Engineering foundation
Modeling, component tests and underground observations support the roof, post and CRF design.
Operating-mine implementation
SMART was successfully implemented underground at Madero.
A four-year development and test-mining program at Peñoles’ Francisco I. Madero mine combined geotechnical modeling, component testing and instrumented, production-dimension mining beneath SMART’s engineered reinforced roof.
The program involved approximately $5 million in outside expenditures, excluding additional costs for mine equipment, mining labor, site overhead, and hauling ore and cemented rock fill.
Patented • successfully implemented at production dimensions
4cells opened beneath CRF
31posts installed
~2,000 m²continuous reinforced floor
~100 munder-roof development
15 mpanel opened
Intactengineered system
The reported test opened a 15-meter-wide panel spanning four cells beneath approximately 3,200 metric tons of CRF. The roof and posts remained intact, with no reported blast damage. The physical test described was in the first layer below the engineered top slice; multiple lower levels were modeled.
The engineering record
Modeling. Component tests. Underground implementation.
The program brought together mine operators, specialist engineers and equipment and materials suppliers. Their work covered structural modeling, CRF testing, reinforcement design, drilling, controlled blasting and instrumentation.
Design procedures + drawings
Engineering drawings and a standard procedure for evaluating CRF and post loading support project-specific design and contractor training.
Site implementation
A structured four-room site-test approach provides a framework for adapting the method and training the chosen contractor.