SkyGeo technical paper on decoding deformation using InSAR, ground-based SSR and 3D numerical modelling to build a complete geotechnical risk picture.

Deciphering deformation: A tripartite study of InSAR, ground-based SSR, and 3D numerical modelling data

Technical Paper

This paper details a tripartite study at the Gamsberg open pit zinc mine in South Africa, focusing on maintaining slope stability in the West Pit through the correlation of Interferometric Synthetic-Aperture Radar (InSAR) monitoring, ground-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SSR) data, and 3D numerical modelling predictions.

 

  • Learn how the correlation of InSAR monitoring data, ground-based Slope Stability Radar (SSR) data, and 3D numerical modelling predictions provides a robust approach for predicting and monitoring deformation at Gamsberg mine.

  • Understand that InSAR serves as a strategic monitoring tool for identifying deformation trends, while ground-based SSR provides tactical monitoring to calibrate these trends.

  • Discover that deformation trends from InSAR and SSR can predict likely instability even when recorded deformation values are below alarm thresholds, necessitating a proactive approach.

  • See how 3D numerical modelling was used to investigate trends detected by InSAR and confirm predicted locations of elevated deformation zones, which correlated with both InSAR and SSR data.

  • Grasp that an integrated monitoring system enhances the engineer's confidence and informs the decision-making process for addressing operational risks in a large open pit mine.