensometers, TDR cables, shape arrays, and Smart Markers®. BGC evaluates in‐situ stresses by back‐analysis of underground observations.

BGC’s geotechnical and hydrogeological models are developed in 2D and 3D to assess the stability and prepare fit-for-purpose underground opening and ground support designs involving tunnels, shafts, stopes, ramps, and declines. We specialize in the design of pillars, crown pillars, and portals and have experience with the design of bulkheads and plugs. Our team also provides advice on excavation, mining sequence, and mining method evaluations.  Our team of hydrogeologists has significant experience with hydrogeological baseline data collection, hydrogeological modelling, depressurization, and mine dewatering system design.

BGC’s underground mine operation experience includes: 

• Review of ground monitoring data 
• Instability assessments and development of mitigation measures 
• Development, implementation, and audit of ground control management plans 
• Evaluation of excavations interaction and influence on design 
• Evaluation of surface subsidence due to historical or active mining and tunnelling 
• Design and installation of ground monitoring and instrumentation systems 
• Design of depressurization and mine dewatering systems
• Geotechnical audits and risk assessments.