Challenges affecting structural stability in the design and construction of waste rock dumps at Nkomati Mine, South Africa

Authors: Thamae, M; Nxumalo, M Paper is not available for download Contact Us

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1008_11_Thamae

Cite As:
Thamae, M & Nxumalo, M 2010, 'Challenges affecting structural stability in the design and construction of waste rock dumps at Nkomati Mine, South Africa', in R Jewell & AB Fourie (eds), Mine Waste 2010: Proceedings of the First International Seminar on the Reduction of Risk in the Management of Tailings and Mine Waste, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 119-127, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1008_11_Thamae



Abstract:
Successful prevention of slope failures and management of the risk associated with potential failures in mine waste rock dumps is accomplished by identifying factors affecting the dumps slope stability at different stages of the mine development. Appropriate measures are applied at each stage as the extent of risk is understood. As opposed to many mines in South Africa where the impact of factors which adversely affect waste rock dump stability are usually limited, Nkomati Mine is located in an area where waste rock dumps have had to be sited at the most unfavourable conditions. This paper describes challenges that have been identified during the feasibility and design stages and how they are dealt with during the construction and monitoring of the dumps. The paper highlights the use of geological models on the material zoning within the rock dumps and the obstacles associated with insufficient data during field investigations. Further, it discusses the seemingly divergent challenges faced by the technical staff and operational management, where technical staff invariably tends to recommend conservative risk control measures while the management is understandably interested in optimising returns. Furthermore, the challenges of constructing dump walls whilst also focussing on mine production issues are also highlighted.

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