In 2016, DA Smith* conducted multiple CSIRO HI Cell 3D stress measurements in on the 6500 Level of Sibanye-Stillwater's East Boulder palladium-platinum mine in a crystalline gabbro rock mass. Sibanye-Stillwater is the world's largest primary producer of platinum and second largest primary producer of palladium. Stress measurements were completed in support of three-dimensional modeling of stress evolution surrounding high-extraction backfilled stopes.
DA Smith returned in 2019-20 to conduct a similar CSIRO HI Cell stress measurement campaign at five sites within the neighboring Stillwater mine, sister mine to East Boulder. Sites ranged in depth from 2,060 to 5,640 feet below surface. Drills and equipment were transported by rail and rubber-tired equipment.
* Formerly as Agapito Associates, Inc.