SHAFT SINKING
Such a“ cohesive model” enables rapid decision making and transparent communication with clients, he added.
The addition of operational performance monitoring systems( OPMS) further differentiates DMC by providing structured, real-time visibility into cycle times, delays, consumable usage and linear advance – allowing teams to identify bottlenecks early and make data-driven decisions that improve both safety and productivity, according to Jezioro.
OPMS was singled out by Jezioro as a practical way to introduce automation and consistency in the shaft sinking space – traditionally seen as one of the most manual and hazardous processes in mining.
“ By standardising data collection across the drill-blast-muck cycle and visualising performance through modern business intelligence tools, OPMS enables short‐interval control, early deviation detection and objective hazard analysis, forming a digital backbone that enhances situational awareness, reduces idle time and strengthens safety,” he said.“ Incremental automation of measurement and reporting, such as automated cycle‐time capture or digital consumable tracking, represents accessible steps that can deliver meaningful improvements without requiring major capital investment.”
Beyond equipment, the OPMS framework opens the door to AI-enabled analytics and digital twin development, allowing predictive scheduling and scenario modelling.
“ DMC’ s work integrating geological interpretation, seismic monitoring and dynamic ground support – such as the evaluation of D bolts for managing dynamic rock loads – shows how deeper, higher stress shafts will increasingly rely on real time ground control technologies to maintain safety and productivity,” Jezioro claimed. As mines go deeper and conditions become more complex, the ability to merge such data with complementary engineering and operations inputs into a single, coherent system will increasingly define successful shaft development and rehabilitation, according to Jezioro, saying that a major part of this evolution is the integration of ground control intelligence, mechanisation and new temporary support systems.
He referred to the ongoing work at Victoria for an example.
“ The work underway with KGHM at Victoria illustrates this shift: seismic sensors installed at every level of the shaft provide continuous visibility into rock mass behaviour. These sensors detect even the smallest events – including individual blast caps – allowing teams to monitor blast sequences, optimise them based on measured response and better control seismic activity around the excavation.
“ With this data, crews can also understand how long the rock mass takes to relax after blasting, improving both safety and cycle planning.”
When combined with mechanised equipment, improved temporary lining systems and OPMS-driven operational insight, this creates a“ closed feedback loop” where ground conditions, engineering decisions and daily execution inform each other in real time.
“ This level of integration will become essential as shafts extend into higher stress environments and as rehabilitation work demands more precise understanding of existing ground behaviour,” Jezioro concluded.
Galloway installation at the conclusion of the pre-sink for Nevada Copper Corp’ s Pumpkin Hollow project in Nevada, USA
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Cementation Americas’ core skills
Another shaft sinking focused contractor with engineering nous to its name is Cementation Americas, which, according to Eric Smith, Managing Director, uses a constructability-driven EPC approach to adapt to the ever-changing underground mine environment.
“ Underground projects involve unique constraints including limited access, unpredictable ground conditions, water inflows and restricted equipment movement,” he told IM.” Integrating engineering with construction expertise allows us to respond quickly to changing underground conditions.”
He says this expertise has been applied in sinking the deepest shaft in the Sudbury Basin – where the company developed the Onaping Depth project down to an elevation of 2,635 m below surface – in more than 20 years of work at Diavik in northern Canada, and in strong indigenous partnership models such as the one the company has with Kitikmeot Cementation Mining & Development Ltd( a joint venture partnership between Kitikmeot Corporation and Cementation Americas).
This ongoing project complexity means consistent investment in innovation, strategic partnerships and technical capability expansion are key.
International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2026