Geotechnical data – a strategic or tactical issue?

Authors: Dunn, MJ; Basson, FR; Parrott, TT

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1108_03_Dunn

Cite As:
Dunn, MJ, Basson, FR & Parrott, TT 2011, 'Geotechnical data – a strategic or tactical issue?', in Y Potvin (ed.), Strategic versus Tactical 2011: Proceedings of the Fourth International Seminar on Strategic versus Tactical Approaches in Mining, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 21-30, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1108_03_Dunn

Download citation as:   ris   bibtex   endnote   text   Zotero


Abstract:
Newmont uses a Stage-Gate approach to developing mining projects which takes a project from scoping (Stage 1) through to implementation (Stage 5). This is linked to the resource and reserve conversion process as well as confidence in mine designs and planning. The question of how much geotechnical data is needed at each stage often arises. Currently very little quantitative guidance exists in the literature although there have been attempts by various authors (Haile, 2004; Haines et al., 2006; Read and Stacey, 2009) to qualitatively describe what level of geotechnical data is required. Each mining project is different and the data collection program should be designed to reflect the orebody type, possible mining methods, appetite for uncertainty and the owners risk profile. In all cases a number of key questions need to be considered: An approach has been developed that attempts to define what levels of geotechnical data are required to support the Stage-Gate process, and examples are provided from a number of recent mining studies.

References:
Barton, N., Lien, R. and Lunde, J. (1974) Engineering classification of rock masses for the design of tunnel support, Rock Mechanics, Vol. 6, pp. 189–236.
Bieniawski, Z.T. (1989) Engineering rock mass classification, Wiley, New York.
Department of Industry and Resources (1997) Geotechnical Considerations in Underground Mines – Guideline, Department of Industry and Resources.
Department of Industry and Resources (1999) Geotechnical Considerations in Pen Pit Mines – Guideline, Department of Industry and Resources.
Haile, A. (2004) A reporting framework for geotechnical classification of mining projects, AusIMM Bulletin, AusIMM September/October 2004, pp 30–37.
Haines, A., Swart, A. and Kruger, A. (2006) Proactively mitigating geotechnical risks in open pit and underground mining, in Proceedings Strategic versus Tactical Approaches in Mining 2006, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, Australia, Section 27, 24 p.
Read, J. and Stacey, P. (2009) Guidelines for Open Pit Slope Design, CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, 496 p.
Steffen, O.K.H. (1997) Planning of open pit mines on a risk basis, Journal of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy March/April 1997, pp. 47–56.




© Copyright 2024, Australian Centre for Geomechanics (ACG), The University of Western Australia. All rights reserved.
View copyright/legal information
Please direct any queries or error reports to repository-acg@uwa.edu.au