Design reconciliation and rockfall risk assessment in open pit mining: a RocFall3 application at Kennecott Copper Mine

Authors: Quijas de Lara, J; Mallea Donoso, I Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2535_11

Cite As:
Quijas de Lara, J & Mallea Donoso, I 2025, 'Design reconciliation and rockfall risk assessment in open pit mining: a RocFall3 application at Kennecott Copper Mine', in JJ Potter & J Wesseloo (eds), SSIM 2025: Fourth International Slope Stability in Mining Conference, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2535_11



Abstract:
Design reconciliation in open pit mining is critical for ensuring that as-built conditions align with design specifications and assessing rockfall hazards. At Kennecott Copper Mine (Utah, USA) the current topography is used to reconcile walls above active pushbacks, providing a method to evaluate and mitigate rockfall risks based on the remaining effective catch bench width. The Slope and Dump Management Plan specifies that for 15 m high benches there is an 80% reliability of achieving 7.5 m wide benches, and for 30 m high benches a 90% reliability of achieving 10.5-m-wide benches. Additionally, a 98% rockfall retention rate at the exposure point serves as an alternate criterion for design modifications and infrastructure assessments. Geometric analysis for reconciliation is conducted using PointStudio add-ons, specifically Inter-Ramp Compliance and Design Conformance reporting, to ensure design specifications are met. This method also detects material spillover during mining activities which can reduce the containment capacity of upper benches and increase rockfall risk, especially when two operations occur in the same vertical area. Following reconciliation reports, RocFall3 analyses evaluate these high-risk areas, demonstrating its effectiveness in guiding mitigation strategies. This paper emphasises the integration of design reconciliation and rockfall risk assessment to enhance safety and optimise mining operations.

Keywords: RocFall3, design conformance, design reconciliation, rockfall

References: