GeoGroup Shows New Inclinometer at Electra Mining Africa
The ShapeArray system offers automated 3D monitoring of geological and structural deformations for mining sites.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Geography
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GeoGroup and Terra Monitoring introduced the ShapeArray automated inclinometer at the Electra Mining Africa 2026 conference. This technology tracks soil and structural displacement to help improve safety and operational planning.
Why it matters
The system helps operators monitor tailings storage facilities to ensure compliance with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management. By providing accurate geotechnical data, it supports more effective safety protocols in high-risk environments.
The ShapeArray instrument uses MEMS accelerometers across rigid segments to calculate tilt relative to gravity, producing 3D structural data. The Raw2Data software processes these readings into Cartesian engineering units for monitoring sites in Thabazimbi and Steelpoort.
The players
GeoGroup
This organisation specialises in geotechnical monitoring and instrumentation solutions for mining and infrastructure projects.
Terra Monitoring
This company provides advanced geomonitoring technology and digital solutions for stability and structural health assessments.
The details
The device monitors lateral movement, ground settlement, and structural displacement through flexible joints containing sensors. It functions by combining individual segment measurements and lengths to reconstruct the precise shape and position of the instrument within the ground.
Timeline
Electra Mining Africa 2026 took place in 2026.
The Big Picture
This innovation follows the implementation requirements set by the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management. The integration of automated monitoring marks a shift away from manual surveying toward continuous digital oversight of tailings storage facilities.
The deployment of this automated technology allows mining companies to transition from manual, time-consuming checks to real-time structural analysis. These digital monitoring capabilities can reduce safety risks at mining sites by providing instant alerts regarding ground displacement.
The takeaway
Automated inclinometers represent a vital step in modernising how mining sites assess long-term structural stability. Operators should prioritise the integration of such digital monitoring tools to maintain compliance with safety standards and protect local infrastructure.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest infrastructure developments in South Africa Geography.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mining Weekly.
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