Mineberry system for monitoring post-mining sites
New systems that monitor former mining installations
The openings to former coal mineworks, some of them centuries old, are particularly prevalent in the southern Ruhr Area, but also in the Saarland region too: RAG monitors some 4000 of these former mine openings to avert and mitigate the risks and hazards that exist here. About 25 of these are renovated every year. The objective is to establish an innovative monitoring system to improve the monitoring of a large number of legacy sites. In partnership with the RAG, the Research Institute of Post-Mining at the THGA is therefore developing a suitable, continuously functioning monitoring system equipped with cutting-edge measuring, sensor and transmission technology.
Surface opening at the Arno Shaft, rendered secure by RAG. The THGA’s Mineberry system detects ground movements in the filling column. (Photo: © Steffen Kruse)
The Mineberry system is equipped with sensors that record changes and movements within the relevant former mining site. The data it captures is relayed from monitoring stations to a central information processing point. The designated technician receives mobile phone notifications of any indications about significant changes occurring at the surface opening. This includes a current image of the status quo on-site, enabling the responsible personnel to initiate an immediate response. The system is powered by environmentally-friendly solar cells. This innovative concept for monitoring post-mining sites is currently undergoing real-life trials at various measuring points.
Project objectives
- Development of a modern monitoring system for the efficient monitoring of old mining objects
- Elaboration of a further development of the system and conception of optimized station types
Project work by students
- Filip Schmachtenberger: „Mineberry – Konzepte zur Überwachung übertägiger Schachtöffnungen“, Bachelor thesis
- Bastian von Gruchalla: „Softwareentwicklung & Dokumentation des Forschungsprojektes Mineberry der RAG und der THGA“, scientific work
Contact
Prof. Dr. Tobias Rudolph
Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola, University
Herner Street 45
44787 Bochum
Building 2, room 101
Phone 0234 968 3682
Mail tobias.rudolph@thga.de
Prof. Dr. Bernd vom Berg
Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola, University
Herner Street 45
44787 Bochum
Building 7, room 127
Phone 0234 968 3399
Mail bernd.vomberg@thga.de
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