Authors: Hamman, ECF; du Plooy, DJ; Seery, JM

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1704_33.2_Hamman

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Hamman, ECF, du Plooy, DJ & Seery, JM 2017, 'Data management and geotechnical models', in J Wesseloo (ed.), Deep Mining 2017: Proceedings of the Eighth International Conference on Deep and High Stress Mining, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 461-487, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1704_33.2_Hamman

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Abstract:
Shareholder value is driven by how well we, as the mining industry, can design, plan and mine. Well established reconciliation processes and reporting standards are utilised to ensure that the actual mining activities and the different planning cycles are effective and efficient for the specific life-of-mine plan. Its success is driven by the robustness of the specifications set out in the design. From a geotechnical perspective this means that there is a good understanding on how the different identified mechanisms can be controlled in a specific design option. In order to successfully control the mechanisms, an understanding of what drives the potential failure mechanisms and what can be considered as realistic amelioration options is required. This presents the geotechnical engineers with several challenges: The solution begins with having reliable data. Geotechnical data is not very complex, however, the availability of suitable and accurate data, and quantum of data, drives the number of assumptions within a geotechnical design and thus the complexity thereof. One of the key challenges facing geotechnical engineers is the various forms and quality of geotechnical data available at operations and projects, in particular the more mature ones. The inherent uncertainty surrounding the data impacts how it can be evaluated and assessed. Assuming that the data is reliable, the geotechnical engineer faces a further challenge to complete a repeatable and auditable design. This starts with the processes and software used to evaluate and assess the data. This paper deals with the building blocks leading up to the actual design, discussing frameworks to obtain reliable data and to assess the data. Ultimately, the authors aim to provide the reader with an insight into the frameworks being implemented in AngloGold Ashanti’s International Operations, which allow the practitioners to:

Keywords: data management, reliability, visualisation, rock mass model

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