The Development and Implementation of a Comprehensive Seismic Risk Management Plan at Agnico-Eagle's LaRonde Mine

Authors: Mercier-Langevin, F; Hudyma, MR Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/711_15

Cite As:
Mercier-Langevin, F & Hudyma, MR 2007, 'The Development and Implementation of a Comprehensive Seismic Risk Management Plan at Agnico-Eagle's LaRonde Mine', in Y Potvin (ed.), Deep Mining 2007: Proceedings of the Fourth International Seminar on Deep and High Stress Mining, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 221-232, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/711_15



Abstract:
The LaRonde mine is characterised by a foliated, highly deformable rock mass. Previous work has documented the influence of foliation on rock mass behaviour and the resulting deformation observed in the vicinity of excavations. However, as the spacing of the foliation planes increases within the mine there is an observed transition in behaviour, from high deformation to seismogenic. Consequently, significant levels of seismicity are recorded in areas of competent rock. These can occasionally be accompanied by rockburst occurrences. Since the introduction of a mine-wide seismic system in 2003, seismic data have been employed along with field observations in order to develop site-specific strategies to address seismic risk as it evolves in the mine. The resulting mitigation measures have been refined on a continuous basis in order to minimise workforce exposure to seismic risk. Currently, seismic risk management is an integral part of mining at LaRonde. Recently the mine went a step beyond “traditional” seismic risk management methods by developing a formal “Seismic Risk Management Plan”. This document serves as a compilation of rockbursting and seismicity issues at LaRonde and how these issues are being addressed by mine management. The resulting plan has been constructed in such a way that its key components and their application can be verified by quantifiable internal and external audits.

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