Practical applications of a rockburst database to ground support design at LaRonde Mine

Authors: Turcotte, P Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1410_03_Turcotte

Cite As:
Turcotte, P 2014, 'Practical applications of a rockburst database to ground support design at LaRonde Mine', in M Hudyma & Y Potvin (eds), Deep Mining 2014: Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Deep and High Stress Mining, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 79-91, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1410_03_Turcotte



Abstract:
Agnico Eagle’s flagship LaRonde Mine is exploiting a world class Au-Ag-Cu-Zn massive sulphide lenses complex. It is located in the Abitibi Region of northwestern Quebec, approximately 650 km northwest of Montreal. With more than 4 m oz of gold in proven and probable reserves, LaRonde has one of the largest gold deposits of any mine operating in Canada. These reserves extend from surface down to 3,110 m and remain open at depth. LaRonde's ore production is around 6,300 t per day with the current mining operations taking place at 2,930 m below surface. Seismicity has been recorded at LaRonde Mine since 2004. Seismic events have caused damage to the underground excavations but have not resulted in personnel injury. This paper presents a critical review of the reported rockburst damage and how this information was used in adapting the ground support design for LaRonde. The use of the LaRonde rockburst database along with the mine seismic history has led to a more reliable evaluation of the seismic risk for specific excavations. This has led to a proactive strategy of upgrading ground support prior to the occurrence of significant seismic events in areas of concern.

References: