St-Onge, N 2024, 'Optimisation of the exclusion protocols following seismic events at the Goldex mine', in P Andrieux & D Cumming-Potvin (eds), Deep Mining 2024: Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Deep and High Stress Mining, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 255-270, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2465_11
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/2465_11_St-Onge/)
Abstract: The primary mining zone at the Goldex mine faces a relatively high seismic hazard for the depth of the deposit (≤ 1.2 km) due to its unique combination of 3D stoping geometry and geological and structural context. Seismic risk management practices at Goldex include exclusion protocols after production blasts, development blasts in high-seismic-hazard areas and major seismic events. This paper focuses on optimising exclusion protocol durations following major seismic events. These protocols aim to limit worker exposure to potentially damaging aftershocks. While extensive research has addressed exclusion protocols for production blasts and large-magnitude events, lower-magnitude events (MW0.5–2.0 range) have been comparatively overlooked. These smaller events, though less impactful, can still present hazards and significantly disrupt production. A comprehensive back-analysis of the response of these events at the Goldex mine was conducted and compared with the current protocols’ duration. The optimisation resulted in a 50% reduction of re-entry times, thereby enhancing operational efficiency without increasing risks to worker safety. This paper details the methodology used for this review, the communication process with mine management and the health and safety committee, and the final decision-making process for implementing changes to the protocols.

Keywords: seismic risk management, exclusion protocols, case study