1911 Figure 3 - Mechanized mesh installation device (Mesha®) for Minax® mesh installation, following people-light principle. Used here as a representative example of mechanized high‑tensile mesh installation systems (Ruiz-Tagle et al., 2017) By utilizing the handler device, the operator can perform the work without standing underneath unsupported rock, decrease the time to install mesh by 30 - 40% and ensure that the ground support has been installed correctly. This device is an important part of a level of advanced, in terms of people-light, promoting to improve both safety and productivity in deep, high-stress underground environments. Innovations in the systems are referred systems which employ state-of-the-art techniques used to construct mines that are situated deep, under extreme stress, have seismic activity, and only a small amount of personnel present. Conventional systems cannot adequately control these elements; therefore, those systems provide a means of integrated active control of the rock masses by providing stability, controlling both static and dynamic behaviour, and allowing for predictable production throughout the entire excavation life of the mine. In contrast to the conventional practice of providing passive/retroactive protection to the rock that has already failed, the support system uses system-based data-driven control methodologies to protect the rock mass through energy-absorbing and yielding type reinforcements; layered supports; long reinforcements; and robotic installations; while providing real-time monitoring of the performance, instrumented support systems, and digitally validated design of the system to allow for predictive and adaptive management system. Additionally, avant-garde technologies, placing support as a core production technology that underpins fatality risk reduction and sustained operational performance in the most demanding environments. A simple comparison of conventional, advanced, and innovative methods is found in Table 10. Table 10 - Comparison: conventional, advanced, and cutting-edge support techniques Aspect Conventional Advanced Cutting-edge Energy-absorption Low High Very high Human exposure High Low Near zero System integration Minimal Strong Fully integrated Monitoring Manual Instrumented Real-time & predictive Automation None Partial Full Fatality risk High Low Minimal By using dynamic ground support, mechanised installation, real-time monitoring, and people-light mining, has been associated with lower fatality rates in high-performing regions. If most of the aspects cited in Table 10 are properly addressed, then using systems such as high tensile strength mesh installed with handler device (Table 9 and Figure 2) may contribute to a significant risk reduction. Avant-garde technologies provide more than just safety benefits by being a single focus of controlling one critical factor, the rock mass stability. Terrain failures not only create major risks for the safety of workers; they also affect productivity in terms of delays/ restricted access, damaged equipment, and increased unplanned downtime. By stabilising the rock mass, this support controls the negative impact of terrain failures at the source. For this reason, should not be seen simply as a safety cost. It also serves as an enabler for production by improving the
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