Post-blast slope stability monitoring with slope stability radar

Authors: Saunders, P; Kabuya, JM; Torres, A; Simon, R

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2025_30

Cite As:
Saunders, P, Kabuya, JM, Torres, A & Simon, R 2020, 'Post-blast slope stability monitoring with slope stability radar', 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. 507-522, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2025_30

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Abstract:
It is generally understood that the quality of a rock mass in an open pit mine may be subject to progressive deterioration over time as a direct result of vibration, due to successive blasting and other mining activity.  This paper defines a process for quantifying this damage using historic slope stability radar (SSR) data using assumptions based loosely on the model as described by Mercer & Stacey (2008).  A method for monitoring in real time is also presented with the aim being to provide early warning of significant damage caused by production blasting. A case study is presented based on analysis conducted at ArcelorMittal’s MontWright mine in Quebec where historic SSR data was collected between October 2011 and December 2012. The data was reprocessed, analysed and interpreted to assess for signs of significant historical damage caused as a direct result of production blasting.  The aim of this project was to provide information and input for the mine to assist with production optimisation of future blast design, machinery selection, and to assist with forecasting associated production rates and maximising project profitability.

Keywords: open pit, slope stability monitoring, slope stability radar, post-blast damage

References:
Andrieux, P 2016, Sensibility of the South Wall of the Paul’s Peak Pit to Blasting Vibrations, technical memorandum sent to ArcelorMittal Mining Canada, June.
Bourassa, PJ 1977, ‘The Mount-Wright story – history and development of Mount-Wright’, CIM Bulletin, April, pp. 75–82.
Hagegeorge, CG, Broemling, C & Duthie, RH 1971, The Geology of the Carol Project Area in Southwestern Labrador, internal geological report of the Iron Ore Company.
Kabuya, JM 2019, ArcelorMittal Mining Canada, Fermont, viewed 15 October 2019,
Mercer, KG & Stacey, TR 2008, ‘A generalised time and event dependent deformation model for unsupported rock slopes’, in Y Potvin, J Carter, A Dyskin & R Jeffrey (eds), Proceedings of the First Southern Hemisphere International Rock Mechanics Symposium, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 481–492.
Noon, D 2003, ‘Slope stability radar for monitoring mine walls’, Mining Risk Management Conference, The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Melbourne, pp. 1–12.




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