DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2025_08
Cite As:
Mandisodza, KT 2020, 'Management of geotechnical hazards through embracing technology
and innovative thinking', in PM Dight (ed.),
Slope Stability 2020: Proceedings of the 2020 International Symposium on Slope Stability in Open Pit Mining and Civil Engineering, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 191-206,
https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2025_08
Abstract:
The complex ground conditions at Evolution Mining’s Mt Rawdon mine have led to the implementation of a myriad of innovative strategies to combat the ever-present ground control challenges. Ground control strategies implemented include the application of unconventional open pit ground reinforcement methods that are complemented with known and unfamiliar technology-embracing innovative methods. The implemented strategies have been overtly successful in the mitigation of inherent geotechnical risks. These risks manifest as a spectra of failure modes and rockfalls due to inadequate catchment capacity and weak rock mass zones within a diverse rock mass with complex structural controls. Strategies that have been implemented successfully include:
The paper outlines some of the challenges that have been encountered during the implementation of the adopted methods and assesses successes and failuresof the various applications accordingly.
Keywords: ground control, innovation, technology
References:
Buck, A 2008, The Mt Marcella Volcanics: middle Triassic convergent margin volcanism in southeast Queensland, MSc Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane.
Corbett, GJ 2019, Comments on the Geology Exploration Potential of the Mt Rawdon Gold Mine, NE Australia, unpublished.
Duckworth, R 2014, Petrology report on fourteen samples from drill holes DO31 and DO96, Mintex Petrological Solutions, report number: 420314.
Howard, N 2015, ‘Geochemistry and hydrothermal alteration at the Mt Rawdon Gold Deposit’, AIG Bulletin, vol. 62, pp. 139–146.
Itasca 2017, ‘Three-Dimensional Numerical Slope Stability Analyses for the Mt Rawdon Open Pit, mro-stage4v23 Design’, computer software.
Jele, R & Sullivan T, 2016, 'Slope design at Mt Rawdon gold mine', in PM Dight (ed.), Proceedings of the First Asia Pacific Slope Stability in Mining Conference, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 353–364.
Pells Sullivan Meynink 2017, ‘Stage 4 Design Assessment-Pit Wall Steepening Project’, company report, unpublished.
SRK Consulting 2017, Geotechnical and hydrogeological inputs for Mt Rawdon pit slope modelling, powerpoint presentation, unpublished.
Walker, D & De Bruyn, I 2006, ‘Geotechnical blockiness index. a systematic geotechnical mapping method for underground and open pit mines’, Proceedings of the 7th Australia–New Zealand Young Geotechnical Professionals Conference, Australian Geomechanics Society, Sydney.
Wines, D 2018, Three-dimensional numerical slope stability analyses for the Mt Rawdon open pit, ‘mro_stage4v23’ design, Itasca Australia, unpublished.